This week’s artist’s spotlight focuses on Jay from Heads Up Studios, whose art is a head above the rest. (Yeah, we went there.)
The Artist’s Spotlight is a Hypable weekly feature that will focus on someone who has caught our attention for fandom-related art, whether it be drawings, songs, crafts, or more! Every week you can expect a new talented artist we think you should be aware of!
Hypable: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Jay: I’m 51 years old and live in the Enchanted Mitten (Michigan) with my wife (The Fun Governor) and two children (Miss Wee and Buddy Love). I have a terrific (if boring) day job, and will one day retire and move to Florida because I hear it’s the law. I also have a sizable mortgage.
How would you describe your style?
The Heads Up style is very simple. Bold colors and heavy outlines. I try to make a character recognizable from the neck up using a few rules, some of which I break because, you know, that’s what rules are for.
What made you decide to stick mostly with just the heads of the characters you draw?
Because Neck Down Studios is just awkward sounding. Heh heh. Actually, when Disney came out with the Disney Cuties, I wanted to see what superheroes would look like using that same style. I did a few for my kids and, since I didn’t want to mug what Disney was doing, I decided to change the shape of the head to more of a thumbnail shape. I began making one eye bigger than the other for a “weirded out” look, and changed the shape of the nose to an upside down triangle. The rest has just evolved over a period of 10-12 years.
DC and Marvel mix pretty regularly in your gallery, but we still have to ask — which one to you prefer?
I’ve translated more Marvel characters into the Heads Up style than DC so far, but I don’t really have a preference. That’s just how it’s worked out. I have no less than 350 characters to re-imagine in the Heads Up style on my To Do list. Most aren’t even comic book related.
A lot of your superheroes are drawn traditionally, but do you ever feel inspired by the movie or television versions?
Not really. I’m old. I like classic stuff. The new stuff doesn’t move me. They change it up to change it. For example, there’s NOTHING wrong with Spider-Man’s original costume. It’s a great design. Stop changing it for the movies. I’ll do a movie or TV version if I’m commissioned. Otherwise, nope. Now stay off of my lawn!
Which superhero is your favorite to draw and why?
Anytime I’m try something new, a new style, a new color scheme, or just doodling, I draw Iron Man, Captain America or Batman. Those are my go-to characters. I love drawing characters who wear helmets, so Iron Man is a natural for me.
Which artists have inspired you the most?
In order: Jack Kirby, John Buscema, Steve Ditko, and Astro Boy’s Osamu Tazuka are my favorites, but my MOST favorite and influential is Bruce Timm. Love, love, LOVE his artwork.
What advice would you give to other artists?
You have to have thick skin. You’re taking your art and putting it out there. It’s art. It won’t appeal to everyone. There’ll be haters, jealous people who’ll tear you down. Rise above it. Love what you do. That love will find the right people if it’s genuine.
What’s your ultimate goal as an artist?
I don’t really have an ultimate goal. It’s not my real job. More of a hobby, really. I love seeing people respond to my art at the Comic-Cons. They may buy, they may not. But almost all who look at it smile. It makes them happy. If what I create brings a smile to someone, that’s enough for me. I do love it when they buy, though. I’m not stupid.
“Love what you do. That love will find the right people if it’s genuine.”
You can check out Jay and Heads Up Studio on his website, where he has a gallery of his extensive work, a page of his upcoming events, and even a place where you can commission your own unique Heads Up creation.
Be sure to also follow Jay on Facebook, where you can see all of his current work and experience some spectacular puns firsthand.
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