Workspaces: Jerry Ordway

Ordway Workspaces header

Jerry Ordway can draw anything. His versatility and consistency is what makes him one of the most respected artists working in comics today. He’s a multitalented creator with an impressive portfolio of work that includes penciling, inking, and writing.

Over the years, Jerry has touched almost every major character in the DC Universe. The racks are filled with his creativity, which is testament to his focus and passion for comics. He’s a pro, but he’s also a fan, as you can see from his studio.

Jerry’s work on “The Power of Shazam” stands as one of the most consistently entertaining titles from the late 90s. It’s a wonderfully charming run that showcases his passion for visual storytelling.

 

Jerry took a moment to share a few photos of his studio, which is like a fanboy wonderland.

Ordway studio
Lightbox and action figures in Jerry Ordway’s studio.

Comic Book School: Where you work: (eg, part of the house, the view you have, etc.)

JERRY ORDWAY: I work in a large open dedicated room very close to the front door of my house. There are many windows on two sides, though very little face the sun, so in the Winter it can be a little gloomy. The curtains are drawn in late afternoon, to a view of many trees.

Comic Book School: Creative workshop (tools of your trade): (eg, type of drafting table, types of pens, type of digital tools, etc.)

JERRY ORDWAY: My drafting table is 5 by 3 1/2 feet, large enough for a 20×24″ lightbox, and assorted reference, pens, pencils, and a view of my television. The sole electronic device I have on my board is my Ipad, loaded with script or reference, for whatever job I’m working on. My tools of choice are: a few mechanical pencils, loaded with various hardness of pencil leads, many sizes and shapes of Pitt marker pens and brushes, a few dip pens, all Hunt 102 crow quills, and Pelikan yellow label drawing ink. I use a Faber-Castell kneaded eraser, mostly, though I have a Sanford Magic Rub eraser handy for stubborn pencils. A Captain Action doll and an old G I Joe doll are sometimes used for poses, especially generic shadows or lighting, in a pinch.

Ordway studio side
Side angle of Jerry Ordway’s studio

Comic Book School: Regular working hours:

JERRY ORDWAY: While I get up around 11 AM, I work around my family’s schedule, and try to do email and computer work during daylight hours. When drawing, I try to find time where I can work for more than an hour, before running an errand, or taking care of something like dinner. Mostly I am working until after 3 AM. I find that work gets done when I have no interruptions for several hours, which usually means everyone else is in bed, sleeping.

Comic Book School: Multitasking: (eg, listen to music, talk on phone, etc.)

JERRY ORDWAY: I listen to audio books on my ipod when drawing, and often have music on as well. When the evening rolls around, I can usually split my concentration by watching TV and drawing. If I’m writing, or having trouble laying out a page, or scene, I will just listen to music, and let the thinking part of my brain focus on the task. I’m not as good talking on the phone and still getting work done any more. I used to spend a lot of time chatting with friends, but now it just distracts me too much. I could ink straight lines, or the like, and talk, but not much more:)

Ordway studio computer
iMac in Jerry Ordway’s studio

Comic Book School: What I’m working on currently: (please include something that’s on the stands now and something that you’re working on)

JERRY ORDWAY: I am in Dark Horse Presents currently, with a 6 part feature called Semiautomagic, written by Alex DeCampi, drawn by me.

Also, drew a variant cover for the relaunch of Archie, and collaborated on a 2 page spread in Justice League#40. Coming up, a 10 page Spongebob Story.

 

Learn more about Jerry:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jerryordway

Blog: http://ordstersrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/

Website: http://www.jerryordway.com/

Book: Modern Masters #13: Jerry Ordway

 

Another view of Jerry's inspiring studio.
Another view of Jerry’s inspiring studio.

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