Former Marvel and DC comics illustrator Rich Perotta talks us through the process of creating his festive LeftLion cover, a homage to Nottingham, the place the native New Yorker now calls home...
Tell us a bit about yourself…
My name is Rich Perotta. I have been, and still am, a professional Illustrator, graphic designer and comic book artist since the mid nineties. I am a native New Yorker who lived there most of my life until I moved to Nottingham in March 2020.
What was the inspiration behind the cover?
I wanted to encapsulate the Christmas Spirit as well as give proper homage to my new home. Given my career in comic book art, I chose to add a bit of American style comic design with a considerably buff Santa holding all the children’s presents with one hand, while joyously guiding his reindeer with his other hand. Having him fly over the Council House was a quick and easy decision.
What was the biggest challenge that you faced in creating the piece?
None. A challenge implies that there is a problem to fix. There was no problem drawing this cover since I had so much fun doing it.
Tell us about some projects you’ve worked on in the past…
My first professional job in art was Marvel Comics and I was there for a good ten years; helping illustrate dozens of comic book titles ranging from Iron Man to X-Men to Deadpool, along with many others. Shortly after my time there, I was an Illustrator at DC comics for a two year span, and in 2013 I started expanding my repertoire with independent comic publishing.
What have you got planned for the future?
My plan for the future is rooted in the recent past. In early 2021, I ventured into comic book publishing where I wrote and illustrated my first four part graphic novel series, theINCANTESI. I have a couple of other ventures that I am considering pursuing on the creative spectrum.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell LeftLion readers?
That is a loaded question. I guess the best place to start would be to say… Hi.
@richperottaart
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