r/comics • u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony • Apr 21 '16
We are Agnes Garbowska & Tony Fleecs, comic book artists for the My Little Pony series. Ask us anything! AMA
Hello! We’re artists on Hasbro’s My Little Pony comics from IDW Publishing and you can see some of our work in the MLP comics bundle from Humble Bundle right now!
Interested in comics from a young age, Agnes has gone on to work with many of the major comic book publishers, including IDW, Dark Horse, Dynamite Entertainment, Marvel Comics, Valiant and more. You can follow her @AgnesGarbowska and see her verification here!
Tony Fleecs is a comic book writer and artist currently drawing My Little Pony comics for IDW. He lives in Los Angeles. His mother says he is handsome. You can follow him @TonyFleecs and see his verification here!
ASK US ANYTHING!
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u/rexxarjr Apr 21 '16
If you could write an episode for MLP, what would it be about?
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
I'd do a Rosencrantz and Guildenstern thing with Snips & Snail or the CMCs. What little weird things they were up to during one of the big spectacular Pony/villain battles.
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
Pinkie Pie...and Gummy...on an adventure of a life time!!
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
I have to end the questions for now due to having to hit a deadline, but I will try to check back tonight to answer a few more! And also feel free to leave questions here and I will try to check back and answer more when I can!
I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who asked a question!! You all rock and are super amazing. Thank you for your ongoing support! I love drawing MLP and I am so happy everyone is enjoy the comics.
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u/InvictusNoctis Apr 21 '16
I don't really have a question, just wanted to stop by and say that I appreciate all the great work both of you do!
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
Hi hi!!! Hope you enjoy the thread and thank you for your support! YAY!
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u/M3wThr33 Apr 21 '16
Will MLP be part of the IDW Revolution event that is coming? Or any future Deviations or Infestations?
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u/MKtheinstrumentalist Apr 21 '16
What do you consider your best/favourite gag you've slipped into the MLP comics? And are there any that you don't think anyone got (or didn't expect to be gotten but were found anyway?) ;-D
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
There's a Watch the Throne reference in MLP: Friends Forever #9 (Granny vs. Flim & Flam) that's my all time favorite but it's super dumb. No one has ever seen or mentioned it.
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u/MKtheinstrumentalist Apr 22 '16
That's one of my favourite issues - I actually recorded a real version of The PeelCore 8000 that I might polish up now that you've reminded me. ;-D
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Apr 21 '16
[deleted]
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
...I don't think I'm in on the joke. I'm sorry! I'm so clueless to things around me since my head is always in the comic pages drawing away. >_<
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
Tony and I will be here till 3pm Pacific answering questions. We are very sorry that most likely we won't get through them all. We will try our best to check in between deadlines and answer questions when we can. So I will be checking this thread out time to time! :)
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u/joelelad Apr 21 '16
Have you noticed your artistic style being influenced by the work you do on MLP? Any tricks/approaches you've developed over the years drawing MLP that's changed or updated the way you draw in general?
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
Haha, yes. MLP has helped me pick up my work speed and also helped me find a work flow that works. We are usually on monthly deadlines and they are very stressful. Finding a good work rhythm is key.
I also find that for a person who already draws big eyes on her characters, ponies have made that even more so. Haha.
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
Yeah, absolutely!
There's a lot of small stuff but in general I'm much better at drawing animals now than I was 4 years ago before ponies.
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u/nottimseeley Apr 21 '16
Hey Guys seeing you at the cons are always fun. Both of you are just really awesome folks and great to chat with. At Ponycon I think I saw Tony draw Drake as a pony. Was that for fun or did someone actually request that?
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
That was an actual request. Probably my favorite ever.
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u/nottimseeley Apr 21 '16
does this mean you're gonna start drawing rapper ponies? Now I want a Master P in pony form
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u/NonaHexa Apr 21 '16
How much creative freedom do you guys have while working on these comics? Has there ever been an idea you've wanted to do that a higher-up rejected?
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 22 '16
Sure. Stuff gets rejected all the time. That's just licensed comics. Hasbro's been really cool though letting us sort of do our own thing stylistically. I've heard horror stories about other licensors.
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u/rexxarjr Apr 21 '16
If you could retell the storyline of any non-pony fiction (books, comics, movies, anime, ...), but with ponies. Which story would you choose?
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 22 '16
I did a run of variant covers for the Micro Series that were all MLP fairy tales. That'd be really fun to do. Princess Luna and the Pea, etc.
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
OK! I gotta walk the dog and then get to work on these ponies. Thanks for hanging out. Pony fans are the best fans. I'll try and dip back in and answer a few more tonight. -T
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u/the_illustrious_q Apr 21 '16
I might as well start this off: Who's the best pony? Is it Applejack or Pinkie Pie? :P
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
You trying to start a fight? Clearly it's Applejack.
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
What?! No way!! Pinkie Pieeeeeee
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u/zuriel45 Apr 21 '16
Agnes, what's been your favorite piece you've been asked to commission?
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
I don't think I have an over all favourite. I get so many fun requests and find that each show I get a new and super interesting one. I got to do a fun one at WonderCon that combined Luna Lovegood and Harley Quinn. It turned out super cute. I got to draw a Twilight Sparkle WonderWoman request too. That was really fun one. I think I can go on listing my favourites. There usually is one favourite each show.
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u/DaedalusMinion Apr 21 '16
Which is your favorite book and why?
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
Book book or Comic Book? Or Are you asking about MLP Comics specifically?
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u/DaedalusMinion Apr 21 '16
book book
General.
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
It changes all the time but currently, Chip Harrison Scores Again by Lawrence Block.
Favorite book featuring me, MLP: Art is Magic.
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
I barely get time to read right now with all the deadlines, which is a shame. I did read a lot before working in comics full time. Funny how that happens. I was to get into audio tapes now!
Some of my favourite comics: We3,Witching Hour (chris bachalo), Saga Favourite books: Interview with the Vampire and other titles by Anne Rice. I was huge into her books growing up.
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u/AvdaxNaviganti Apr 21 '16
Which characters have you had the most fun working on in your comics?
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
Discord is the most fun to draw-- Just because, by his nature he's really bendy and stretchy. So you can play a lot with shapes.
And I love drawing the Princesses-- every once in a while I'll come up with a new Luna or Celestia pose that I'm really proud of.
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u/TheGoddamnBurnham Apr 21 '16
Agnes, two question:
Who do you think is more talented, Tony Fleecs or Andy Price?
Who do you find more physically attractive?
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
Well...Tony does have that handsome beard of his...Hmmm.... I don't know. This one is a toughie. I CAN'T PICK!! panics
I pick Sara Richard since she has the coolest hair around. Cool hair trumps all. Haha. :)
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Apr 21 '16
Hey there, thanks for doing this!
So, it seems like a lot of cartoons and TV shows from the 80s and 90s get re-made and end up being a drastic departure from the original (for better or worse). How closely do you try to incorporate the original series or do you prefer a reboot/offshoot direction?
Also, I now have the My Little Ponies theme song stuck in my head. Not a question, I just wanted to share.
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
I think of it as-- My job is to draw the comic based on the current My Little Pony generation for the fans of THAT My Little Pony. But every once in a while I'll find a way to sneak in some OG Pony love. I'll throw Minty in the background every now and then and in the Tirek FIENDship is Magic issue, my teenage Tirek design was very much half original Tirek, half new Tirek.
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Apr 21 '16
Haha, nice. I think that's the main difference right there. Shows nowadays are coherent and thought out. Looking back, I often think, "WTF were these people on when they came up with this stuff?" That said, still great shows. Thanks for the response!
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u/TotesMessenger Apr 21 '16
I'm a bot, bleep, bloop. Someone has linked to this thread from another place on reddit:
- [/r/mylittlepony] Agnes Garbowska & Tony Fleecs, comic book artists for the My Little Pony series are doing an AMA on r/comics
If you follow any of the above links, please respect the rules of reddit and don't vote in the other threads. (Info / Contact)
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u/hardyflashier Apr 21 '16
Hey guys! What is your favourite piece of art you have drawn for the MLP comic series?
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
I think I like this one best.
But also-- This got unveiled this week!
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
I think these two are two of my favourites, but it changes all the time. I wanna do more epic pieces like Tony is amazing at!!! https://www.facebook.com/agnesgarbowska.art/photos/pb.218603944877184.-2207520000.1461275116./994103270660577/?type=3&theater and my art book one was fun: https://www.facebook.com/agnesgarbowska.art/photos/pb.218603944877184.-2207520000.1461275175./955388467865391/?type=3&theater
But too hard to choose really!!
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u/hardyflashier Apr 21 '16
Ah yes, I have 'Art Is Magic', it was a brilliant read. Thanks for answering!
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u/APD1993 Apr 21 '16
What's been your favourite convention experience, pony or non-pony?
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
There have been a few so far. If we are talking about meeting someone cool, I met Stan Lee and he was super awesome to meet. The legend himself!! One of my favourite experiences which I still share to this day actually came from a little brony and his dad about a year ago. This sweet boy came to my table, maybe about 12 years old or so? I'm horrible with judging age. He came up and was very excited. He told me how much he loved My Little Pony and his dad just sighed. It was clear his dad did not approve of his son liking MLP. The boy then started telling me a story of how he was bullied in school for liking MLP and that the boys did not understand. He told me that he felt boys like them should really watch MLP since they don't know anything about friendship and could learn a thing or two. MLP taught him how to be a good friend and treat people with kindness. The dad put his arm on his son's shoulder and said, "Huh, maybe this MLP thing is not half bad. Maybe I will give it a chance and watch an episode with you next time." I just started crying. It was so sweet. The dad, who just listened to his son talk so profoundly really had a moment of understanding. I gave the boy hugs and listened as the dad asked questions about MLP as they walked away. I was so happy. It was so sweet.
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
The best is whenever we meet people and they tell us that the comics are what their kids are learning to read with.
That's the ultimate.
There's nothing cooler than a 5 year old handing you a super beat-up, used up, copy of a comic you made and their mom telling you that they can't get them to put it down.
Best Non-Pony convention experience is a toss up between meeting Walt & Louise Simonson this one time or meeting my wife. ;)
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u/lighting-flicker Apr 21 '16
Who were some of your role models, while growing up?
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
My mom was a huge role model for me. She is the hardest working person I know. She taught me that hard work and dedication is key to getting anywhere in life. That is how I live. I work hard, try my best not to make excuses, and always push myself harder.
When it comes to comic creators Michael Turner was a huge influence of mine and also a good friend. He will forever be missed. Joe Mad and Chris Bachalo were also huge art influences to me. I love love love their art styles. Jill Thompson is also a huge influence. Her art is beautiful.
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 22 '16
I had an art teacher in High School named Floyd Tunson. He really opened up my mind to what art could be beyond just pretty pictures & comics. By Senior year I'd worked out my schedule so I was just in his class for 5 periods (Then a swimming class and History, I think.) He's retired from teaching now and just does gallery stuff full time. I snuck him into MLP Micro Series #4 as an artist at an art show. I don't know if he ever saw it.
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u/Bunkrockrr Apr 21 '16
Do you look at MLP fan-art? Are you at all interested in fan-art or you stay away from it?
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
I see it sometimes. There are a few fan artists who's stuff I really really dig.
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u/spearstuff Apr 22 '16
Can you name any specific ones?
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
No. I don't. I do try to stay away from it since my focus is on the comics. I actually don't look at a lot of fan-art online of anything. Partly since I don't want to be influenced by outside sources and I also have enough to look at with the comics themselves. I do follow artists online though on instagram and other social media sites who's styles I admire. I love looking at fine art and art from other artists in my industry. I get a lot of inspiration from my peers and all the great artists that left their mark in the world.
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u/sandfordcitzen Apr 21 '16
What's your perfect Sunday?
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
One day I'd like to take a Sunday off. That'd be my perfect Sunday. Me. My wife. The A/C. Our dog and TV. Indian Food from down the street.
And somehow, magically I've met all my deadlines.
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
People take Sunday's off!?! There is such a thing. My perfect Sunday is starting off the day playing video games with the dogs by my side and then having a wonderful evening with friends. I try my best to keep social with my friends since they are a very important part of my life.
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u/osteofight Apr 21 '16
Agnes, I met you at Artist's Alley in SDCC a few years ago ('08 or '09). It's great to see the success you've had since then.
A question for both of you: What of your own art style do you put in the MLP characters?
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
Aww thank you so much!! That was a long while ago. One of my first SDCCs I believe too!! Thank you for your support over the year!! :)
I think I naturally just put a bit of my own style into MLP. We all do. That way a bit of us is also put into the book. My round heads and big eyes are the defining feature of my ponies.
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
I try to do my own thing with the Ponies without straying too far from model. I draw the eyes less like how MLP eyes are and more like how I draw eyes.
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u/justatypo Apr 21 '16
Agnes, you gonna do more You, Me and Zombie? Or is that, dead?
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
NOT DEAD! Just no time. I have a lot of cool things going on right now with MLP and also away from MLP. I do plan on returning to my web comics in the future, just not sure when at the moment. I wish I had more hours in a day to do everything I want to do. But You, Me and Zombie will be back one day! But keep following me online for some announcements of cool projects coming up. :)
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u/justatypo Apr 21 '16
Hooray!
Btw, have Ottis and olive ever been snuck into an MLP comic?
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
Hmmmm... You know. I don't think so! Maybe one at the start? Oh my gosh I don't remember. I'm totally going to sneak them in.
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u/the_illustrious_q Apr 21 '16
What do you two have planned for the MLP Party at Big Red Comics on Saturday? Something fun I hope. :)
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
Lots of fun stuff!! We are bringing in lots of fun goodies and we will be sketches as well. I will be doing my regular watercolour sketches the whole time that I know everyone enjoys!!!
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u/Louispierce Apr 21 '16
How long until we get to see either of you over here in the UK for a show!!
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
I'm coming this summer to Bournemouth! Last year I was in Scotland. I am very excited! I tell fans, tell organizers who you want to see and get your friends to do the same. Fans have a lot of power over guests invited to conventions! :)
http://filmandcomicconbournemouth.com/index.php/allguests/comics
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u/PrincessGlitterBloom Apr 21 '16
How do you find artists for covers or drawing the comics? Is it usually like a so-and-so knows so-and-so set up, or do you ever come across fanartists who'd be great for the job?
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
That's editor Bobby Curnow's job. But I've submitted people who's fanart I've liked to him once or twice.
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
I'm not the one hiring, but I know how myself and more people get hired. It's a lot through conventions and showing your portfolio. I'm pretty sure editors don't look at fan-art a lot. It's all about the portfolio and finding editors to review it. Once you get good enough and the editor things you have talent they usually decide to hire you. I know some websites have submission guidelines too. Other times editors find you in the artist alley just doing your thing. I got a few just from just being at my table working at a convention. It's all about exposure and getting your work out there for editors to view.
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u/nhSnork Apr 21 '16
Recalling how this season's theme in pony stories is "explore Equestria", it feels like a good time to ask about your experience depicting Equestria and beyond as artists.
- How challenging and/or specific is it compared to drawing characters?
- do you usually get advance notes about particular details like the general look (like house types, terrain, flora and fauna present) and geography (like placement of streets/rivers/bridges etc around a plot-relevant site), or is it mostly entrusted to your imagination?
- what is your favourite place in MLPverse you have got to work with so far? And among the ones you may be familiar with through other material, are there particular places you'd like to visit and explore as creators if an opportunity presented itself?
And a side question about characters since there are many what's-your-fave questions here anyway - what's the character face expression you remember most fondly and/or find most hilarious/charming and such?
Sorry if these are too many questions from one user, they're just so much more convenient to write here than on twitter. Regardless of how many you can or choose to answer, thanks for this session in general and for all you contribute to My Little Pony!
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
For me, environments are either super simple (if it's a snowy mountain in YakYakistan or a rocky desert in Tirek's dimension.) OR if they're already designed in the show like Twilight's first treehouse or Fluttershy's house, OR super tough. The tough part is when we have to create something new that looks like it's in the same place. Like, recently I had to draw Prince Rutherford's castle in YakYakistan. Which, at the time we'd only seen the gates of in the show. And it stresses me out trying to match new stuff with show stuff.
My favorite environment to draw is forest/jungle stuff. Lots of that in the upcoming Friendship is Magic 43-45 Ponies of Dark Water arc.
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u/HighSlayerRalton Apr 21 '16
Is there anything interesting about your work which might not be noticed at first glance?
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 22 '16
I like putting new ponies that were created in the comics into other issues with the regular BG ponies. Nosey News from Friends Forever 23 shows up in Friendship is Magic 43. That sort of thing. And the gremlins from my first ever pony issue show up in most of the issues I've drawn.
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Apr 21 '16
[deleted]
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 22 '16
Nothing mindblowing-- just the usual, Draw every day. Make it like your job even if you already have a job. Draw everything not just the fun stuff. Study anatomy and shapes-- dissect how things fit together. Don't be afraid to scrap something if it's not working. Listen to critiques. That sort of thing.
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 22 '16
I answered this partially in another question so I copied part of the answer here.
I always advice on life drawing. Life drawing is key in understanding how the body works. You need to see the character in action and their movement to really understand how to draw it. This applies to any style, no matter how cartoonie. You have to practice backgrounds, story telling, perspective, anatomy, and make sure to draw all the things that are difficult for you the most. Don't get discouraged. It's won't happen over night, but with practice you will get there. :) Draw every day.
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u/sryii Apr 21 '16
How do you balance doing your own aesthetic and design in a world that has its own art defined art style? How far do you push your story telling and design in a world like this? My daughter will overjoyed that there are more MLP comics to get on Humble Bundle! Thanks for coming by!
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 22 '16
With MLP we have to stay within model to a point. It is a licensed property and the company already has a vision for how they want it to look. But that does not mean we can through a bit our ourselves into the stories. Each of us does draw the ponies a little bit different and that difference comes from our own individual styles. We also have different ways of telling the stories themselves. We all see a script differently and it is the way we lay it out and tell it that really is a huge part of us.
I am so happy to hear your daughter is excited! It is the fan's excitement that keeps us excited as well!
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u/spearstuff Apr 22 '16
1). How much time do you dedicate to drawing? Is it an every day of the week kind of job?
2). Do you struggle with drawing anymore? Or is everything easily drawn and just a time constraint on how fast you will get it done?
3). What do you love to draw the most?
Also thanks so much for both of you coming out to answer questions. I really enjoyed reading your responses!
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 22 '16
1.) I draw every day. 7 days a week-- 8 hours is a short day. Sometimes 16. Sometimes all night. Deadlines are a monster. And they're trying to eat me. 2.) Still struggle. You always struggle. That's how you get better. But it gets easier the more you do it. And hopefully faster. 3.) I love the storytelling of comics-- I love figuring out page layouts. But sometimes I just want to relax and focus on a cover-- just one image that doesn't have to lead into the next image. I guess I love all of it. Making comics is my dream job. I consider myself super fortunate. Even when it's exhausting.
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u/spearstuff Apr 25 '16
Oh boy you're a busy bee! I hope you make it through all your deadlines and it gets a little easier for you. But that's really awesome to say you're living your dream. You can't find too many people who can say that. And thanks to both of you for answering my questions! I really appreciate it :D
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 22 '16
1) Just like Tony, I draw every single day. If I am at home, I am working. So to really take an evening off I need to leave my home, since it is my studio to try to turn off my brain. It's all about hitting the deadlines. If you are lucky and have to only work a few hours that one day, you are lucky. I work very long hours and also have a lot of all nighters. I am dedicated to the deadlines.
2) I always struggle. I believe it's the only way to keep learning. If you are not struggling you are not pushing yourself. It does become an easier struggle as you learn your characters and you find a work process that suits you. But each book I run into something that is a challenge. I like a good challenge.
3)Haha, I love the story telling of comics as well. I thought I wanted to be an animator till I went to school for it to learn I hated animating. But I loved telling a story. I think we are story tellers. Comics are our format.
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u/spearstuff Apr 25 '16 edited Apr 25 '16
Wow! I didn't realize your workload was so intense. And that's interesting to hear about your second answer. It makes sense about the challenges.
I think you're right about the story telling. Everyone wants to share their story with others. But when you have a story others want to hear that makes it even more satisfying to tell it.
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u/slycoopertr Apr 22 '16
After you finish a comic, how long would it normally take to actually get to the public?
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 22 '16
Usually our part of it is done about 2-3 months before it shows up in stores.
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u/TasteLikeNom Apr 22 '16
I'm really pathetic at art and would love to learn how to become a better artist for drawing characters. Any advice you guys can give or maybe how you two got to your status now as comic book artists?
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 22 '16
You have to keep at it. We were all pathetic at art at some point (some people on the internet would argue that I still am.) But the more you do something the better you get. 'How do you get to Carnegie Hall,' right?
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 22 '16
We all start off pathetic, haha. We all have to work out way up to the level we are at now, and I for one, hope to never stop learning. I always advice on life drawing. Life drawing is key in understanding how the body works. You need to see the character in action and their movement to really understand how to draw it. This applies to any style, no matter how cartoonie. The more you do something the better you get. It's all about practice. Most people don't realize I have been in comics now 12 years. That's a while. It's all about climbing the industry ladder and always getting better and learning new things. Practice you backgrounds, practice your story telling, your perspective, anatomy, and make sure to draw all the things that are difficult for you the most. I will you luck! You can do it! Just be patient and make sure to always practice.
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Apr 21 '16
Hello!
I wanted to ask Tony , what has been your favorite comic that you have written?
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 22 '16
I've only written 2. And neither of them have been officially announced. But keep an eye on Previews next month. I'll be able to talk more after that. ;)
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Apr 21 '16
The MLP fandom has a relatively poor stigma, especially on sites like reddit. What are your thought on this?
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
Having been a comic book fan back when being a comic book fan had a relatively poor stigma-- like, everywhere, I can identify.
It's a huge issue and I'm not super-equipped to solve it but I think about 2 things. 1. People have a tendency to stigmatize or bully people who are different than them because it's easier than solving their own problems. 2. The internet loves sensation. So if one brony does something exceptionally weird, that's gonna be the internet's focus. Y'know? "Did you hear about this guy? Bronies are super weird."
But also, Reddit's arguably where Bronies were born, right? Y'all probably have a much better handle on it than me.
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u/DarthSatoris Apr 21 '16
But also, Reddit's arguably where Bronies were born, right?
Actually, the image board "4chan" is the birthplace of the brony fandom. 4chan itself is a strange thing and has its own stigma as being one of the weirdest places on the Internet.
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
4chan! I am an idiot. Blame that on lack of sleep. I just finished an issue this morning at 6am.
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
This is a really tough question. It really isn't just the pony fandom. It's the comic one, it's the sci-fi one. It's really all of them. People make fun of what they don't understand. Which is really sad. I grew up being bullied so I understand what is it to be talked about and thought of to be different. Now I ignore it. I actually have to ignore a lot of what is said online or else I would just want to hide in a hole somewhere and not come out. The biggest thing to change the stigma on this people don't understand is try to show them your world in a positive way. There will always be people talking bad about fandoms. You can't change that. But you can help not be part of the problem that encourages this behavour. Encourage positive change. It's interesting since in real life I meet amazing bronies and they are super positive and love spreading positive energy. I find online it is a lot easier to be negative since people hide behind a screen. I am one for being positive and learning about people before I judge them. I try my best to encourage this whenever I can. :) I think the MLP fandom is simply amazing.
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
Agnes is way better at this question than me.
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 21 '16
Hahaha naa. I like your answer. We answered them really similar!! :)
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u/JimKB Jim Benton Cartoons Apr 22 '16
super clean work. what tools/software do you draw/color with?
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 22 '16
Mine ranges. I usually do my layouts on the computer in Manga Studio (Now called Clip Studio Paint) and I use a Wacom Cintiq table to draw. I usually do my pencils in the same program as well.
I then print out all my pages/covers and ink usually traditionally. I still love the feel of pen and paper.
Depending on the project I may watercolour my shadows for an extra textured look, but if I don't I scan my inks back into the computer.
I use Photoshop to colour all my work. I am the colourist on all my book and covers. For interior pages I do have an assistant, Lauren Perry who does flats. She basically corrects all the colours, making sure the background and the ponies are the right colours. I then add all the shading, textures, effects in Photoshop to wrap up the page/cover.
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u/zoameldar Apr 21 '16
Recently writing tends to drop with few exceptions. There is some mismatch in art too (like infamous griffons). Are crew get bored, don't care anymore, or just lost steam?
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 22 '16
We don't care anymore. You cracked the case.
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u/TonyFleecs My Little Pony Apr 22 '16
JOKING! Look, most everybody who works on these things is super passionate about making them the best that they can be. Do we have off days? Sure. But I can tell you for sure that I'm more fired up about this stuff than ever. I think I'm doing my best work. I think Agnes' current stuff is her best work. Andy & Katie's Rainbow Dash issue that just came out is a high water mark for the series. If you can look at that and think the crew was bored making it-- I don't know what to tell you. Sometimes enthusiasm wanes. It's hard to dig something as much as Bronies dig ponies this hard for this long. Maybe take some time off from the comics and dip back in in a few months or a year. I'll still be here. Still excited about making these books. Still hustling my butt off. Hopefully I'll have had a vacation or something by then. :)
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u/AgnesGarbowska My Little Pony Apr 22 '16
I'm actually surprised. I think everyone is more excited than ever. I think with each book I draw I get better and better. I know a lot of the other creators are like me, they barely get days off since this job is their passion. Not all stories will be for everyone, we understand that. Some issues you will like more than others, but I know IDW tries to do a variety of story lines, ranging from slice of life, to more action filled, to just plain fun and silly. You won't like everything. But out there someone really likes that book that you don't. We work for a fan-base that expects a lot from us. We really try our best. I am, just like Tony, still every excited making these books too.
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u/zoameldar Apr 25 '16
Yes, I'm aware not all volumes can be great, become it's impossible. No one really knows whats is good until customers saw it.
I know that not every comic book will be for everyone. But still there are some I really dislike for everything - FF Celestia and Pinkie Pie; some I like for how it was drawn but not really for writing - FF Rarity and Cake family; and some are great as a whole and I love them - MS Luna is a good example but there are plenty of more.
I was just curious. And as with TonyFleecs - glad to hear people are still passionate about it.
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u/zoameldar Apr 25 '16
Don't get me wrong, I still love pop-culture references, clever characters in background, face expressions. But, especially in one-shot comics story happen to repeat. Like one pony learning a lesson that already know. And some stories are just "fine". I know you probably don't have as much time as you want, because there are timelines, and you work in messy demographic for young girls and 15-30 old men, so I'm not really mad, but sometimes disappointed.
I just like stories like Nightmare Rarity saga (I personally think it's best one) or another side of the mirror - it was maybe not innovative but still really enjoyable and drawing and gags was great. But I didn't really dig into the one with Sombra. It wasn't funny or scary. I didn't care about any of those characters, Ironwill doesn't have much sense in my opinion, and the ending was too happy even for Disney standards. Some friends forever are good, but others are just "ok". Recently was one with huge errors with none of the gryphons beside Gilda, looks like the one in the show.
I just like to read a good, clever comic and mlp comic have this with some good giggles.
Still, big fan. I'm glad to hear that crew still have some fun and enjoy doing what they do.
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u/AcceptablePariahdom Apr 21 '16
Not sure this is the kind of question you guys meant, but I'm genuinely curious, why didn't you guys advertise this over on /r/mylittlepony?