How did you get into drawing sketch cards?
I have been a freelance illustrator since the late 90’s, working for pretty much every different type of client you can imagine - from the very big corporations to very small independent publishers, in nearly every genre and style. In May of 2010 and was suddenly laid off from my full time staff illustrator position for a local children’s book publisher, and the situation was looking grim for a while. So I decided to get back to basics, and started drawing for the pure fun of it - drawing things that I WANTED to draw, for a change. So I began to spend a lot of time down at my local comic shop- Comic Connection Oakville - just drawing comic book characters for fun. A great bunch of guys work there, and they really liked my work. My wife had picked up a pack of blank art cards for me to try out, so I started to drawing on them for fun. The guys at the comic shop suggested that I submit my stuff to some of the different nonsport card companies, and my work was met with a good response. Before I knew it, I was working again.
What is your favorite subject to draw?
I love drawing comic book and fantasy stuff. Monsters are my first love, dating back to my childhood, so I find all of that kind of stuff really fun to draw. Dragons, werewolves, giants, that sort of thing.
What is your favorite character to draw?
That’s a tough one, there are so many. The Thing is amy all time favorite character, but I don’t feel like I ever get him quite ‘right’ when I draw him, so he remains my eternal challenge, my white whale. I guess the character I have drawn the most is Iron Fist. He is great fun- simple, striking costume and he’s fun draw in any pose, really dynamic guy. I could also draw Conan or Usagi Yojimbo all day long and never get bored.
Do you prefer black & white sketches or color sketches?
I much prefer to work in black and white, with washes of grey, but most card companies prefer color work, so that is what they get from me.
What kind of materials do you prefer to work with?
I usually pencil lightly with a 2H pencil first, then get out my brushes and work in India ink and wash, water color, and sometimes markers (Pitt, Chartpak, COPIC) to get really intense pure colors.
Who is your favorite sketch card artist?
There are so many great ones out there it is hard to pick. Cat Staggs is brilliant. I also like Jim Kyle’s work.
What are you currently working on?
A bazillion things. I have a couple of top secret comic book projects in the works, a pile of private commissions on my desk, some pinups to do for some of my favorite comic books, and I’m working away at a big mural for a local Japanese restaurant. Heh, I’m also a part time custodian.
Has your career as an artist benefited from doing sketch card work?
I believe so, yes. Working with such limited dimensions forces me to get creative in how I use that space, and really tightens up my small brushwork skills. The internet exposure after a new sketch card set launches is also pretty cool, and usually gathers me a bit more work.
Do you collect trading cards for yourself?
I wish I could, but my available funds are quite limited, and any extra I have left after bills and whatnot goes towards buying the few comics books I read each month. I’d love to collect some sketch cards though- so many great artists out there.
Do you have a website / blog / online presence where readers can find more information about you?
I have a web gallery displaying my sketchcards/sketch covers, illustrations and commissions- www.mikerooth.com
I will have a blog (one day!) but until then anyone interested in learning more about me or checking out my artwork can follow me on twitter, where I post my sketches and any new artwork I’m doing nearly every day.
https://twitter.com/#!/uncouthRooth
