Richard: How did you come up with the idea for Vampspew?

Steve: Vampspew began with my desire to create a graphic novel. It was really more of a wish to explore the graphic novel format than a yearning to tell a specific story. Vampires have a sinister, mesmerizing appeal in popular literature, and I thought that would be a great platform for the idea I had in mind.

Richard: What can you tell us about the storyline of Vampspew?

Steve: While Vampspew starts with a familiar vampire theme, it soon veers from the traditional path. There are quirky little anecdotal bits and whimsical musings injected throughout the story. Many have an autobiographical basis.

Richard: What is the lead character like?

Steve: The protagonist is not at all an evil character. He is a somewhat confused fellow who, through no fault of his own finds himself in a difficult situation. He is searching not only for a cure for his vampirism, but also for the greater truths and lasting happiness in life.

Richard: Why are people fascinated by vampires?

Steve: People have always been drawn to the dark side, and Vampires are about as dark as it gets. Start with a stealthy mass murderer with mysterious powers who sneaks around in the dark stalking his victims to satisfy his unholy desires, add a dose of sexual tension for good measure and you have the makings of a riveting tale.

Richard: Is this the only comic book you have worked on?

Steve: Yes, so far. I do have several other comic projects in the works. As a child I didn't read comics. Superheroes never appealed to me, and I was not aware until much later of alternative comics. The ability for one creative to start with an idea, and then write, draw and produce the finished work into a self contained little package with desktop hardware is incredibly appealing to me.

Richard: Where does your inspiration come from?

Steve: The inspiration for all my art comes from my experiences on my personal journey through this life. Of course what I create can't all be taken literally, but my experiences are the starting point.

Richard: How would you describe your art?

Steve: I strive for a harmonious melding of idea, feeling and technique. How I would actually describe my art varies wildly. Sometimes I see my body of work as very precious. At other times I despair over this voluminous pile of crap and have the urge to destroy it all. There doesn't seem to be much middle ground in my viewpoints. In the end the art is just a documentation of my thoughts and ideas, for whatever that is worth.

Richard: What is the difference between fine art, acrylics and watercolors?

Acrylics and transparent watercolors are the main media I use in creating my art, along with various types of pencils. I use these tools similarly for both fine art and illustration. The line between what is fine art and what is illustration can be very fuzzy. I don't worry about it myself. I just look at everything I create as a part of my body of work.

Richard: Do you do a lot of commissions?

Steve: Yes. It varies from year to year but I do as many as 200 commissioned illustrations a year. I enjoy finding solutions for clients visual needs. A balance between doing commissioned illustrations and creating my own art if important to me though.

Richard: Who has helped you the most in your illustration career?

Steve: That is a difficult question. I never had a favorite illustrator or artist that I wanted to emulate. I went through years of art school and had some fine teachers, but never really had one that stuck out as far as having an influence on my direction. I have also worked with many wonderful clients who have sent me a great deal of work over the years, but again there isn't one that stands out as far as having had a big influence on my direction. I guess I was probably always too stubborn and narrowly focused on my own direction to receive the benefits of any helpful influences.

Richard: What first got you interested in drawing?

Steve: Like many artists, I was always drawing as far back as I can remember. My dad would bring home from work rolls and rolls of diazo paper blue prints that were maybe three or four feet long by two feet tall. My brother and I would draw on the backs of these. We called this the ?big paper?. There was always an unlimited supply and the freedom to work big and not worry about wasting paper was very liberating.

Richard: How can someone contact you?

Steve: Through my web site: http://www.stevefeldman.com/

Richard: Any last words of advice?

Steve: If you are a creative person keep on creating. Don't stop. Explore new ideas. Push yourself beyond what is comfortable.