Elaina Unger is making a name for herself in the world of comics. Currently working as a colorist for Archie Comics, Elaina lends her talents to titles such as Sonic Universe and has even worked on a project with the legendary Stan Lee. I recently caught up with the talented illustrator and painter to chat about comics, her projects and how she broke into the industry.
SB: How did you break into comics?
EU: I had been coloring comics for independent clients for a year and a half before joining the mainstream industry. I had built a portfolio on the side during that time, and went to New York Comic Con in 2014 to do some networking. I emailed Archie Comics a month later after visiting their booth at NYCC, and they liked my work. They assigned me my first big coloring project a few months later being issue #49 of Mega Man.
SB: Tell us about some of the projects you’ve worked on.
EU: Hmm, I’m not sure where to start! I’ll name a few. I’ve colored Mary Moon for Black Mirror Comics, which is a series about an archaeologist who becomes part vampire and part werewolf. Very cool and a fun series for horror fans. Mega Man is based off a Capcom video game series which is about a robot built to protect the world from the zany Dr. Wily. A couple other series I’ve worked on for Archie are Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic Universe, which are based off a very well known Sega video game series, which probably doesn’t need explanation. I also worked on side issues for Sonic and Mega Man: Worlds Unite which was a crossover between Mega Man and Sonic. I have also worked on a couple other things for Archie and I’m stoked for those projects to be announced and released. Most recently, I have colored the 2nd volume of The Zodiac Legacy graphic novel, a series created by Stan Lee, who is best known for creating Spider-Man and making awesome cameos in Marvel movies. It’s about a group of people who have the powers of the Chinese zodiac. It’s pretty interesting and reminds me of X-Men. It should come out in late fall. Without bias I can say that everything I have worked on is super cool and worth checking out!
SB:What are you working on now?
EU: As of right now I’ve got a bit of coloring work for Sonic Universe, and I also have some coloring work lined up for a couple other clients and publishers. Over the past week I have mainly been focusing on painting and creating a textile collection for my agent. As an artist you are always working – it’s a lifestyle, not so much a job. At least that’s how I view it!
SB: Describe your typical work routine.
EU: It changes from time to time depending on how much work I have and what I am working on. When I’m coloring comics and got a tight deadline, I wake up early, get ready for the day, grab some coffee, and color while listening to Youtube videos, movies, or music (industrial is my go-to when the deadline is coming up fast). Besides some small breaks I take throughout the day to catch a breather, I don’t stop until my personal quota is done for the day.
SB: What has been the most rewarding project in your professional career – in or out of comics – and why?
EU: That’s a hard one to answer! I think almost everything I’ve worked on has been pretty rewarding. For comics, I would say any coloring work I’ve done on Sonic – he’s a childhood hero of mine and I feel like I’m making my 4 year old self proud! Also it’s quite rewarding when people commission me to do drawings/paintings/etc. The look on their faces and the reactions they give when they see what I have made for them is humbling. In my opinion, there is nothing more rewarding than making others happy by sharing a piece of your self!
SB: Although most fans know of you as a colorist, you’re also an illustrator. How does being skilled in one area influence how you produce comics?
EU: I think it is very important to be strong in the fundamentals if you want to dive into comics or digital art. My primary medium is watercolor, and by working often with watercolors for 8 years I try to marry my knowledge of painting with coloring comics in terms of shadows, lights, and textures. Having knowledge in color theory and understanding chiaroscuro are also good to have in the back pocket.
SB: What element of your work gives you the most personal satisfaction?
EU: I would say when I look at something I have made and it feels kinetic and fast. If I feel a sense of movement from something I have made, then I know I have created something living. That is important for me to see in my work because I then know others can see the heart in it.
SB: When did you first decide that you wanted to pursue a career in comic books and illustration?
EU: I’ve always loved art and comics, I’ve been drawing for pretty much my whole life. I don’t think I realized I wanted to go into illustration until I hit college, and not comics until after I graduated!
SB: Who has had the biggest influence on your comics career, and how has that person changed your work?
EU: My biggest influence in comic coloring has hands-down been Alex Sinclair. I’ve studied his coloring work and techniques so meticulously I feel slightly creepy about it! His work has influenced my coloring work by helping me learn to make it cleaner, sleeker, and more elegant.
SB: We’ve all met very talented newcomers who are trying to get their first professional projects. What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard given to a promising new creator?
EU: “Even if it takes 20 years in your parents’ basement, never give up.” Comic book legend Scott McCloud came to my university one time and said that to the students about breaking into comics. I never forgot his words because just like anything in life you want, you need perseverance. You could be the world’s best singer or race car driver, but if you don’t go for it, you’re not going anywhere, ever.
SB: Time to get philosophical: What’s the most important “big idea” that you’ve learned in life – in or out of comics – and why is it important?
EU: Ah philosophy time! “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” To me, life is about living for other people and being a community, peace and love. You can’t do everything alone, and you have to let go of your ego to admit that (I often have trouble doing so!) When you treat others with respect and acceptance you further build a peaceful community. It becomes easier to rely on others and makes it easier for others to rely on you!
SB: What can we expect from you in 2016 and beyond?
EU: For the rest of this year, expect more comic coloring work, paintings, and a Youtube channel! I will hopefully have that jumpstarted in the fall sometime (latest Spring 2017). It’s going to feature painting and coloring tutorials, and I want to offer advice on my channel for anyone just entering the art scene. As for beyond this year, besides expecting more comic coloring and paintings, I’m hoping to sell and promote my work at more conventions. My first big con was Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con back in June and I had a blast. I’d love to work more conventions. I’d also one day love to paint or pencil comic covers and even write for comics. I’ve always enjoyed writing as well as creating art, so it would be way rad to do that in the future!
