What can fans expect from the Art of Zombie Makeout Club? PR: The entire archive of Zombie Makeout Club designs. Extending from my earliest shirt designs to unseen art for the manga. It's a trip through my first seven years and a peek at the future. The book will feature both new variations of old pieces, and never-before-seen exclusives. I'm beyond excited to have everything in one book. Which really allows for fans to see the evolution of both my art and Zombie Makeout Club as a brand.
What is your work process like? Â What tools do you use?
PR:Often, I'll first come across something that inspires me, a movie, a game, afashion look on social media. Once I have a concept in my head, I'll go to my reference books, pose books, and the internet to try and create a mood board. I do this for every piece because it really helps me to have a compilation of reference and inspiration for any design I do. It also helps to keep me focused. I draw everything digitally with a Wacom Cintiq 24" in Clip Studio Paint on a PC. I am also always using a Razer Tartarus keypad. I depend heavily on keyboard shortcuts and the Tartarus is perfect for this. I've been using the keypad for so long now that it feels completely foreign to draw without it. Lastly, I always use soft felt tips on my Wacom stylus, as I love the bit of resistance and texture it provides.
What have been your greatest creative influences?
PR: I owe so much to so many, but I'll do my best to call out the artists I look to the most or have had the largest influence on me. Sho-u Tajima and his manga MPD Psycho (Dark Horse, if you're reading this, please finish printing the series in English T_T) is probably my first horror manga influence and my largest. Sui Ishida, of Tokyo Ghoul fame. Tsutomu Nihei's entire catalog is extremely inspiring to me. Finally, Hiroya Oku's Gantz is another early and giant manga influence for me. Outside of manga, I've very inspired by Japanese punk and art films, such as Tetsuo the Iron Man, Rubber's Lover, and Tokyo Gore Police. Suicide Circle is also another movie that has hugely influenced me. Lastly, I also get a lot of inspiration from video games. Suda 51's games, especially his early work (Moonlight Syndrome, 25th Ward, Killer 7), have meant a great deal to me and how I approach art.
