Justin Gray is an artist and writer who has worked with top tier comic book publishers, video game developers as well as animation and film studios on a wide variety of properties. Think: DC Comics, Jonah Hex. When he’s not helping serve the needs of some of the most recognizable entertainment companies on the planet, he also self-publishes novels and graphic novels. Justin is currently a part of the Paper Films team.
In this episode, Justin discusses:
-How he approaches adaptations.
-How he works with Jimmy Palmiotti and others.
-How he came about creating the ending of Abbadon.
-He breaks Youngman’s heart, informing him there won’t be an Issue 2 of Abbadon.
-Knowing when to push your idea and when to concede to a better one.
-The role that comic books played in his development.
-His decision to pivot into creative writing.
-His take on DC and Marvel and where comics are heading.
-How he feels about self publishing and what it brings to the artistic world.
-How no matter how much skill someone has, the person who puts the most time into their craft is the one that is going to be the most successful.
-To make sure that you convey everything that is inside your head into the work.
-Great advice about filling in the gaps for your readers.
-How he goes through phases of consumption of favorite artists and other aspects of life, and how that is healthy.
Justin’s Final Push encourages you to FINISH what you START, no matter what.
Quotes:
“You’re not going to encounter instant success, and everyone is not going to like your work. You have to have thick skin if you want to use things like the internet.”
“There’s no feeling like that place you’re in where time becomes irrelevant and you’re so engrossed in what you’re doing.”
“The world doesn’t care that you started. They care that you finished.”
Links mentioned:
Abbadon by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti, & Spencer Marstiller, Illustrated by Fabrizio Fiorentino
Connect with Justin: