I had the chance to briefly interview Babs Tarr, known for her work on Batgirl, and Motor Crush.
Q1. When it comes to working in this field of comics as an illustrator, what is it about the craft that keeps you going? You’ve been in it for some time now!
BT: It’s definitely not for the pay. I do love making comics, I’ve taken a little bit of a break to make products. I just kinda follow my heart. Sometimes it’s making a book, sometimes it’s making merch. I’ve been doing the merch thing for a minute and getting itchy to do a book again. I try to follow my heart and making sure I’m keeping excited about what I’m making in that way you guys are excited when you look at it. Because I think it comes through pretty easily.
Q2. For young illustrators that are starting out or trying to break in, what is something you suggest that they should practice or look Into to hone their skills in their craft as a lifelong field?
BT: Draw, all the time! I know there’s no secret sauce, but it doesn’t matter what the tools are. You just gotta put in the time, even if you don’t understand the lesson, follow it through because something might click in the end. Watch Pub Draw’s, I teach a lot of basic stuff on drawing on that YouTube show. It’s called pub draws, check it out.
Thank you for your time Babs Tarr!
Brian Isaacs - Executive Editor / Publisher