People sometimes ask me…
Questions from university students in the Netherlands, Japan, and England.
What made you get into designing art for graphic novels/comics?
I was working as a copywriter in an advertising agency but I didn’t feel fulfilled creatively. I started making little doodles about my experiences, slowly they turned into cartoons and comics, and then I realised I had more stories that I wanted to tell through comics.
What are, in your opinion, the most important steps to follow when creating a new character?
I don’t think there are chronological steps, but there are key things to keep in mind: expressiveness, originality, personality. That’s how you turn something from a pretty drawing to a relatable character.
What is your design process? (for example: do you first sketch on paper or do you immediately start online? In which programme do you create your illustrations?)
I always start with a script - maybe because I started as a writer! The idea and the writing is the most important part of the process, I need to get the message and the timing right. Then I sketch it out, ink by hand, and scan into Photoshop to colour digitally.
How do you decide in which style you’re going to make your illustration?
I only have one style :-) I don’t want to change myself too much, so the challenge is making sure I never sway from my own style when I draw. I try not to look at other artists’ work too much as I want to stay in my own head.
How do you come up with so many different ideas for your illustrations to showcase a story?
Coming up with ideas can be hard! I need to read a lot and keep up with what is happening in the world, in my community, things that I’m passionate about, like culture and tech. Then I set aside a block of time to write down all my thoughts. Some turn into ideas, some don’t.
Do you have any tips for someone that wants to make illustrations for graphic novels/comics?
Read, watch, and look at all kinds of material you’re interested in, not just art and comics-related stuff. Find artists that to look up to, and keep a book, quote, or poster of theirs on your desk to inspire you while you work. Think beyond just crafting the technical or visual side of it, instead find a way to tell a story through your illustration.
Press & Events
2021
Guest educator, Digital Holiday creative program, Studio Kode
Panel speaker, Fire up the Future, Robert Gordon's College
End 2018- 2020 (on hiatus)
2018
It's not all about shortcuts with Scottish copywriter turned cartoonist, Sam Hepburn
Exhibition and talk, Welcome to Agency X Anniversary Exhibition at Awe Gallery
2017
Talk and book signing, KLCC Bookfest
The story of a dreamer: Sam Hepburn, copywriter turned cartoonist
Talk and book signing, Popular Mega Book Fair, Sunway Pyramid
Cartoonist draws a (semi) real life in Welcome to Agency X
Children's comic making workshop, Creative Comics and Drawing Fest at Popular Bookstores
Talk and signing, Comic Art Festival (CAF KL) 4
Meet & Greet and Exhibition, ComicPlay 2017 (P.L.A.Y.), White Box Publika
Welcome to Agency X, (publication), Keropok Comics
2016
Questionable Quotebook (publication), Universal Uclick (GoComics)
Welcome to Agency X comic strip (completion of residency), The Star newspaper
2015
Welcome to Agency X comic strip (publication), The Star newspaper
Sam Hepburn: The journey from copywriter to comic artist
Radio interview, That Time of Night (TToN) on BFM 89.9
Sam Hepburn, copywriter-turned-cartoonist: "I'm in a very happy place"
#changedestiny: Doodle a little dream
2010
NO! A Lesson in Love (publication), self-published
Book launch (NO! A Lesson in Love) Annexe Gallery, Kuala Lumpur
Radio interview, I Love KL on BFM 89.9