Outstanding does not begin to describe the artistic works of Maurice odede. An all round artist who has majored in comics and has managed to acquire both local and international recognition for his talent. He executes and speaks of his work with alot of passion and excitement thus becoming a source of inspiration and motivation to many upcoming artists in kenya. We had a chat with him and these are his thoughts on art and design
Self Pencil Work caricature
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Well, am a simple guy guilty of having simple pleasures, like sing-alongs on a road trip somewhere far…I LOVE THOSE!!! :-)
How long have you been creating comic?
As far back as I can remember. I was very young starting out, must've been in kindergarten. I can say it’s a childhood dream come true!
Other than comics, what other forms of art do you do?
I got my Diploma in Graphic Design from the Buruburu Institute of Fine Art (BIFA) and to add on to that, I also do fashion design, product design, painting, portrait drawings, sculpture….if it’s art you name it and I can do it. Just don’t ask me to sing! :)
What are your influences? Any artists you look upto?
My influence is mostly the Manga style of drawing which originated from Japan. I only look up to one artist-God!
Your work is detailed and thorough, what mediums do you use?
Why, thank you :) I start off all my concepts with pencil sketches, ink them using an isograph pen and render them in color digitally applying both Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for the finish.
Did you attend arts and illustration school or is yours a case of self education?
Mine was self-taught. I got interested at a very tender age as I’d earlier mentioned and just developed my skill as I became older…hence why I don’t have an athletic bone in my body! :)
My influence is mostly the Manga style of drawing which originated from Japan. I only look up to one artist-God!
Your work is detailed and thorough, what mediums do you use?
Why, thank you :) I start off all my concepts with pencil sketches, ink them using an isograph pen and render them in color digitally applying both Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for the finish.
Did you attend arts and illustration school or is yours a case of self education?
Mine was self-taught. I got interested at a very tender age as I’d earlier mentioned and just developed my skill as I became older…hence why I don’t have an athletic bone in my body! :)
Issue 3 Lwanda Magere scene
What would you say is your greatest achievement where art is concerned?
My greatest achievement would be publishing the first issue of “The Adventures of Lwanda Magere,” and getting it all the way to the 2010 New York City Comicon.
How and when did the Lwanda Magere concept start?
It started like most great concepts do, in an evening meeting at the coffee shop. This was in 2007 I believe.
How would you describe the comic art market in Kenya?
The comic art market in Kenya still has a lot of room to grow. It isn’t as broad as it is in America or Japan where the culture is firmly rooted-Superman and Batman started appearing in comic strips in the late 1930’s. So I believe with time, the right kind of exposure and the right kind of stories, stories that people want to read about, it’ll be a juggernaut!
My greatest achievement would be publishing the first issue of “The Adventures of Lwanda Magere,” and getting it all the way to the 2010 New York City Comicon.
How and when did the Lwanda Magere concept start?
It started like most great concepts do, in an evening meeting at the coffee shop. This was in 2007 I believe.
How would you describe the comic art market in Kenya?
The comic art market in Kenya still has a lot of room to grow. It isn’t as broad as it is in America or Japan where the culture is firmly rooted-Superman and Batman started appearing in comic strips in the late 1930’s. So I believe with time, the right kind of exposure and the right kind of stories, stories that people want to read about, it’ll be a juggernaut!
Vector work illustration
Has your work ever been exhibited?
Yes, at the 2010 NYC Comicon, though I still have a lot of content to compile so it’s back to the coal mines for me.
What projects are you currently working on?
Due to confidentiality agreements I signed, am afraid I can not disclose that information.
Has there been any major disappointment in your life in regards to art? And how did it affect you?
There has always been the bane of exploitation in this field but having matured in the game, I know how to handle things in a professional manner.
Yes, at the 2010 NYC Comicon, though I still have a lot of content to compile so it’s back to the coal mines for me.
What projects are you currently working on?
Due to confidentiality agreements I signed, am afraid I can not disclose that information.
Has there been any major disappointment in your life in regards to art? And how did it affect you?
There has always been the bane of exploitation in this field but having matured in the game, I know how to handle things in a professional manner.
Riot Shell competition image
Are there forums in Kenya where artists can meet and share ideas and support one another?
I have no clue! I keep to myself and my projects most of the time. If you hear of one, call me!
You’ve participated and won international art competitions, tell us about that.
Well, there was the RIOT SHELL competition by COMIC IDOL which you can check out on facebook or by visiting their website www.comicidolonline.com. I participated and won in the first one. We were basically asked to depict the character “Riot Shell” in her natural element. Since then they’ve done several competitions which, unfortunately, I haven’t been able to take part in due to a rigorous work schedule. But I do keep in touch with the creator, Adrian Nicita.
I have no clue! I keep to myself and my projects most of the time. If you hear of one, call me!
You’ve participated and won international art competitions, tell us about that.
Well, there was the RIOT SHELL competition by COMIC IDOL which you can check out on facebook or by visiting their website www.comicidolonline.com. I participated and won in the first one. We were basically asked to depict the character “Riot Shell” in her natural element. Since then they’ve done several competitions which, unfortunately, I haven’t been able to take part in due to a rigorous work schedule. But I do keep in touch with the creator, Adrian Nicita.
'Sundiata of Mali' concept art
What has been the impact of the media publicity you’ve received?
More and more projects streaming in. That’s all. My work is never done.
What would you say is the biggest challenge for artists in Kenya?
Professional courtesy - we don’t get enough of that. What we do is not easy though it may seem like fun and games. This is what we live off. Asking an artist to do something else with their life is synonymous to murder.
Have you ever considered delving into the world of film and animation?
Film-yes, animation-not necessarily. I just want to be the guy who comes up with the big idea, the epic story. I want to be the director/scriptwriter like Christopher Nolan.
Pencil Work illustration
What role has the internet and social networks played in marketing your work?
The internet and social networks have helped put me on the global stage. Now I receive projects from as far as America and the United Kingdom and it’s very exciting working at that level.
When you are not making art, what are you upto?
When am not making art am thinking about it:-)
How would someone in need of your services contact you?
A floodlight with the letter “M” is one way the other one would be to drop me an email on [email protected], then we can talk.
The internet and social networks have helped put me on the global stage. Now I receive projects from as far as America and the United Kingdom and it’s very exciting working at that level.
When you are not making art, what are you upto?
When am not making art am thinking about it:-)
How would someone in need of your services contact you?
A floodlight with the letter “M” is one way the other one would be to drop me an email on [email protected], then we can talk.
All images contained herein this article are property and copyright of Maurice Odede.