Close Up Interview with the Comic Artist Samuel John McEwen

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.

My name is Samuel John McEwen. I draw comics and I play in a band. The comics are usually about the local music scene in Sydney, where I’m based. I curate an underground music zine called SPLIT as well as run a record label with a mate called Born To Lose.

Where do you get your inspiration from when you draw?

Sydney essentially. It sounds like a cliché but my comics are very autobiographical and so it makes sense.

In The Car

What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you?

He has a massive ego.

Tell us about your very first job and what path have you taken since then?

I worked at a laser tag joint in Strathfield. It was hell. I left that place to work in a preschool.

If you want to know about “artistic jobs” there are none. Who makes money from art?

As an artist, what is your biggest frustration?

When my rubber runs out. Having no money. Having to walk downstairs to get another coffee.

Untitled Cover for SPLIT001

Medium: Digital Print (Originally Ink on Paper)

Tell us about how you prioritise your art?

I make sure I draw things before the deadline.

How do you connect with other artists, and your customers (i.e. how do you network)?

I surf the “internet”. Mostly through the iPhone application “the Instagram”. I also have zines at local record stores like “Repressed Records” in Newtown as well as regularly exhibiting at zine fairs.

Live Music Is Dead!

Your advice to artist who are just starting out?

Draw your pretty little heart out.

Tell us about your up coming SCG Group art exhibition Art at ArtSHINE Gallery?

It’s showcasing some of what Sydney has to offer. It’ll all be very different.

What is your proudest moment so far?

I was on Cheez TV when I was about 8. It was so sick.

Who do you most want to meet and why?

That kid that used to be on the Lube Mobile ads that said the phone number “13 13 32”.

It would be cool to jam with the Velvet Underground or the G–Betweens.

Live Music Is Dead Untitled Page

What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned?

How to tie my shoes. Saves me from wearing velcro shoes and tripping over untied laces.

What book are you reading right now, and do you have a book you would like to recommend?

I’d recommend anything my the cartoonist “Jason”. He is a massive influence. Actually I’d like to meet him. I’d better change my response for the other question.

Where do we find you and your products?

At Repressed Record in Newton and “online” at samuelmcewen.bigcartel.com