Below is Part Two of our coverage on Helix from Studio 407. In this interview, Michael Colbert sits down with Stefano Cardoselli to discuss the art of Helix, along with some insight into his artistic process.
This is also Comics Bulletins second interview including the unedited answers in the native language of the artist.
You can check out Part One of the Helix interview series with writer Denis Faye, here.
Enjoy!
-Alex Rodrik, Features & Interviews Editor
Michael Colbert: So, how about a quick career overview?
Stefano Cardoselli: Ho iniziato con un one-shot per L’Antarctic press, “Winds of Winter” con un Intro di Brian Holguin e una stupenda cover di Bryan Talbot. Subito dopo ho pubblicato una mia storia su Heavy Metal Magazine nel 2001, “Azurek Stories”. Ho pubblicato diverse storie su Heavy Metal,da allora.
Nel 2001, insieme a mia moglie Rita Gorgoni abbiamo fondato l’Azurek Studios
www.azurekstudios.com.
Ho lavorato per la 2000AD , per la King Tractor press su l’ultimo numero di Family Bones in uscita nel dicembre 2008; per una nuova etichetta, La Resolution Comics, ho realizzato una miniserie scritta da Rita Gorgoni , “Pieces”, il primo numero uscirà a maggio. Attualmente sono al lavoro sul secondo numero di “Styx and Stone” per la Bluewater Prod. E tanto altro ancora.
I started out with a one-shot for the Antarctic press, Winds of Winter. It had an intro by Brian Holguin and a wonderful cover by Bryan Talbot. Then in 2001, I worked my story, “Azurek Stories” for Heavy Metal Magazine. Since then, I’ve worked on various stories for Heavy Metal. Also in 2001, I founded Azurek Studios (www.azurekstudios.com) with to my wife Rita Gorgoni.
I’ve also worked on “2000AD”, King Tractor Press’ “Family Bones” which released in December 2008. I have also worked on a miniseries written by Rita Gorgoni, for Resolution Comics, called “Pieces” — the first issue of which will be released this May. I am also currently working on “Styx and Stone” for the Bluewater Productions, along with some other works.
MC: How did you get involved with Studio 407?
SC: Inizialmente avevo proposto due miei progetti, “100 Points of Hate” and “Zombie Ritual”… Alex si è dimostrato molto interessato ai miei progetti e mi ha inoltre proposto di disegnare Helix.
Initially I had proposed two stories I had: “100 Points of Hate” and “Zombie Ritual”… Alex has expressed interest in my story ideas so he came to me to design “Helix”.
MC: What was the extent of your involvement at the inception of Helix?
Per Helix ho realizzato layout/matite/inchiostro e la cover. I colori sono invece di Chris Hall, che fa parte dello staff di coloristi dell’Azurek Studios.
For “Helix” I handled the layout, pencils, inking and the cover. The colors were done by Chris Hall; a staff colorists for Azurek Studios.
MC: As an artist, do you prefer specifics from your writer regarding panel layout and design or would you rather be allowed to roam free with only minimal explanation from the writer?
SC: Denis [Faye] è stato molto accurato nella sceneggiatura di Helix…però mi ha lasciato molto libero nell’interpretazione della storia. Grazie ad Alex e la Studio 407 ho la possibilità d’essere molto libero e quindi posso esprimermi al meglio.
Denis does a great deal of work with description as to the scenario and look of “Helix”, but this is not to say that he has trapped me into anything either. He allows for an artist to have space for their own interpretation. I’d also like to thank Alex [Leung] and the rest of the Studio 407 team for giving me the freedom to express myself.
MC: How would you best describe your artistic process?
SC: La prima cosa che faccio è quella di creare il personaggio, poi disegno dei layout molto rozzi delle pagine, cerco la giusta inquadratura…dopo passo alle matite più definite, infine inchiostro.
Il layout mi richiede molto tempo rispetto alle matite definite…sono molto veloce nella fase finale, ovvero l’inchiostrazione.
Well, first I start by creating the personas, then I work out the layout of the pages — just laying out the boxes. After this I begin my pencil work and once I’m happy with everything I finalize it with the inking. The layout really demands a lot of time from me since the pencil work is so closely effected by it. But once I get passed that, the inking is much faster.
MC: What drew you to Helix?
SC: Sono un’appassionato del genere horror in generale…sinceramente era la prima volta che avevo la possibilità di realizzare una storia che parlava di esorcismi.
I’m a really passionate fan of the Horror genre as a whole. So when I saw that I had the chance to work on a book that discussed exorcisms, I jumped at it.
MC: Once involved with the project what have you found to be the greatest challenge?
SC: Creare la giusta atmosfera per far immergere il lettore in una sensazione di angoscia. Ovviamente facendo uso e abuso di neri e ombre…spero d’esserci riuscito.
I’d have to say it would be creating an atmosphere where the reader can truly feel the anguish and emotion of the story. So as an artist I abuse the shadow and black work…and I hope it’s successful.
MC: What would you love to tackle in this “Helix” universe — Angels, Hell, God?
SC: È un argomento che mi ha sempre affascinato, è stato molto divertente creare nuovi demoni. In effetti in Helix ce ne sono moltissimi…
All those ideas are arguments that has always fascinated me. But I’ve always wanted to create new demons and “Helix” has many demons to explore…
MC: The demon on the crucifix was an inspired bit of creepiness; do you look at your work amazed at how dark and creepy it can be?
SC: No è stato facile disegnare qualcosa di veramente spaventoso…spero d’esserci riuscito…
It has not been easy to design something truly frightful, but I hope what I have done is succeeds in that…
MC: Who would you consider to be your greatest influences?
SC: Devo molto a Kevin Eastman, Pat Mills, Travis Charest, Mike Mignola, e Frank Mille
r.
I owe a lot to Kevin Eastman, Pat Mills, Travis Charest, Mike Mignola, and Frank Miller.
MC: Other projects in the works?
SC: Siamo in dirittura d’arrivo con “100 Points of Hate” per la Sudio 407 e un altro libro, sempre per la 407, “Zombie Ritual” scritto da Rita, poi altre storie e libri per Heavy Metal Magazine e 2 Graphic novel per La King Tractor press.
I actually have two books I’m working on for Studio 407: “100 Points of Hate” and “Zombie Ritual” written by my wife Rita. I also have another story for Heavy Metal Magazine and two graphic novels for the King Tractor Press.
MC: Name 5 things non-comic related you’re into.
Mi piace la musica il mio gruppo preferito sono White Zombie, Black Sabbath, Helmet. Sono un appassionato di film assolutamente tutta la filmografia di Quentin Tarantino e gli horror movie “La Casa dalle Finestre che Ridono” e “La Casa dei Mille Corpi”. Sono ghiotto di birra Guiness e pasta al Pesto, suono la batteria in una band…che dire di più.
I’m really into music. I enjoy bands like White Zombie, Black Sabbath…Helmet. I also really enjoy Quentin Tarantino films and I’m a big fan of horror movies…“The House of the Laughing Windows”…“The House of a Thousand Corpses”. And there’s also Guiness beer and pasta in Pesto. I’m also the drummer in a band…what else can I say…
MC: Any last thoughts or shameless plugs?
SC: Mi diverto molto ha fare questo “lavoro”, non smetterei mai di disegnare!!
I really love what I do and have a lot of fun doing it. I hope I can keep doing this indefinitely because I would never want to stop!!