Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Nasso.
Mark, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
In 1986 I discovered Marvel Comics and I was instantly addicted. About a year later I discovered the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics and the explosion of other black and white independent comics that were popular around that time. Of course, for a long time my early attempts at creating comics featured mutant mice, rats, or some other story with anthropomorphic warrior animals. I kind of distanced myself from mainstream comics and became fascinated by the independent guys who were publishing quality comics with offbeat stories out of their living room.
About ten years went by and as I actually learned to draw I became serious about self-publishing. Of course, the internet had just come on the scene so there were few resources online to learn about comic book publishing or how one takes drawn pages and turns them into a physical comic book. I was at square one. Also, I realized that in order to compete with the professionals I need to use the tools and methods that they use so I began experimenting with different media like pens, pencils, brushes, and paper stocks. Slowly I found what worked for me. As I progressed further my work began to look less and less like a clone of the comic book artists that I was looking at and my own distinct style began to emerge.
Another ten years went by and the internet had finally become a great resource for aspiring comic book artists who wanted to connect with other artists, share their methods, and print their comics. With the advent of digital printing many “print-on-demand” companies went into business which enabled creators to send a digital file to press and have printed copies on their doorstep within days for a low cost. When this happened, I jumped on it and began publishing my comic book series, Land of the Rats.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My main focus is comic book art in the fantasy and sci-fi genres. I self-publish a comic series called Land of the Rats which I use as a medium to get my ideas out into the world. A lot of comic book self-publishers are looking to do what will appeal to the widest audience or what they know will sell and there is nothing wrong with this strategy. However, I wanted to write and draw a comic that I personally would want to read and is about subject matter that interests me. I didn’t think too hard about hitting a wide demographic as much as just connecting with individual readers who may find the story interesting and are wanting to see how it unfolds. So, Land of the Rats is kind of an experiment. As of now I have five issues published and at every comic con I’m cornered by repeat customers who ask when book six will be available and I also get frequent emails from readers who have dissected the story and given their own interpretation of it.
To describe Land of the Rats I would call it a sci-fi/fantasy adventure in an otherworldly setting. The main character is a hybrid rat-human named Jack Natari and the story begins with him being exiled from his homeland (a land of rat-humans like him) and his adventures in a distant wasteland ruled by regular humans who are not accepting of his kind. Jack finds himself entangled in a series of obstacles and encounters with strange creatures, political factions, and love interests as he traverses the wasteland on his way home to Rat City. One may say it’s a standard fantasy/barbarian story but I’ve woven in a few underlying themes exploring questions I have about topics like science and religion, relationships, anthropology, and mental illness among other things. Things that I’ve seen or experienced in real life find their way into the story and it’s there if you look for it. On the surface it’s sword and sorcery but on a secondary level there’s definitely more going on. It’s interesting when I’m approached by a reader at comic con who has read the entire story arc and who can relate to a particular situation the characters have experienced.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
About twelve years ago I decided my work was ready to unveil to the public and coincidentally two things also happened! First, social media was born and I discovered there was a new venue to connect with other artists and promote my work. Also, there seemed to be an explosion of large comic cons and art shows in Texas. Before this most comic con were at small hotels and were not much of an experience. With shows like Comicpalooza and Alamo City Comic Con the bar was raised and there were new opportunities. Meeting fellow artists at shows and then online became a great way to compare your work to what’s out there and to evaluate how you need to advance. You begin to realize what level of skill you have and that you’re not the only one in the game. It’s humbling but also inspiring.
My advice to anyone would be to meet everyone you can whether it’s fellow artists or art lovers who are supporting you. When you start to have repeat business you’ll know you’re doing something right. Be positive, support others, and don’t get involved in any drama. It’s bad for your brand name.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I’m a regular at several Texas comic cons and art shows. After making new friends I often connect with them later online and point them to two of my websites so they can follow what I’m up to.
NassoDesign.net is my main website with various fan art pieces and original visions. People who want to connect with me about a custom illustration or other collaboration can email me here.
TheUndergroundForest.com is my publishing website that I use to sell my self-published comic, Land of the Rats. Through the site I process orders for the comic, shirts, and other memorabilia.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nassodesign.net | www.theundergroundforest.com
- Email: mark@nassodesign.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark_nasso/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marknasso
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkNasso
Image Credit:
I’m not sure if this is applicable in my situation. All images uploaded are created entirely by me.
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