First of all the use of the word "Style" is a misnomer. It was Hi-jacked
by a generation lazy/amateur artists who's only guide to drawing was
comic books, the emulation of artists who put in decades of hard work
and practice was filtered down to uneducated, undisciplined copies and
branded a "Style".
The most emulated artist I see is Rob Liefeld, and not by educated artists, but amateurs who find it easy to copy. Liefeld's work is not demanding or time consuming because it's Copied, Traced, Swiped from other superior sources. That's how Liefeld learned to draw, and Marvel/ DC swooped in to elevate this kid to Stardom, he had the potential to be great but did nothing but collect checks for underwhelming work. Most of his work was embellished by talented Inkers like Karl Kesal and "GHOST PENCILER'S" like Marat Mychaels. But to play devils advocate, if the editor's and fans are constantly telling you how good you are then why would you want to change, or expand your knowledge of art in general. This is why Liefeld's work is not a "Style", it is still a work in progress. And the kids who grew up on his comics never really concerned themselves with technical skill or conception, flashy, wild, and extreme lines were where it's at. And if Liefeld made a million bucks from it why couldn't anyone else?
Except that Liefled was a huge marketing tool to bring in young readers and it worked perfectly. Marvel and DC used Liefeld to sell books, not because he had a great artistic talent [which he could have had easily] but for the money which is was paid significantly.
I bring up Liefeld because I believe this is where I think the birth of the "Style" generation begins. Not only did he get treated like a Rock star, he also became a millionaire, and spawned a new era of artists who believed they can get a piece of that pie by emulating him. Anyone who complained about his art was a "hater" and their opinions didn't matter because he made money drawing his way. If you make money drawing your way you will be beyond reproach and all arguments against your skills are disregarded instantly.
So new artists popped up all over with various versions of their own style and never really aspired to be more than a copy of someone else work. I can't think of anyone who has done that since Liefeld and become successful.
Style is the short-hand of an artist who has MASTERED their craft! Or they at the very least are competent in all area's of art.
It is NOT the lack of knowledge of anatomy or perspective, etc.!!! If anyone uses the word "Style" to excuse their shortcomings in their art is NOT a serious artist! A true artist surround themselves with peer's who critique and help each other become better, not a circle jerk of compliments and back patting, if you want compliments just ask your mommy to hang your art on the refrigerator.
Finally, If you are an artist who's whole artistic skill set relies on your "style" then be prepared for rejection by artists who put in the hard work to master the craft, and if your ego is too big to swallow the fact that you may need to learn more than what you see in comics then maybe you are not cut out to be a professional comic artist.
Just my Opinion.
Had to post this quote for TRUTH!
"You're not special. You are not exceptional.
Contrary to what your U9 soccer trophy suggests, your glowing 7th grade report card, despite every assurance of a certain corpulent purple dinosaur, that nice Mister Rogers and your batty Aunt Sylvia, no matter how often your maternal caped crusader has swooped in to save you… you're nothing special.
Yes, you've been pampered, cosseted, doted upon, helmeted, bubble-wrapped. Yes, capable adults with other things to do have held you, kissed you, fed you, wiped your mouth, wiped your bottom, trained you, taught you, tutored you, coached you, listened to you, counseled you, encouraged you, consoled you and encouraged you again. You've been nudged, cajoled, wheedled and implored. You've been feted and fawned over and called sweetie pie. Yes, you have. And, certainly, we've been to your games, your plays, your recitals, your science fairs. Absolutely, smiles ignite when you walk into a room, and hundreds gasp with delight at your every tweet. Why, maybe you've even had your picture in the Townsman. And now you've conquered high school… and, indisputably, here we all have gathered for you, the pride and joy of this fine community, the first to emerge from that magnificent new building…
But do not get the idea you're anything special. Because you're not."
- David McCullough Jr. June 8, 2012
The most emulated artist I see is Rob Liefeld, and not by educated artists, but amateurs who find it easy to copy. Liefeld's work is not demanding or time consuming because it's Copied, Traced, Swiped from other superior sources. That's how Liefeld learned to draw, and Marvel/ DC swooped in to elevate this kid to Stardom, he had the potential to be great but did nothing but collect checks for underwhelming work. Most of his work was embellished by talented Inkers like Karl Kesal and "GHOST PENCILER'S" like Marat Mychaels. But to play devils advocate, if the editor's and fans are constantly telling you how good you are then why would you want to change, or expand your knowledge of art in general. This is why Liefeld's work is not a "Style", it is still a work in progress. And the kids who grew up on his comics never really concerned themselves with technical skill or conception, flashy, wild, and extreme lines were where it's at. And if Liefeld made a million bucks from it why couldn't anyone else?
Except that Liefled was a huge marketing tool to bring in young readers and it worked perfectly. Marvel and DC used Liefeld to sell books, not because he had a great artistic talent [which he could have had easily] but for the money which is was paid significantly.
I bring up Liefeld because I believe this is where I think the birth of the "Style" generation begins. Not only did he get treated like a Rock star, he also became a millionaire, and spawned a new era of artists who believed they can get a piece of that pie by emulating him. Anyone who complained about his art was a "hater" and their opinions didn't matter because he made money drawing his way. If you make money drawing your way you will be beyond reproach and all arguments against your skills are disregarded instantly.
So new artists popped up all over with various versions of their own style and never really aspired to be more than a copy of someone else work. I can't think of anyone who has done that since Liefeld and become successful.
Style is the short-hand of an artist who has MASTERED their craft! Or they at the very least are competent in all area's of art.
It is NOT the lack of knowledge of anatomy or perspective, etc.!!! If anyone uses the word "Style" to excuse their shortcomings in their art is NOT a serious artist! A true artist surround themselves with peer's who critique and help each other become better, not a circle jerk of compliments and back patting, if you want compliments just ask your mommy to hang your art on the refrigerator.
Finally, If you are an artist who's whole artistic skill set relies on your "style" then be prepared for rejection by artists who put in the hard work to master the craft, and if your ego is too big to swallow the fact that you may need to learn more than what you see in comics then maybe you are not cut out to be a professional comic artist.
Just my Opinion.
Had to post this quote for TRUTH!
"You're not special. You are not exceptional.
Contrary to what your U9 soccer trophy suggests, your glowing 7th grade report card, despite every assurance of a certain corpulent purple dinosaur, that nice Mister Rogers and your batty Aunt Sylvia, no matter how often your maternal caped crusader has swooped in to save you… you're nothing special.
Yes, you've been pampered, cosseted, doted upon, helmeted, bubble-wrapped. Yes, capable adults with other things to do have held you, kissed you, fed you, wiped your mouth, wiped your bottom, trained you, taught you, tutored you, coached you, listened to you, counseled you, encouraged you, consoled you and encouraged you again. You've been nudged, cajoled, wheedled and implored. You've been feted and fawned over and called sweetie pie. Yes, you have. And, certainly, we've been to your games, your plays, your recitals, your science fairs. Absolutely, smiles ignite when you walk into a room, and hundreds gasp with delight at your every tweet. Why, maybe you've even had your picture in the Townsman. And now you've conquered high school… and, indisputably, here we all have gathered for you, the pride and joy of this fine community, the first to emerge from that magnificent new building…
But do not get the idea you're anything special. Because you're not."
- David McCullough Jr. June 8, 2012
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