Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m Elliot Balson, 23, I’m from the Scottish borders and came up to Dundee to study Animation. After that I went on and did the Comics MLitt course.
What made you want to become an artist?
The same as most people I guess, I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t wanting to draw. I suppose it mostly comes from watching my favourite cartoons and reading comics as a kid.
Do you have a preferred style of art?
At the moment it’s mainly digital, but I’ve been trying to work in more traditional stuff now that I’ve got the studio as well.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Video games, comics, and at the moment a lot of watching film and video essays about storytelling techniques or film techniques. Mostly because I find it interesting but hopefully I can use some of it in my own work as well.
What is your favourite comic of all time?
I knew that was going to come up! There’s quite a few, but the most recent big one I love is Punk Rock Jesus by Sean Murphy – whilst reading it I was like, this is everything I want out of comics put in one nice little package.
What is the best thing about working in DCCS?
Definitely having the space – from uni I’m quite used to having studio space in Animation, but everybody is kind of in and out a bit more in this one, so you keep to yourself a bit more but there’s also the chance to collaborate. Like if you’re stuck on something you’re able to ask someone else if they’re able to help and vice versa. Also having a dedicated area, not only for working in but specifically for comics, is great.
What are you working on at the moment?
Probably too much! I’m actually working on one of the comics we tried to do as an animation in fourth year but we didn’t get finished, so I thought now was a good time to try it. I’m working on a comic – what was originally a short comic – where the writers made the script 150 pages, so I’m slowly working on that in the background. I’m also working with a couple of other people to produce a few short comics for pitching things they want to do, like short films; it’s a nice short way for them to show what they’re hoping it to look like.
How can we follow you on social media?
Instagram – @ellbalson
Facebook – Ell Balson Art
ArtStation – https://ellbalson.artstation.com/
Thanks Elliot!
– Caitlin
Dundee Comics Creative Space 