The JAMES JEAN Interview
The road to our conversation with the uber-talented James Jean was indeed a long one, but it was worth the wait. We contacted him some time ago through his site, http://jamesjean.com/, and got a polite response back that while he was interested in chatting, he was simply too busy. However...he would be in Atlanta in February visiting the Savannah College of Art and Design, and maybe we could do some podcasting then. Sounded like a plan!
We stayed on top of it for a couple of months, got his cell number before he left Cali (Thanks, Gary) and showed up Thursday night for the start of SCAD-Atlanta's Comics & Illustration Forum. That evening, James and artists Yuko Shimizu, Andrew Robinson and Eric Canete sat in the round with about 150 people and shared their stories and professional insights. Dwight and I had a great time and afterwards, much schmoozing was had.
The next day at noon, we met up with the man at SCAD and had a wonderful talk about his career and background, his time as a student at SVA, Fables and of course, art.
We also touched on his participation in the West coast art event, Baby Tattooville and his upcoming 2009 gallery show in NYC.
And yes, James does love art. And art history. And jazz. And pizza too (he eventually got sustenance from Rick Lovell, one of the event's organizers).
The interview ran just under an hour and we couldn't have been happier with the outcome. Many thanks to SCAD for bringing these amazing artists to our city—it was terrific meeting them all. And a special shout of thanks to the "fairly reclusive Mr. Jean" for squeezing us into his hectic schedule—it was like that.
**This episode of the show features a snippet of CocoRosie's Rainbowarrior in honor of life in the Brew.
Click here to download the show.
Wow, thanks for doing this interview guys! I just discovered your site, there is some GREAT stuff on here, can't wait to listen to all that..
Very cool.
Posted by: Jonas | May 03, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Thanks for doing an interview with James Jean! It is always great to hear from my favourite illustrator :) It is rare to hear about his personal life besides just his work :) I didn't know he played an instrument! cool stuff.
Posted by: Catarina | May 06, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Enjoyed the interview, very refreshing. I learn so much as an artist listening to every cast. Nice getting insight into the industry.
Have you guys ever thought of having a call in show at least once a year?
Posted by: Chris Hatfield | May 10, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Great interview...
I always find it a relief when great artists like JJ doubt their work from time to time.
Great news about PR3 and the gallery show in January; I'm there!
Thanks again
Posted by: Christopher | May 14, 2008 at 12:26 PM