Ever wondered what a day in the life of a cartoonist would be like? Our Londoner Joe Kessler is your man…check out the process involved in bringing his creations to life and find out how London inspires his creative eye. Over to you Joe…
How long have you lived in London, where and what is it you love about that area?
I’ve lived in London since I was 18 and I’m 25 now. I live in Finsbury Park. My favourite thing about my neighbourhood is it’s proximity to Clissold Park where I spend as much time as possible.
So you are a Comic Artist, how did that come about?
When I was about 13 my parents got me a copy of The Acme Novelty Date Book, a collection of Chris Ware’s sketchbooks. I was already into comics and drawing but that poisoned me. I’ve wanted to make comics since then but It took a long time to develop the control to tell a story and the discipline to sit through the required hours. maybe one day I’ll get it.
Does London inspire your work?
On a quiet street 2 young lads were both humming in monotone as loud as they could. I could hear them coming around the corner, they walked past me like I wasn’t there and the sound faded into the distance. That happened in real life London then something similar happened in Windowpane 1, my previous book.
Where can we see your work?
Windowpane 2 is coming out through Breakdown Press and will be available in November. Should be in all good comic shops but its available through my website.
Where do you hangout, go for food and sink a few pints?
I hang out in my studio on Ridley Road in Dalston and often end up going to the 3 Compasses. It’s a couple of doors down. I often end up eating at the Mangal on Arcola st. good meat. If I go into town I often go to the prints and drawings room at the British Museum. They show a large variety of amazing graphic art and its free. I must’ve been to every show there for the last 5 years and have never seen a dud.
What would be your perfect day in London?
Playing Basketball in the Clissold park, hanging out in the studio and making something good then celebrating by going to Gosh Comics in Soho and buying whatever I want. What a day that would be! I’m a cheap and unimaginative date.
Joe is one of Lee Cooper’s Makers, find out more info over at www.leecooper.com