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Bored Panda reached out to Stephen to find out a little bit more.
His comic series, "Adult Children," draws from the comical and often absurd aspects of adulthood and the retail work environment, resonating deeply with anyone familiar with customer service. Beals describes the inspiration behind the title of his series, stating, "I titled my comic series 'Adult Children' because being an adult seems like a made-up story we tell kids to make them behave. Sometimes it works and a child will master the art of pretending to be responsible. They become politicians, incarcerated, or potentially both."
Discussing his influences in comic creation, Beals notes the impact of several classic series on his style: "If I'm rereading Calvin and Hobbes, it will brush off with me. Same with Bloom County and Peanuts. I've read so many, and there are many wonderful oldies. Lately, I've been checking old newspapers. If you go back several decades, you can discover comics that never made it to a book collection."
For aspiring comic artists looking for guidance, Beals offers simple yet profound advice: "Do what interests you. If you try and guess what people will like, it most likely won’t work. Have fun. That’s the most important." This approach highlights the importance of authenticity and enjoyment over trying to predict audience preferences.
Reflecting on the evolution of his art style, Beals compares it to the development of handwriting, which naturally changes and adapts over time influenced by various factors. "Art evolves the same way a person’s handwriting evolves. Influences happen along the way. Art school. Artists I admire. Different techniques. But like handwriting, you can be in a hurry. I contend that a lot of great art was made by accident when the artist was in a rush. The artist likes that accident and repeats it."
When it comes to balancing creativity with the demands of business, Beals candidly admits his struggles: "I don’t! I’ve had many people request books, and it’s an ongoing goal to make one, but time is not my friend. The strip has become popular despite my lack of marketing efforts." This honesty sheds light on the common challenges faced by artists in managing their creative output with the logistical aspects of their careers.
