With his eco-friendly comic Ruin of Rain , Veerapak "Tor" Pinyovitayawong took first prize in the general category at the 2012 PTT Comic Competition under the theme of "Plastic Story". Tor is currently an illustrator at Ittirit House: CG & Animation, the studio behind the recent Thai animated feature Yak: The Giant King.
WHEN DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN COMICS?
I remember watching cartoons on television and drawing when I was little.
WHAT'S THE FIRST CARTOON YOU SAW?
The first cartoon I saw has to be Mickey Mouse. My current favourite is One Piece, which is still being drawn.
WHAT'S YOUR DRAWING PROCESS?
I start from a big picture, and from there come the characters and tone. The story comes after that.
WHY ARE COMICS SPECIAL TO YOU?
People and businesses are accepting of cartoons as a medium that can relay a message in a different way. Whether it be ideas or life lessons, comics can teach something indirectly without being boring. Kids now grow up with Japanese cartoons/comics and if you look at them carefully, there are certainly subtle messages and ideas present.
HOW DO YOU JUGGLE BETWEEN A FULL-TIME JOB AND DRAWING?
I always find time to draw. Even though I work from 10am until 7pm, I set goals. For instance, drawing three pages a day. Some people may prefer watching movies or playing sports as their hobby, but I draw.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE A FULL-TIME CARTOONIST IN THAILAND?
Yes as far as I know, but it depends on the person. You need to be hard-working, have a lot of discipline and meet deadlines. I draw a lot but had never completed a comic before the competition. Either a lack of motivation or feedback prevented me from doing so. I needed the pressure to help me complete it.
WHY DO YOU THINK YOU WON THE TITLE AT THE CONTEST?
There were a lot of people in the competition and the judges had strict criteria. I didn't think I would win. I just wanted to do my best. Maybe my narrative consistency or the message in my cartoon helped me take the prize.
ANY TIPS FOR BUDDING COMIC ILLUSTRATORS?
First and foremost, you have to love drawing but more importantly you have to finish what you start. It doesn't matter how good you are; if you don't finish your work, no one will care. Once you are done then share it with others so they can critique and enjoy it.G
