AN INTERVIEW WITH JIM MAHFOOD

BY CHRIS GRAVES

CHRIS GRAVES: For those who do not know, what is your background and how were you introduced to the world of View Askew and Kevin Smith?

JIM MAHFOOD: I’m an artist. I do comics, illustration work, and live art in clubs around the country. I first discovered CLERKS when I was in art school. That was shortly after it came out. Someone showed it at school and we all really loved it. I met Kevin in 1997 at the San Diego Con. That was when Oni Press first formed.

CG: How did you become involved with comic books and art?

JM: I’ve always drawn since I was a little kid. I always made my own comics and knew I wanted to pursue art as a career at an early age. I paid my dues for many, many years and eventually started getting paying work. I’ve been able to make a living off of it since ’97.

CG: What was your Marvel Comics experience like and how did you get involved with SPIDER-MAN?

JM: They were all good. I got involved with Spidey through my pal Brian Bendis. He’s pretty much hooked me up with most of my Marvel work.

CG: In what way has music contributed to your work ethic and to your art in general?

JM: I’ve always listened to music while making art, so it naturally creeps into my work and has a strong influence over it. My work is supposed to be the visual interpretation of funk. Hopefully, people pick up on that when they look at it.

CG: Can you describe the creative collaboration between Kevin and yourself while working on the various CLERKS comics through the years?

JM: Yea, it was always very easy and painless. Kevin would write a super-tight script, send it to me, and I would draw it. There was never really that many corrections or anything. He’s an easy guy to work with. If I had any questions or whatever, we would just instant message each other and everything would work out.

CG: If you could pick your “dream” project, what would it be? Any existing characters you’d love to tackle?

JM: I’d like to have the time to explore my characters more. The creator-owned thing is my favorite; there’s nothing better than writing and drawing your own stuff, and having complete control over it.

CG: What was your cameo experience like on the set of DOGMA?

JM: Oh, that was a blast. I went down there with the Oni guys for a week and we all had a lot of fun. I got to sit next to my buddy Bob Schreck in that church scene. We just hung out and cracked jokes the whole time. Everyone I met during the filming was super-cool.

CG: Were you involved in the character designs for CLERKS: THE ANIMATED SERIES? What did you think of the end result? Have you pitched any animated shows that you created yourself?

JM: No, I wasn’t involved, but the look of the show is based on my art. I never really saw the show. They aired two episodes and took it off the air if memory serves me correct. I’ve pitched shows, gotten a couple of optioning deals here and there, but never made it to the final product. I want to see my stuff animated, but it will really only work if I do it with my own crew of friends, and we have control over the whole thing.

CG: Any advice for aspiring comic book/graphic novel artists and writers?

JM: Start at an early age, like 10 or so, and by the time you’re in your 20’s you’ll be badass. Develop your own voice and your own style. That’s the only way you’ll ever stand out.

CG: Do you have any new projects coming up?

JM: I’m doing all the art for the new Colt 45 ad campaign. The magazine ads and billboards across the country have just launched, so that’s exciting to see. I just did some new mural work for THE SARAH SILVERMAN PROGRAM. It’s in the coffee house where her and her friends hang out. I have a new mini-comic out called “BRAND NEW CADILLAC” that people can pick-up in the Store section of my site at www.40ozcomics.com.

CG: What is your favorite View Askew / Kevin Smith flick (CLERKS / CLERKS 2 excluded)?

JM: CHASING AMY, of course.

CG: And finally, do you still keep in contact with anyone from View Askew? Do you plan on working with Kevin again in the near future?

JM: Yea, I talk to Kevin here and there. I usually run into him around town at the grocery store, or the Griddle, or at art openings. Or sometimes we just instant message each other. I see Scott Mosier from time to time. I was at the View Askew office a couple weeks ago catching up with Scott. These dudes are making a documentary about my art and Scott and Kevin agreed to be interviewed in it. Kevin and Scott are the type of guys that are totally cool and supportive of me and my work even if I don’t see them all the time.

I’m always down to work with Kevin on anything he has planned that my art would fit into…

Jim’s truly one of the good guys, and we hope to see him back, involved with another View Askew project, soon. Thanks to Chris for another insightful sit-down, and to Jim for taking the time for us.