November 15, 2017

Andrew Arnold (′07) is currently an associate art director at First Second.

You’ve been Associate Art Director at First Second for a year now. What has been your favorite book to work on so far?

The Prince and the Dressmaker! Jen Wang’s artwork is beautiful and the story is so tender. It’s an instant classic!

What has been your favorite moment at First Second?

Attending San Diego Comic Con for the first time! It was all I hoped it would be . . . and more!

What project are you looking forward to most at the moment?

Acquiring my first graphic novel by cartoonist Tim Probert. The project is a middle-grade fantasy adventure that follows the story of two friends trying to save the world. Tim’s artwork is expressive and rich; it’s going to be something special.

What lesson at The Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS) has turned out to be the most handy for this job?

So many! What’s served me most, though, is the general cartooning background CCS gave me. From story-telling to production, editing to art directing, I gained a better understanding of what makes good comics.

Are you working on any of your own comics that you can talk about?

Some comics ideas are brewing, but at the moment I’m focusing all of my energy on a few picture books.

What are your favorite drawing tools?

Lately, I’ve been hooked on the Kyle ballpoint pen drawing tool in Photoshop. I like it’s toothy texture for not only small thin lines, but thick chunky lines, as well.

Interview with Angela Boyle (′16).