Ahoy-hoy AC family! Today’s artist spotlight is dear to my heart. Today I’m celebrating and sharing the art of Halo Sama, one of the first artists I remember meeting at a local Dallas con nearly seven years ago. She’s extremely talented and draws the most adorable killer cupcakes, cutie ghosts and a lot more, so how could I NOT share her with all my comix friends? Please read below for a Q&A with one of Texas’ best known indie artists.

 

TD: Please tell the Aggressive Comix family about yourself and artistry style.

HS: My art style is greatly influenced by anime/cartoons, manga/comics and other nerd core essentials like Star Wars, etc. I’ve battled through chronic pain and illness my entire life to pursue my career in art/illustration. Being sick in bed for most of my life, I used video games, books, internet, cartoons, movies and other media to distract myself from the constant pain. It wasn’t until Starman Matt (My Geeky Geeky Ways) and Randy Milholland (Something Positive) suggested I start doing conventions that I realized something…..I can freakin’ make MONEY from my art!?!!

 

TD: You’ve created a strong presence on periscope with your online drawing feeds… what inspired you do go live and how has the response been?
HS: That……has been a crazy train Ozzie would be proud of. Hahaha. My partner (Terry Parr) was introduced to Periscope by Roddy Bottum after a Faith No More Concert last year. We downloaded it and were instantly addicted. I noticed that there weren’t a lot of illustrators on Periscope, so I tried Live Broadcasting and got (and continue to get) such a positive response, that I just kept going! I even started an #ArtBlock show every Wednesday with some very talented artists from around the world! It has been CRAZY FUN. @ShonuffStudio if you want to find us! Also @LilDebsCreativeCrew on FB is a great place for creative types to hang out after the scopes are over.

TD: You make up 50% of ShoNuff Studioss which is known for its unique art and prints, but you recently released your first comic book series…tell us about ShoNuff as a company and how you came up Aerobicide?

HS: Terry Parr and I realized we were a great creative team and decided to form a studio based on the nerd fandom that originally brought us together…The Last Dragon. It’s 6 years later and we’ve been overwhelmed by the response to our art, writing and crazy antics online and at conventions. Aerobicide is our creator-owned comic that was inspired by our mutual love of retro and martial arts schlock. *(Quick description:It is the 1980s. Venice Beach has been taken over by weight lifting gangs, Yuppies and evil ninjas. An 18 year old dance instructor ,Sheri Ken, has inherited the skill of a ninja by the way of ancient chants and Heavy Metal music. She must use her ninja skill to annihilate any foe who threatens her dance studio and to make sure she’s on time for her next Hollywood audition.)

 

TD: Besides co-running ShoNuff Studios, live drawing and creating, you also host sketch dojos, what’s that about?
HS: Sketch Dojo is a workshop run by our studio (Shonuff! Studio) we show you sketching and illustration warm-ups, tips and tricks to help you take your drawing skills to the next level. We play sketch games, handle Q&A, and do portfolio reviews. The Sketch Dojo program connects local and indie artists with each other to improve their skills and form a positive art community. We’re also about to announce a HUGE project that’s going to really promote local and/or indie creators, so excited!

TD: Favorite 90s cartoon show?
HS: It’s a tie between Garfield and Sailor Moon!

 

TD: What would be a creative dream job for you and where do you see yourself as an artist heading into 2017?

HS: It would be an honor to draw a Garfield comic cover one day and I would love to create my own cartoon universe. This year and next, I’m going to be churning out a LOT of original content, comics and even an adult coloring book. We’re looking to expand the studio and the Sketch Dojo program.

 

 

All of us at Aggressive Comix wish to thank Halo, and of course you the readers,for sharing our love of all things artistic. Please share the love back by visiting Halo at:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ShonuffStudio?fref=ts
Twitter: @ShonuffArt
Tumblr: http://shonuffstudios.tumblr.com
Instagram: @ShonuffStudio
Youtube Vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FV51vHKypK8