Derek Laufman may just be one of the nicest guys in the biz.
The first time I met him, Derek gave me some signed artwork for free just because we had a nice conversation. Maybe he was handing-out those Deadpool fan-art postcards to everyone, but in that moment, I chose to believe this gift was as a result of two artists making a real connection. I discovered Derek Laufman submerged in a vast sea of aspiring graphic novelists and nerdy crafters deep in Artist Alley at Fan Expo a number of years ago. That’s how it feels when you find an artist, isn’t it?— new to your world, like a real discovery. There’s so much pride and joy in that feeling.
Derek was exhibiting his fan-art at the time. I’ve heard tell about a stigma associated with Fan-Art, but I could list for you, a bucket-full of success stories that all began with artists drawing their own versions of existing licensed characters, so take it down a notch, gatekeepers! Now where was I… Oh yes, Dereks fan-art has since resulted in some pretty awesome work with some very big clients such as Marvel, DC, DreamWorks, TOPPS, Hasbro and Mattel. Derek is the designer of Marvel’s SuperHero Adventure line as well as DC’s Super Friends. I mean…. wow! Those incredible credits aside, his artwork, on its own, has captured the attention of fans on a global level. I’m proud to say I was fan early on.
Then he released a masterpiece called Ruinworld, I levelled up from fan to completely hooked! Ruinworld is one of those graphic novels that will appeal to both kids and adults, the characters would make great toys, the adventure is full of high-stakes and comedic takes, honestly, I’m still so shocked some production studio or Video Game developer hasn’t optioned it as a franchise. Ruinworld is a graphic novel I have read and re-read several times over, if only to gleam a little inspiration and courage to write and produce my own graphic novel. I mean, the guy makes it look so easy, but you and I both know, writing, drawing, creating… it’s a herculean task, not for the feint of heart.
Since Ruinworld, Derek has released a number of other books… Bot-9, The Witch of Wickerson and his newest series Crimson Fall, which has already lapped its funding goal almost 10 times! Seriously…and there’s still 21 days to go! I cannot wait to get my signed copy.
Ruinworld is a graphic novel I have read and re-read several times over, if only to gleam a little inspiration and courage to write and produce my own graphic novel.
Let’s talk about Bot-9 for a second… This is an incredible achievement! It is cute, funny, full of adventure, well paced, the characters are so alive, the backgrounds are mesmerizing… and there is so much heart holding it all together. Derek accomplishes all this… with no dialogue. Close your eyes for a second and try to put yourself in Derek’s place; penning a comic book script with no dialogue… the only possible way this turns out as good as it did (which is absolutely fantastic by-the-way) is that Derek must have managed to create some version of this book, in a complete form… in his mind!!! Every aspiring graphic novelist should own their own copy of Bot-9.
Derek isn’t simply dedicated to his craft 24/7, he eats, sleeps and breathes the worlds he creates. I believe he’s found a higher level of passion that is only achieved by real world superheroes. Yep, to me, he is up there with Gretzky and Jordan, Springsteen and Bowie, Denzel and Streep! Derek Laufman is the GOAT if there ever was one.
Derek must have managed to create some version of this book, in a complete form… in his mind!!!
Here’s how amazing this guys is… lets set aside that insane list of clients, lets put his incredible books back up on that shelf, if only for a moment. Mr. Laufman, appears to be driven to teach and inspire by example. If his books are his magic, he’s constantly allowing us all to peak behind the curtain so we can see how he performs his wonderful tricks.
Here’s how:
- He shares a ton of process images on social media.
- He’s released 3 Volumes of Derek Laufman Creations… each contains 100 full colour pages of characters, creatures, props, set pieces and backgrounds in various stages of process. From sketch to finished piece, Derek is inspiring you with all of it.
- For less than $10 or $15/ month, (2 tiers to choose from), through his Patreon, he regularly shares videos, layered photoshop files, provides step by step breakdowns of his work, engages in conversations with artists about his process and more.
Derek provides a real sense of accessibility and transparency of process that is a huge asset to any level of artist-in-training.
Derek provides a real sense of accessibility and transparency of process that is a huge asset to any level of artist-in-training. I love seeing how other artists work. It always inspires me to keep creating. Whenever I’m stuck, frustrated, in a rut creatively… I always know Derek is there to help.
Thank you Derek, for all that you do.
If you are interested in supporting Derek Laufman’s Kickstarter campaign for Crimson Fall: the Shore Tower, please follow this link and make a pledge:
Crimson Fall: The Sore Tower on Kickstarter
If you want to get inspired on a daily basis:
For daily inspiration, here is a series of links to all of Derek’s online stuffs:
Cartoon Coach
Cartoon Coach