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This tweeterview was between:
The tweeterview as recorded:
| Q1: | "Today I am tweeterviewing the very awesome @Ben3PO - Creator of the online strip "3 Panel Opera" (3PO)." |
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More on Q1...
Thanks for joining me Ben. How is Calgary?
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Calgary is fracking cold. -30 or something with wind chill.
| Q2: | "First off, I would like to know how you answer the typical question that gets asked at Parties, etc -
"So, What do you do?"" |
Uh, god. I used to try and avoid saying "I'm an assistant manager at Starbucks." Seriously though, I usually tell people I draw..
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More on Q2...
Do they usually ask you what you draw, or just make an assumption of what you do, and move on?
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You nailed it. "I draw" is followed by "what" then I say "comics" and they "oh" then blank eyes glaze over.
By that time, I've found alcohol. Regardless of where I am. I find it.
| Q3: | "How long has 3PO strip been online for now?" |
Since January 2nd 2009 - but in it's current format, only since June 22nd. It used to be a very diff. comic.
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More on Q3...
In what ways was it different?
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Oh, every way. There were 2 of us working on it at the beginning. We did a 3 panel random comedy strip twice a week.
Every comic was different with different characters. It was dark and bloody and inappropriate and awesome.
| Q4: | "What were you doing before 3PO was created?" |
| Q5: | "Can you pinpoint when you decided that art was going the thing you wanted to do?" |
The cliche answer is to say, "I've know since I was a child", and it's true.
However, I decided I really wanted to have an actual go at it when I was 22 and finished reading "How To Makes Comics"
| Q6: | "Briefly, what is your creative process, from sketch to final art?" |
I use a wacom tablet the entire process. Sketch layer, good lines layer and a colour layer.
The most important part to me, is creating the lines. They need to have variety and they need to feel natural to draw.
| Q7: | "Is that what the "random wednesday drawings" help you to do - keep your drawing feeling natural?" |
That's part of it for sure. They also break up any monotony a single story line can make me feel.
They also let me try new styles and give me practice in the art form in general and be very creative. They lare fun. It's all a..
....girl could want.
| Q8: | "Is there an ultimate goal for the strip, or is it really just a creative outlet for you?" |
I'd like it to be successful. Which to me, means people enjoy it. But the real goal is to help me learn more about making comics.
| Q9: | "Would you like to have print syndication if it were offered to you, or do you prefer the online medium more?" |
I can't imagine it ever being offered to me. I cross the line of print media acceptable. :) I'll stay on the web.
| Q10: | "Do you feel that the online medium will give you more options in the long run?" |
I think so, for sure. I can interact more directly with fans, and have freedom of content. Merch is easier to sell here as well.
| Q11: | "You are a regular twitter user. Is that the only social network you
use to promote your comics?" |
I use facebook as well, but my group is modest, although a large chunk of traffic still comes from there. Waving now as well!
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More on Q11...
Overall, who is a more active audience for you – Facebook or Twitter?
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Twitter, without a doubt. I have old friends on facebook, but I've made friends on twitter. #webcomicsfistbump ;)
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More on Q11...
What benefits do you see with retweets and how do you encourage followers to retweet your posts?
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Retweets pass along my message to people who don't follow me. More potential eyes on my website and my comic.
I try to encourage RT's by RTing other tweets from comickers when I see them. Especially if they make me laugh.
I'm not a fan of begging for RT's. That said, I've done it before. A few times. Oops.
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More on Q11...
Do you feel this kind of activity & "audience participation" helps to create more loyal readers of the strip, or not?
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I'm think so. But I have no way of baking that up with facts or numbers. I definitely have a couple very loyal friends though.
At some point certain fans/followers really do become friends. Even if just on twitter. It's pretty cool.
| Q12: | "Are the strip characters based on real people, or totally fictional?" |
My secret! You've unearthed it! I'll call you Indiana from now on. "But we called the dog Indiana!"
Certain characters were based around a particular character trait of people I've known. Not a complete copy.
Other characters, such as Lord Gifford are completely fictional and based on no one named Kathy Lee at all in any way ever.
| Q13: | "Do you have a favourite character to draw - or is this question too much like asking you to pick a favourite child?" |
I hate children. So it's not like that at all. :) I'd say Ernest is still a favourite to draw. Svin and Carml are a tie for 2nd.
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More on Q13...
I like Svin the Pink the best myself - Imaginary characters rule!
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He's the most earthbound character in attitude I have. I like that contrast.
| Q14: | "So, what is one drawing tip that you would give to anybody current drawing comics/cartoons, or wanting to start?" |
I'm not qualified to offer advice, but if I were it'd be, "Don't miss an update."
You can learn so much about drawing by doing it consistently & gain respect from the audience. It's the golden rule of webcomics.
| Q15: | "Ok - time for the final four really really tough questions..... *drumroll*" |
*Drumroll*
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More on Q15...
1. Who would win in a fight - a pirate-ninja hybrid creature, or Kathy Lee Gifford?
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Kathy Lee, hands down. Evil with an unlimited supply of child-workers to attack with. Pirate Ninja's have no defense against that.
| Q16: | "2. If you could wake up tomorrow as a member of the original "League of Super Friends" team - who would it be?" |
Was gunna say Batman, but fuck it, Auquaman. Think of all the treasure you could find and keep!? And I love playing with my food.
| Q17: | "3. What band do you fantasize about being a part of?" |
None really. I like music, but the lifestyle of making it doesn't appeal to me at all. My fave right now is Elliott Brood though.
| Q18: | "Ok, last question : The 3 wolf moon - hot or not?" |
Had to google that. Always hot.
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More on Q18...
You had to google "3 wolf moon"??? Wha? You just lost 20 internet points......
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| Q19: | "Thanks for your time Ben. I will let you go back to enjoying Calgary." |
I'm bad at internet. :(
Thank you for your time. I'll let you get back to your Koala's...:P
| Q20: | "For everyone out there Twitter - you can follow him at @ben3PO
Also, be sure to check out Ben's site" |
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More on Q20...
http://threepanelopera.com
as well as his cool "Random Wednesday Drawings" : http://bit.ly/4U65Zu
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