I just recently realized that this year marks the 30th anniversary of my first professional work as an artist. Back in 1994 I worked on the book Mark Kistler’s Imagination Station while I was still a Junior in High School!
When I was a kid I used to come home from school and immediately jump in front of the television. I watched a lot of Duck Tales, Tail Spin, Darkwing Duck and a little show called Mark Kistler’s Draw Squad on PBS.
I already loved to draw and spent a lot of time copying art from my Garfield books and making my own cartoons. Mark was actually teaching stuff like shading and how to draw in 3D. I was blown away and spent every afternoon working on his lessons. Years later when I was in High School I learned from my Mom that Mark was coming to visit the elementary school she worked at as a part of his tour. He traveled around the country doing assemblies at schools and teaching art. I showed up to his event with my portfolio and made a point to meet him. Mark was incredibly kind and took time to look through my art.
He told me he was working on a new book that would collect a lot of his lessons and asked me if I would help him with it. Of course I jumped at the opportunity. Mark was doing the pencils for every page of the book and then I was inking them all. It was so much work that I couldn’t do it at home after school. I spoke with my art teach at the time Mr. Strand who let me spend my time in his Commercial Art class working on Mark’s book instead of doing the normal lessons in that class.
It was my first real art job and it was an incredible learning experience. It’s hard to describe just what a massive influence Mark was for me and other artists of my age. His passion for art and his ability to engage with kids is unparalleled. It would be impossible for me to ever thank him enough for his lessons, his encouragement and his kindness. He has recently released a movie called The Secret Cities of Mark Kistler that covers his incredible career. The man is an absolute legend and I encourage you to check out his new film even if you never watched his shows. There is no question that I would not be where I am today without Mark Kistler.
Don't forget, "Draw Every Day!"
Thank you Commander Mark.
-Gabe out
