romance to sports, and the list goes on and on. Literally, there is
something that will appeal to each and every one of us. With that
initial thought, this idea was planted and has grown into something that I am very proud of and, hopefully, will get younger kids
not only interested in reading, but in comic books, because for the
industry to grow, we need to have an influx of new blood, younger
kids. Also, it will hopefully spark an interest within even one kid for
a love of writing or drawing, and if that happens, then to me, this
project will have been a huge success!
SP!: WILL YOU MAKE THE WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE VIA PODCAST
OR THROUGH OTHER MEDIA AVENUES?
AZ: As I mentioned above, I am still finalizing everything with the
Buffalo Library System and this process is constantly evolving. With
that said, yes, definitely, these are directions that I have considered
and that I have mentioned to them. I am hopeful we will be able
to implement making the workshops available via podcast, social
media, or other media avenues.
SP!: WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
FOR CREATORS OF INDEPENDENT COMIC BOOKS, COMPARED TO
WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED OUT?
of view, and I am always open to that back-and-forth, because ultimately, if it helps the final finished product, then I am always open
for it. I have had the wonderful experience of working with a bevy
of extremely talented and exceptionally gifted artists, both in comic
books and film! Here are some artists that I have worked with that I
feel are poised for greatness! This is by no means a complete list, only
a short list of people that I know personally, work with and call my
friends. If I forgot anyone, please accept my sincerest apology. I didn’t
mean to slight anyone: Isaac Cordova, Claudio Sepulveda, Ben Dunn,
Eduardo Francisco, Vincent Sauvion, Magali Paillat, Malcolm Wong,
Lorena Gordon, Jason Elliot, Pablo Juarez, Jim Callahan, Alessandro
Ceccarelli, Kostas Zachopoulos, Vassillis Gogtzilas, Oscar Capristo, and
Giancarlo Caracuzzo! Check these artists, writers, film makers, and
creators out when you have a chance. You will not be disappointed!
SP!: WHERE DO YOU SEE INKWERK STUDIOS IN TEN YEARS? ARE
YOU LOOKING TO STICK TO COMICS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS ONLY,
OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO BRANCH OUT INTO MULTIMEDIA, FILM,
TELEVISION, CABLE, AND ETCETERA?
AZ: We will have definitely expanded our comic book, graphic novel
line! By the way, we have quite a few new and interesting things
coming soon. We are developing a new logo, as well as including
some new imprints. Of course, it is only logical to want to branch
out. This isn’t something that we are waiting ten years down the line
to start getting into. My business partner, who is based on the West
Coast, is actually already branching out into these other mediums
with our properties. Not trying to be cryptic or anything, but I can’t
really say much more than that at this time. We definitely have a plan
and we are working towards making that plan a reality. It is something
that is always in a constant state of flux and change, as we are adapting to the current market and doing whatever is necessary to achieve
and realize our plans. We also have some new, unique avenues that
we are exploring. These are things that, personally, I have not seen any
other company develop. So, as a result, I definitely think that these
are areas where we will be setting the trends. For Inkwerk Studios,
the future definitely looks very bright indeed!
AZ: Okay! Great question. They are exponentially huge. I mean, as
I stated above, when I first started out submitting and trying to
secure paying professional work as a writer/editor, there was no
internet. I handwrote or typed letters and scripts and snail-mailed
them. Now, with the coming of the internet age and social media,
the doors have been thrown wide open for current creators. I, for
one, am glad to see this and see these opportunities for current
creators. I mean, you can literally reach out and speak with professional creators, as long as they are willing to receive the correspondence. You can write up an email and hit a button and send it off.
There are opportunities due to web comics. Everything you need
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