Every year, in the countdown to the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, we bring you a series of interviews with guests at the event. This “Festival Focus” for 2018 is possibly the event's youngest exhibitor ever, Drew Marr from Dundee, Scotland - who could not be more excited about his first visit to the Lakes International Comic Art Festival this October!
Earlier this year, Drew launched Issue 1 of The Rehabilitation of Doctor Eye alongside selling t-shirts, prints and badges at DeeCon, and event he has been attending since he was three, but 2018 was the first time he's had a stall.
For over a year Drew has been going to the Dundee Comics Creative Space, where a group of kids create new characters and come up with fun stories. One of the things Drew and the others enjoy is the freedom to draw whatever they like.
When Drew really likes an idea and comes up with a story, he looks forward to posting it on his Gold Lion Comics website - and the work he's done has earned him media attention, including an interview on STV.
Drew has also created a song list for his comics, since he enjoys listening to music, and is very excited to be invited to the Lake District for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival this October and is really looking forward to meeting other comic book writers and artists.
The Rehabilitation of Doctor Eye Book 2 (consisting of Issue 3 and Issue 4) will be launched at the Lakes and his work is on sale in Ahoy Comics and Grouchos in Dundee, Forbidden Planet stores in Belfast, Hanley, Cardiff, as well as Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dublin, and The Comic Shop, Liverpool - in Sydney, Australia!
Drew, what are you working on, right now?
Drew Marr: The second book (Issue 3 & 4) of The Rehabilitation of Doctor Eye.
Which comic or animation project (or both) that you've worked on are you most proud of and where can people see it or buy it?
The Rehbailitation of Doctor Eye which can be bought at Ahoy Comics and Grouchos in Dundee, and Forbidden Planet in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and on request via email.
How do you plan your day as a creator? (Do you plan your day?)
Drew: I look at what pictures I need to do that week and try to get them done by the weekend.
What most distracts you from getting your work done?
Drew: Watching The Simpsons, The Librarians and box sets in general.
Do you think it's easier or harder for young comic creators to get published today to break into the industry?
Drew: A lot of kids might say "I'm gonna make this comic big", but they don't work hard enough on the detail in their ideas. Their ideas are as good as my ideas but they don't follow through. If you are willing to follow through other people are really encouraging and it is alot easier.
Have you ever been to the Lake District before and if so what did you think of it? If you haven't, what are you expecting?
Drew: No, this is my first time.
Which one comic creator would you most like to meet, and why?
Drew: I am looking forward to meeting Cam Kennedy and Ian Kennedy, and seeing Charlie Adlard again.
How do Festivals and other comics/media events help creators most, do you think?
Drew: I think it has been really encouraging for me to see the artwork and speak to the artist at the same time.
What one piece of advice do you offer people looking to work in the comics industry?
Drew: Work hard, get the job done, have a strong sense of humour.
What's your favourite comic right now and where can people get it?
Drew: I am starting to enjoy Luke Cage (Marvel) and Laptop Guy (and other BHP Comics), they are sold in the main comic shops and some Waterstones.
Drew, thank you very much for your time and we look forward to seeing you in Kendal.
• The Lakes International Comic Art Festival will be back in Kendal 12th – 14th October 2018. Tickets for the Festival are on sale now from: www.comicartfestival.com
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