About the Comic:

Q: (Just to get this one out of the way,) Why furries?

A: I know that most people's concept of "furries," or anthropomorphic animals, are a bit, shall we say, NSFW? For one, I am a big fan of anthro artwork, and two, I want to show the world that furries can be funny without everything being sexual and freaky. Really, it's just a very attention-grabbing minority that gives the rest of the fandom a bad name.

Q: How often do you update? / Why does it take so long to update?

A: Right now, Bristled cannot be my sole focus in life; I have a full-time job and several other projects going all the time. This leaves me little room to actually work on the comic, so right now, I strive to update twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There is also an RSS 2.0 feed available on the front page if you don't want to miss an update.

Q: How long does it take to create a comic?

A: Depending on the complexity of the comic (how many characters, level of detail in the backgrounds, how many panels I end up having, etc.), it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours. In some cases, like Episode 25, "On Your Toes," a comic can take longer; this one took nearly three solid days.

Q: I've noticed that you call each episode "Number X," but when I count, there aren't that many episodes. What gives?

A: I first started drawing Bristled (waaay back before I settled on that name) primarily as a means to release ideas that were pent up in my brain. I scribbled out several "episodes" with stick figures, before I really found a method and concept that I liked enough to turn into a semi-polished product. Hence, there are around 15 or so "lost episodes" that have never been seen by the public at large. Perhaps some day they will be polished and presented, but probably not.

Q: Is any of this comic based on real life (obviously some of it can't be), or is it just a story you like to write?

A: A little of column A, a little of column B. Some of the gags and situations are inspired by events in my life, whereas others are just odd things that my imagination stumbles over.

About the Characters:

Q: Are the characters based on anyone in real life?

A: Vaguely. Az is my own creation, and has been a character of mine for a long time, even before she became an anthro character. So yes, she is essentially the care-free kind of person that I'd like to be. Ru is a character based on a friend of mine. Some of Beth's appearance is inspired by someone I used to know, but otherwise she is completely unique to Bristled. However her personality is also partially a mirror of my own, at least in how she deals with the world around her. So yes in a way I succumb to the webcomic cliche of self-insertion. What comic doesn't? And who's to say that we don't all associate at least somewhat with the characters we follow in comics, books, movies, etc.?

Q: Why does Azraelle hit people with a shovel?

A: She likes the sound it makes. The actual desire and habit of doing so is something that I've had a part of the character since before the comic, and it just inevitably found its way in. As far as the comic is concerned, she picked up that habit in one of the "lost episodes." I'll probably do a flashback to cover it.

Q: Why are all your male characters generally morons?

A: Men suck. But seriously though, it never really occured to me that I have been portraying the male gender as ... well, idiotic. I certainly don't mean to imply anything by that, and I will most likely have some "normal" male characters in the future. It's just easier on the audience if we make fun of the men rather than the women. Just look at funny television commercials or sitcoms. The male characters are always portrayed as stupid, whereas their female counterparts are the wise, down-to-earth ones.

Q: Can I use your artwork to make a signature image / avatar for use on a forum?

A: Yes you may!

Q: I have an idea for a story/gag/new character. Would you like to hear it?

A: No.

Q: Can I use your character(s) in my comic?

A: It depends. I take these on a case-by-case basis. Feel free to contact me.

Q: Can I or my character be in your comic?

A: No.

About the Artist:

Q: How long have you been drawing?

A: I was holding a pencil before I could walk. Around 8, I finally stopped chewing on them and started drawing with them. That was also about the time when they replaced lead with graphite. *twitch*

Q: How long have you been drawing anthro artwork?

A: I used to draw characters in high school that were based on the Disney-style of Goofy, so I guess that counts, but other than that, I've only been drawing anthro / furry artwork since summer of 2006.

Q: Do you have any formal education in art?

A: While I hold no degree, I have been taking art classes since elementary school. I've taken Illustration, Commercial Art, Animation, Graphic Design, and Figure Drawing courses. I have held positions at several companies as a graphic artist, including two video game companies.

Q: I want to make a comic. What would you suggest for me?

A: I have no idea, really; I'm trying to get the hang of it myself. But I'd suggest two things: a good sense of artistic skill, and a good sense of comedy/drama/whatever you are planning on doing with your comic. Not only would art classes help, but also acting classes, scriptwriting, good knowledge of spelling and grammar, and layout principles would be a great boon. Only a few comics have ever really taken off by using stick figures or poorly drawn characters. The writing is very important, but in my opinion, it cannot make up for lack of visual appeal. But, the writing does need to be strong. They say that good writing can help poor artwork, but good artwork can't save bad writing. If your jokes aren't funny/dramatic storylines aren't engaging, then no amount of good artwork will make up for that.

One more thing on this topic: don't pay attention to the people who say "you shouldn't ever make a (sprite, furry, video gaming, two guys on a couch) comic, they've already been done to death." Make your comic for you. If you try to bend it to fit your target audience, then it won't be fun for you and you'll probably end up quitting. Though if you do decide to enter an oversaturated niche market, be prepared for harsh criticism from people telling you you'll never succeed. Maybe you will, maybe you won't. As long as you are doing something fresh with the same tired material, you stand a good chance of at least being noticed. However one thing I DO agree with, don't put inside jokes into your comic, because no one but you and maybe some people close to you will understand it.

Q: Would you recommend any books for an aspiring comic artist?

A: Yes I would. To help understand the language of comics and some principles of the medium, I'd highly recommend finding a copy of "Understanding Comics" by Scott McCloud. Also a book on anatomy for the artist (there are several), and I've heard that "Drawing Comics the Marvel Way" is a good reference too, although I have never read it personally. If you know of any others, let me know! I'm always interested in stuff like this.

Q: How old are you?

A: A lady never tells. Not being a "lady," I'm 29.

Q: What are you wearing?

A: A slinky, strapless restraining order. With a blank line so I can just fill in names as needed.

Q: You draw yourself in the comic as a raccoon. Can we ever see a picture of what you really look like, in real life and everything?

A: Not having a soul to speak of, I don't photograph. At all. As it is, people around me can only see me via reflection in glass. Makes playing tricks on vampires a lot of fun. But seriously, maybe some day when I'm not as shy/disgusted by the way I look, I'll put up a pic. I do attend cons once in a great while, so you'll probably see me at those, if you're (un)lucky. Also if you have a mirror.

Q: What other stuff do you like doing?

A: I am a nerd. A geek. I live at my computer. If I'm not drawing, I'm listening to music, playing video games, or watching a DVD. On my computer. On rare occasions, I stand up and walk somewhere, like the kitchen or the bathroom, or even the bagel shop. But otherwise, I could live in a cardboard box as long as it had electricity and high-speed Internet.

. . .

If you have any questions for the Head Coonie, go ahead and contact me.