Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan Dougherty.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve always wanted to be a comic creator but had no idea how to do it, so as I worked one of my first jobs as a Starbucks barista I started making a comic strip about my funny experiences in retail. That ended up becoming Beardo, and I was lucky enough to have a few breaks along the way that allowed me to make it for ten years. Now I make all kinds of comics and children’s books, but it all started with a little therapeutic and humorous comic strip.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a writer and illustrator of creator-owned comics. My two biggest series are the slice-of-life comic strip Beardo and my supernatural thriller Touching Evil about a woman who is cursed with the ability to kill anyone with the touch of her hands if they are evil. I’ve illustrated ten children’s books with author DJ Corchin, and recently started two new comic series: illustrating a supernatural organized crime story Cosa Nostra written by Dirk Manning, and writing a funny-as-heck absurd comedy Floppy Cop illustrated by Seth Damoose. I really enjoy living my life through comics and working in different styles and with different creators that push and challenge my creativity. Entertaining people is the first goal, but the best feeling is knowing something I make inspires someone else to make something too.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
I subscribe more to the journey than the arrival. I certainly enjoy any time I’ve moved up in my field, but I feel like true success comes in those little moments every day trying to push through my limitations. I’m a better artist than I was a year ago, and I hope to be able to say that every year.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My comic Beardo is currently being rerun both at www.gocomics.com/beardo and on my Instagram (@beardocomics) and Facebook. All of my work is available on my website www.beardocomics.com and with all the books I’ve done ranging from horror to humor to children’s books I think I really do have something for everyone. Supporting artists, you like doesn’t even have to be a purchase (although we certainly do like that, haha), you can also show support simply by liking and sharing their work to boost their signal.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beardocomics.com
- Instagram: @beardocomics
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/DanDoughertyJr
- Twitter: @beardocomics
- Other: www.gocomics.com/beardo
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