POP Comics® Creator Spotlight: Salty Cinnamon Roll
This week on POP Showcase we're talking to Salty Cinnamon Roll, creator of Angel Wings.
Everyone loses their way in life sometimes; those times when you have no idea what to do. But when you've lost your way, sometimes all it takes is a smile and a helping hand...
A unique one-off comic about loss and grief, Angel Wings is a beautiful and inspirational short story about honoring the memory of those we've lost and using their legacy to keep moving forward. We sat down to talk with Salty Cinnamon Roll about her experiences as a creator. But first...
Read the comic here!
Q&A WITH SALTY CINNAMON ROLL
How did you learn to draw? Do you have a favorite technique or style?
I'd consider myself self-taught, since I didn’t take any formal classes until college. Most of my knowledge comes from “how to draw” books that I collected, so my shelf is pretty full! One of my favorite books for drawing has a section on inkwork, the different patterns and textures you can make with ink alone is crazy.
Who inspired you to become an artist? Who are your creative muses?
I started being interested in art when I was a kid. I remember trying to draw horses and my mom praising my work and encouraging me to improve. She always seemed to enjoy when I made her art and my love for it blossomed from that. As far as creative muses, I would say definitely Ub Iwerks, Rumiko Takahashi, and Katsushika Hokusai are mine.
Angel Wings is a very unique comic, can you tell us a bit about why you decided to make it?
I’ve lost many family members to cancer (most recently my Grandfather and Cousin) and I wanted to pay tribute to them in the form of a story. It’s stressful, sad, and at some points seemingly hopeless. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, despite the pain and struggle. Even when you have to part the memories of those you love remain, and that is a treasure. So I wrote it with that feeling in mind.
Do you have any other comics or projects underway?
I do actually! I’ve been working on my next comic My Valentine, currently I’m drawing up the pages. My goal is to start publishing pages on POP by the end of the year, but I’m a university student currently so we’ll have to see.
Any advice for other creators?
When writing a story, try to keep your eventual readers in mind. You need to make sure the story you’re sharing with them is understandable. You’re the author so of course you know everything about the story, but the reader’s don’t! Also make sure to keep at it, even if you feel like you’re having a block. You need to get it out on paper, so don’t worry about “getting it right” the first time, that’s what drafts are for!
Thanks, Salty Cinnamon Roll! We're so very sorry about your loss, but we're so impressed to see you turn it into something so poignant and creative; a truly beautiful legacy.
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