If you’ve been a comic reader at any time in the past decade, you’ve undoubtedly come across the art of Ryan Benjamin at one point or another.  With work ranging from DC and Wildstorm to Marvel and advertising illustration, Benjamin is a fine example of an artist who has persevered and progressed through his work.  Recently we’ve been spotlighting HeroesCon guests on our blog, but today we’re happy to feature a talented artist whose work deserves some added attention.

Ryan Benjamin: I stay busy, busy ,busy… constantly looking to improve my art and create something new. I believe if an artist gets comfortable, they die! You must stay hungry or you get rusty. Then next thing you know, 10 years have gone by and you haven’t improved in your skills and you’ re doing the same job. I’ve seen it too many times, even with pro comic book artists. I believe as an artist you need to stay universal and incorporate multiple styles, techniques, and tools. I decided years ago to take some time to develop my other art skills, specifically in 3D animation. That helped me see my 2D art in a totally new way. It also allowed me to expand beyond comics. Because of my hunger and eagerness to learn everything, I refuse to get rusty, so I’m always coming up with a new project to keep sharp. I am always hungry.

SP: You’re currently working on Batman Beyond, a book that not only suits your style, but one that you seem to be enjoying working on.  How long do you plan on staying on the book, and what kinds of things can we expect from it in the coming months?

RB: Batman has been a really fun book to work on. I’m always down to do something for DC, they are my family. It was exciting when they offered me the chance to work on the Batman Beyond series. I typically didn’t draw in a toon-style, my base default style is realism. I had to adapt my style to fit. Working on my own book Pancratia, helped me with the transition. I wasalready drawing it in a toon animated style so the transition wasn’t hard. Also one of my best friends, Sean “Cheeks” Galloway, was a great inspiration too. Honestly, my desire is to pencil, ink and color an entire  series all by myself. I’m not knocking the current inker and colorist, they’re doing a great job, its just the artist in me that wants to do it all. Time will tell, how long my run will be on this. I do have a desire to do some other books, but it really depends on what DC wants to do. For now I’m still going to continue creating and publishing my creator-owned books as well.

SP: I’ve seen some of the advertising work you’ve done for sports teams and companies.  I’m curious about how you got into this.  Is this a field you’ve done a lot of work in during your career?  How did you first get into the realm of advertising?

RB: It all comes from my belief that I refuse to get comfortable. Here is the secret, there is no secret!! Get off the couch or hanging out at bars and get to work!! I know artists that have a wife and two kids and they are just as busy, even busier than I am, and they still manage to find a balance with the wife, kids and work. I was fortunate to have a kick start in the industry by working with Jim Lee, Mark Silvestri, Jeff Campbell, Travis Charest, Mat Broome and other talented artists, all in the same studio. It allowed me to get exposure and helped develop my career. But one thing Ive learned from this,  you must expose yourself to the world. Ive seen other artists who never had the chance to work with these guys and they got to be a well-known artist. Its 2011, we have the internet!! Its all about networking and exposure with a decent talent as your base. Even if you fail you still have your base to fall back on. Exposure and networking allowed many people to see my work including art directors, who email or call me with offers to work on sport and other projects.

SP: I’ve seen some sketches and the website for your project Pancratia.  Can you talk a little bit about it and talk about your plans for the project beyond the motion comic?

RB: NOPE!.. Ha, Ha.. Just kidding!! Pancratia is just a pet project. It’s mostly a platform for me to vent. I need to express my artistic skills in a place that I can’ do for regular comics. It all came from my frustrations. Basically I’m just having fun. But I do have plans for other projects, I just cant talk about them.  I have a team of creative guys I’m working with that wont let me talk about it.

SP: At this stage in your career, what are some of the projects in retrospect that you’re most proud of?  What are some future projects we can hope to see from you in the coming years?

RB: Man, you wont quit till you get something from me! I’ll give you a skeleton idea. I have plans for 3 other projects. One of them is a combination of all the coolest stuff I have ever seen. The others are some ideas I’ve had for years. At any given time of the day I have a new idea for a new book. As I’m doing this, I’m setting up these projects for web and print. The other cool books I’ve been on are of course Batman, Grifter, Star Wars, and my creator-owned books, Phantom Guard and Vagabond. Another thing I’m working on is developing websites. I’m working with a good friend to help him develop his site, www.creatorsafe.com. Its a website for all creators, writers, artist, actors, producers, directors. and musicians. Basically anyone in the creative industry who has an idea they want to publish or collaborate. Pancratia will be on the site once it launches early 2011.

Thanks to Ryan Benjamin for taking the time to be a part of this interview.  Check out his art in the monthly Batman Beyond title, and online at www.pancratia.com, where you can see the first parts of his motion comic.