An Interview with Comic Artist Paul Renaud

I was lucky enough to have the chance to interview an amazing comic artist for you this week. I am so honored that he took the time for this interview. I am a big Hawkeye fan, and I feel this artist has drawn one of the best versions of Hawkeye in years, if not the best of all time. This artist’s name is Paul Renaud and whether you are a die hard comic fan or just some one who barely glances at comics, you will recognize his art. Nerds and Nerdettes, let’s get into the genius mind of Paul Renaud.

1. For our readers who may not know, who are you and where are you from?

I’m a French artist, born and living in South France. I grew up reading all sorts of comics, but deeply fell in love with US comics. I got lucky enough to make it into the business, and have been steadily working for most US publishers for the past 7 years.

2. What inspired you to become an artist?

I’ve always loved to imagine stories, and the drawing became the natural medium to channel that. The more I would draw, the more I wanted to be good at it, and felt good doing it. I can’t really say when I decided to try to become a professional artist, but I think it may have something to do with reading Jean Giraud aka Moebius interviews in a thick volume I bought. For the first time I had a clear idea of what it might feel like being an artist.

3. I love your artwork! One of my favorite covers that you have done is the variant for X-men #16, starring the Guardians and Thanos. How did that idea come to mind?

That cover was a blast! I grew up reading Jim Starlin’s cosmic sagas, and Thanos has always been a favorite character of mine. Editor George Beliard came up with the request of that fight scene leaving me all freedom to choreograph it. The massive shape of Thanos is the focus of the design. I wanted to depict Gamora and Drax in a brave effort, but they’re no match in my mind.

4. What titles have you illustrated in your career?

I worked on Cavewoman, Fear Agent, Red Sonja, Athena, Uncanny X-Men, Uncanny Avengers and Captain America. I also did an insane amount of covers for all the major publishers.

5. Where can my readers see your art?

I’m on Facebook, Twitter, Deviant Art and Tumblr
twitter.com/PaulRENAUDart
www.facebook.com/pages/Art-of-Paul-Renaud
paulrenaud.deviantart.com/

6. Do you have anything you would like to promote right now?

Not really. I just created a new Facebook page where I post all my stuff, including sketches and step by step jobs.
www.facebook.com/pages/Art-of-Paul-Renaud

7. What is your favorite project that you have done?

Uncanny Avengers Annual #1 with Rick Remender writing. I was able to do art and colors on that book. It is longer that a regular book too, and had a lot of great stuff to draw. It is not a typical super-hero book, and we had a lot of fun doing it. All sorts of crazy stuff happening in there.

8. When you are not illustrating comics, what do you do in your down time?

I like to promote things I like, or artists I love. What’s the point in all these social networks if not sharing the stuff you love?

9. What advice do you have for those trying to get in the business of illustrating comics?

Make yourself visible. Show your best work online as much as possible. If you want to draw comics, focus on storytelling. “They” will find you. Start with publishing your work, even by self publishing if possible. Big publishers won’t take the chance to hire someone who hasn’t proven to be reliable, and has already been able to produce a book.

10. Getting back to comics, what covers do you enjoy working on the best, the regular or variant covers?

Regular covers are more interesting because they have to tell a story. I have done sooooooo many iconic shots over the years, that anything different is welcome. Don’t get me wrong, I love to do these variants. I’m very proud that people collect my covers and appreciate my efforts. But I feel doing a compelling cover that entails story element is more of a challenge. I’m all for that.