My first Stellar Con in Bel Air, Maryland didn’t disappoint. It included a diversity of its artists, guest speakers, and writers who sought to connect with the local community. I had the opportunity to meet and speak to multiple vendors showcasing their artistic vision and contributions within the comic book community. These contributions always aim to help create stories or artwork with meaning and messages. Those who read or view them can connect to on a personal level, or simply enjoy as leisurely entertainment.
BobbyLexx
Being able to create works of fiction or draw original characters always starts from a vivid imagination. Creating something from scratch and putting what you see in your mind onto paper or canvas is a process that takes time and inspiration from the world around you. I spoke to Robert Spencer—professionally known as BobbyLexx. He relayed to me what goes into his creative process and the sources of his inspiration. “I’ve been drawing for 45 years. I saw Jim Lee, and Jim Lee changed my life,” he said. Others such as Brian Stelfreeze and Katsuhiro Otomo were also big inspirations in his artwork.
BobbyLexx represents how inspiration often comes from other forms of media that we enjoy and love. He also demonstrates utilizing that inspiration to craft something new.
2Land Comics
Creating something new can serve as catalyst to inspire others. It can also convey inspiring messages to those in and outside your community. I caught up with another creator named Jay—author and creator of 2-Land. He emphasized how his characters and his series aim to inspire those in the Black community and provide kids positive heroes to look up to. I asked Jay where inspirations come from regarding his comic characters. “I do motivational speaking, and when Covid hit we couldn’t be in front of students anymore. So we had to think of a creative and innovative way to push a positive message in front of young people.”
Jay overcame the challenges Covid brought by connecting with youth through animation and the overall popularity of the superhero genre. “When you can’t physically be in front of young people, what better medium than to use superheroes to encourage and inspire the next generation,” he said.
Reid F. Tittle of Guardian Graphics
Inspiring the next generation was a recurring theme throughout my day at Stellar Con. It was impressive to see all the passionate artists, writers, and fans celebrating the culture of movies, TV, anime, and books and the importance they have had on their lives. Speaking to Reid F. Tittle, owner of Guardian Graphics for the past 23 years, he gave me insight on his journey within the art and comic book communities. “I’ve been a fan of comic books since I was a kid… I’ve watched Marvel and DC [comics and franchises] become what they are today,” he said.
“Art wasn’t always my career,” Tittle said. “I’ve always been an artist, but pursuing it diligently—businesswise and things like that—didn’t start until maybe 10 years after I owned it.” Emphasizing how it took him some time to focus on his own publications, Tittle did freelance work for Marvel and DC. Those experiences, as he put it, ‘opened doors’ for him to concentrate on his own publications, which feature “ten faith-based superheroes of all ethnics groups” that readers from any background can enjoy.
Keep Pursuing Your Craft
Mr. Tittle also gave advice to young artists out there still honing their craft. “I always tell young artists that I work with to put your pencil to paper everyday. Be persistent. If you’re going to try and pursue Marvel, DC, or any independent company, send your work out to them. You never know what’s going to happen.” Remembering his personal experience of getting rejected and finally getting a shot, “Stay persistent and don’t be discouraged,” he said. His message was clear: despite rejections and wondering if it might not be the right time for you, keep pursing your craft day by day.
You can find BobbyLexx on Instagram @artofbobbylexx and Jay @2landcomics. Reid F. Tittle can be found on Facebook as Reid Tittle.
Article featured images provided by Isaiah Gibbons.