We caught up with the busy Lee Garbett, artist on Skyward -Shadecraft -Uncanny Spiderman – Loki and a host of other comics, to talk with him about his work on ” Gone” by Jock, from DSTLRY.media.
Gnash:- What is your creative process like, and how does it differ when working on your own project, or a project within an established universe.
Lee Garbett:- For my own project there’s a lot more that goes into the work before starting the book, character design, mood boards, world building stuff. Getting a feel for the main players and their body language and vibe. With established universe stuff, that’s all there for you and it’s then on you to provide your take on that property.
Gnash:Were you given creative freedom for the variant cover or design, or were there specific guidelines or themes you discussed with Jock?
Lee: Total creative freedom – I usually do a few layout ideas and send them along but this time I had a very clear image for the Issue 1 variant and that carried through to the Issue 2 variant. The original plan was for there to be a third but deadlines and prepping for my own DSTLRY book and cover meant I had to stick with just the 1 and 2 variants.
Gnash: How did you interpret the essence of Gone in your cover artwork, and were there any particular elements from the series that particularly inspired you?
Lee: The isolation was the main thing for issue 1’s variant. The sense of being a child, alone and lost, hunkering down in a small chamber in the ventilation, a strange shadow looming outside the grill… everything conveys threat and loneliness. With issue 2’s variant I wanted to echo some of those notes but now we’re seeing Abi – GONE’s main character – more self-assured and comfortable in a similar space. She’s now in her 20’s and done
a significant part of her growing up on that ship and it’s home… plus she’s showing off her leadership prowess and intellect so she needed to give off more of a sense of ownership.
Gnash: Can you describe any unique artistic techniques or styles you employed in the creation of this cover?
Lee: My process for GONE was the same for most covers but the DSTLRY artboard is much larger than the standard 11X17 so it allowed for more expression and to be a bit more bold with the lines. Small, scratchy pens won’t work at this size so you’re forced into making stronger choices – and the work is better for it, I think. It also means the art feels stronger when you see the original pages as they’re two large pieces stitched together and they feel powerful.
Gnash: Are there any other upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about?
Lee: I have an OGN with Dark Horse and my own DSTLRY project, announcing soon, that I’m super-excited about. Both are with my regular collaborator/co-creator: Joe Henderson. We’ve worked together on SKYWARD and SHADECRAFT before. Our book for DSTLRY will skew a little more adult in tone but still has all the heart and high-concept of our previous works. Issue 1 should be out in July!
Gnash : Thanks Lee great to chat with you & excited to see your next projects.