My parents bought me the “Dream Makers” book for Christmas in 1991. It’s the first time I’d ever seen Charles Vess, Michael Kaluta, and Bernie Wrightson. I’d loved comic books for years, but this was something more. The work that these guys were doing were both comics, but also something more. Their drawings and stories resonated in me. I wanted to be a part of that.
This photo of Bernie, working at his drafting table in his studio has always been what I pictured when I thought “I’m going to be an artist someday.” I’m glad we live in a world where kids can be inspired by things that are bigger than them.