Artist Tyler Kirkham has showcased his talents with various publishers throughout his career, including Top Cow, Dynamite, Image, DC, and Marvel. Along the way, Tyler has been impressing fans and critics alike with his artistic skills. Currently, Tyler is teaming with Clover Press and Marvel with another addition to their quality art books, The Marvel Art of Tyler Kirkham. This collection has just started its Kickstarter Campaign.
Before the launch of their campaign, we had a conversation with Tyler about his artistic beginnings, his initial work with Top Cow, his experiences at DC, and his new book for Clover Press. Join us in welcoming the talented artist Tyler Kirkham to GVN Talking Comics.
Comics Introductions and Creative Beginnings
GVN: Thank you for spending a bit of your time with us, Tyler. Since it is our good fortune to talk to you for the first time, let’s start with your creative beginnings. When did you first take an interest in comic art, and whose work inspired that ambition?
TYLER: Happy to do it! Let’s go way back. I feel like comics have been a big part of my life for so long. I’m gonna guess second or third grade. Around then. My first interaction with comic books was from my older brother. He was growing a pretty decent-sized Spider-Man collection. He had them all hung up on his wall, and it really inspired me every time I saw them. Well, being the rebellious younger brother. I wanted to be different. Enter Wolverine and the X-Men! I was heavily inspired and tried to mimic Mark Texeira early on. When Image Comics came out, I knew I wanted to pursue comics.
Art for Local Newspapers
GVN: I’ve noticed that we share a common starting point: both of us began drawing for our local newspaper. However, our paths diverged from there. You had the opportunity to get your foot in the door at Top Cow Comics, while I found myself working in a retail store—though that’s a story for another day! 😊 With that opportunity, you worked alongside Mark Silvestri and eventually secured a full-time position. What lessons did you learn during your time with Silvestri and Top Cow that have stayed with you?
TYLER: Yeah, I was always doing something with art growing up. I actually drew for both Jr High and High school newspapers as well. Then got the gig at my local city newspaper. Marc had a treasure trove of useful info and tips. One thing I learned working under Marc was how helpful it was having other artists around, to learn form and inspire you. It pushes you to be better after you see what others are working on. I follow a lot of artists on social media now, and it has a similar effect. Art inspires art.
A New Chapter at DC
GVN: In time, you were offered an exclusive job at DC. When that opportunity came about, did you have any reservations about writing for such beloved and iconic characters, or were you more excited to have a steady source of work?
TYLER: Well I was only doing the art. Not writing. I had already worked on multiple iconic characters for Marvel and Image/Top cow. So wasn’t really worried. It was a new chapter for me though.
Working on ‘Final Boss’
GVN: Along with Top Cow and DC, you have worked for just about every other mainstream publisher including Marvel and Dark Horse. As I have looked, you have done about every cool character there is to do with style. You have also tackled your own original series, Final Boss, with Ifansyah Noor. Is there a difference in working for established characters as opposed to working on your own? A freedom perhaps?
TYLER: I really have been lucky to draw so many characters across multiple publishers! It’s so fun tackling them and giving my spin on them.
As far as Final Boss goes, it’s been a very slow but rewarding experience. It’s so fun creating! I love telling stories and building my own worlds. It’s completely different than doing it for another publisher. Both are great in their own way.
The Marvel Art of Tyler Kirkham
GVN: Now let’s talk about the recent announcement of your Clover Press Art book, The Marvel Art of Tyler Kirkham, joining such luminaries as Mike Allred, Russell Dauterman, David Mack, and others. How did this opportunity come about, and did they have to do much selling to you to make it happen?
TYLER: It’s an honor for sure! I was excited when they asked me. It really came down to me getting them the material to actually build the book. I took while to do that but in the end I’m super happy with the progress of the book I’ve seen so far. I think people will love it!
Choosing the Art for the Book
GVN: One only needs to visit your website to see the breadth of great work you have done, just for Marvel alone. How did you decide which of your pieces to put in the book, and did the good folks at Clover Press have any input?
TYLER: I think I picked a good variety of my Marvel work. Not everything will be in there obviously. There will be a good mix of Marvel Art for sure from interiors to covers. Some behind the scenes stuff like prelims, pencils and inks were also sent in! Not just complete covers and pages. A good collection of work from across the years.
The Kickstarter Campaign
GVN: Clover Press will be bringing The Marvel Art of Tyler Kirkham to a Kickstarter campaign. Will this be your first crowdfunding effort and what will fans (like myself) find when they visit your campaign (besides a fantastic art book)?
TYLER: I’ve done a few actually. My first was an art book years ago called Separation. I’ve also done a couple others. Children’s books and Final Boss. I’m pretty familiar with the process. I’m leaning a lot on Clover though. They are pros in this and have had some amazing campaigns. So they are leading the way!
Visiting the Campaign
GVN: Thank you once again, Tyler. Before we conclude, I want to allow you to promote this book and any upcoming projects you have.
TYLER: I think this book will have something for everyone in it. You don’t just have to be a fan of mine to enjoy it but any Marvel or comic art fan will appreciate it. Clover builds beautiful books and they have a proven track record of quality products and successful crowdfunding campaigns. I think it’s worth backing em! We will be offering some amazing rewards as well. Definitely don’t miss it!
Clover Press “The Marvel Art of Tyler Kirkham” is now on Kickstarter. You can check out this exciting campaign here.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
