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| John Dougherty, DNA #126 Cover Model |
Allain De Leon is a young artist from Melbourne. Perhaps best known for his drawings in monthly Gay interest magazine, DNA. I have been lucky enough to be granted a short interview with Mr De Leon, who told me about his influences and his work.
Jacob: How did you first know you
wanted to be an artist?
Allain De Leon: Ever since I was a kid,
I would almost never be seen without a pencil and paper in my hand. I had
always aspired to be an artist of some kind.
JM: Who would you say are your biggest
influences?
ADL: Some of the biggest influences in
my artist life were from comic books, TV Shows and Anime. Growing up, I felt
that the characters, often superheroes, portrayed in these mediums were great
role models of what we can be. We don’t necessarily have to have superpowers,
but to aspire to do something positive with the talents we have been with;
that’s always been something I felt was important to do.
Some of the inspirational figures I can say have been a big influence to me as an artist is Michael Turner of Topcow/Image Comics… and, of course, the artists that followed him, Marc Silvestri and Stjepan Šejić. Some others influences are Jim Lee and Alvin Lee.
Some of the inspirational figures I can say have been a big influence to me as an artist is Michael Turner of Topcow/Image Comics… and, of course, the artists that followed him, Marc Silvestri and Stjepan Šejić. Some others influences are Jim Lee and Alvin Lee.
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| Marvel's Storm |
ADL: Yeah, some of my favourites were
Spiderman, Mortal Kombat, Witchblade and more recently, Street Fighter by Udon.
JM: Speaking of reading (Laugh), how
did you become involved with DNA?
ADL: It’s a funny story, actually. I
began reading the magazine only a few years ago, sometime in the middle of
2010. I initially wrote a Fan letter to the “Burnt Toast” section of the
magazine and submitted a tribute art featuring the cover model of Issue#126 --
John Dougherty. I don’t’ know, I was just inspired to draw, not expecting a
reply at all but to my surprise, I got a prompt reply from Andrew Creagh
himself, the Founding Editor of DNA Magazine. He was thrilled to receive the
tribute piece and told me that he had been looking for a local talent to do
monthly Pinup boys, something in homage of the “Vargas Girls” from the 1950s. I
was overwhelmed and took the offer of course -- it was a once in lifetime
opportunity!
JM: Sounds amazing! Your work is
amazing too, but what kind of other works have you done?
ADL: I have worked with local and
international clients and once in a while I have some of my art Showcased at
Artboy Gallery on Greville Street, Prahran.
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| Perseus versus Medusa |
JM: What do you think your proudest
achievement is?
ADL: I’m proud of how far my art has
gone in terms of exposure. In the beginning this was a mere hobby to me, but
now it’s become global. At the moment, it may be known predominately in the
GLBT community, but it’s slowly getting out there.
JM: What’s the most rewarding thing
about being an artist?
ADL: I think the most rewarding thing
about this is when people show their enthusiasm appreciation towards my art.
I’m happy to know that people enjoy my art as much as I enjoy making them!
JM: Thank you for having this interview
with me! Good luck in your future endeavours!
If you would like to contact Mr De Leon
for commissions and pricings, send him a PM over on his facebook page, 85th Street. Other samples are also available on the page.
Art © Allain De Leon | 85th
Street 2010-2012. Used with permission.
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