Could you introduce yourself to the readers?
I’m Josh Young, AKA M.C. Popsicle. I’m an Emcee and DJ for the biggest clubs in New Orleans as well as an Influencer, film maker, and comic book writer/artist! I was born in New Orleans, and I was pretty cool for a baby I guess, lol I feel like nothing interesting happens when you are that young, lol. I created the character Popsicle Ghost over 15 Years ago. I thought the concept of a sheet ghost combined with a Popsicle was a clever idea and when I became a DJ and Emcee I kept the image of Popsicle Ghost as my logo!
- When did you first decide that you wanted to create your own comics/cosplay/film as a career? WHY do you do what you do? That might sound like a crazy question to an artist, but what ignited that spark in you telling you to create, and do you remember when it happened?
I have always wanted to do creative things from the second I was born: it’s not even a choice it’s a compulsion, it’s something I have to do.
- Who has had the biggest influence on you outside the comics/cosplay/film industry, and how did they affect your life?
I love Andy Warhol’s art and use of color. Color is a major part of the story in my comic Popsicle Ghost, and I appreciate people like Andy Warhol because, they bring color to the forefront of their projects and make it the primary focus of their work!
- Describe your typical work routine. How do you work? Pen and ink, digital tablet, or a combination of media? What tools do you use to create comics/cosplay/film and what makes them the “right tools” for you?
Well, I’m a DJ and emcee so I will be out in front of a couple thousand people most nights of the week, so I crave quiet time. When I get home it is easy for me to cut off communication with the outside world and get comfy and focus on writing or drawing for my comic. It has become a very relaxing, Therapeutic part of my life.
I use everything. Anything I can find. For “Popsicle Ghost” my new comic book I use found objects, playdoh, photos, drawings, candy, computer programs, I even used real worms, glow-stick fluid…anything I can think of. I use every possible medium I can. I’m all about using different mediums and textures. I see art in everything. It makes the art interesting and makes creating a comic like a scavenger hunt!
- What do you do to recharge your creative batteries?
Ride my bike and listen to techno, or classical music and focus on the rhythm of the music, and pedaling my bike, it turns my brain off just enough to allow new ideas to come to me.
- What do you think is integral to the work of an artist?
I think getting to know yourself is vital. Most people hop from school, to job, to relationship, to keep from being alone and asking themselves hard questions. If you want to be an artist figure out who the heck you are!
- What element of your work gives you the most personal satisfaction?
I enjoy being able to show people the world I see so clearly in my head. It is joy to have the ability to create a way for people to experience my world for 40 pages.
- What has been the most rewarding project in your professional career – in or out of comics or other creative outlets – and why?
I’ve really enjoyed making Popsicle Ghost it is something I really have wanted to do for a long time and I’m so glad I gave permission to myself to try. If you have something you want to do. Do it.
- What role or responsibility do you think the Artist has or should have in society?
I think artists can hold the mirror up to society, or they can provide an escape. Both are very noble pursuits. I kind of like to do both.
- Have you received any award for your work in comics? How did this award – in terms of your approach to work and the notoriety received – affect your subsequent work?
Not yet but I’m just a baby at this! I will get back to you on that.
- Who has had the biggest influence on your creative career, and how has that person changed your work? What artists inspired or continue to inspire you?
I like people like Jhonen C. Vasquez the creator of “Invader Zim” and “Johnny the Homicidal Maniac” I like his pessimistic comedy and his bold, crazy animation style. I think he made me feel seen and see there was a place for people like me in the art world. Uggg so many, I’ll make it easy. Andy Warhol (Pop art), Jhonen C. Vasquez, (Invader Zim) (Johnny the Homicidal Maniac) Marcel Duchamp, (DaDa)
- What are you grateful for?
I’m grateful for my family, they are very cool people and while they don’t always get me, they always support me.
- Is there anything holding you back from mad success in the comic industry?
Nope, I expect mad success any day now, check back with me in a few days.
- Do you have any current projects underway? Can you tell us about it?
I have been making a feature film called “Popsicle World” for 3 years completely alone playing every part, filming, writing, everything! I’m almost done! It is based on the same subject matter as my comic! If you wanna see some of it follow my instagram mc_popsicle
- We are on the edge of a golden age of independent comics, and artists of color are growing in number, so many new people finding their voices and venues of expressions. What do you think remains as the biggest hurdle to a more “full spectrum” or diverse comic book universe?
I am not a part of that community, so I am not the guy to ask but…. Comic books come in every color, and I think comic creators should too!
- 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?
“When you compromise and fail, it hurts even more than failing at what you love. I learned that you could fail at what you don’t love, so you might as well do what you love. Really, there is no choice to be made –” Jim Carrey.
- 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?
Get to know yourself. People go through their entire lives without a clue of who they are. Take the time to be alone, strip everything down to its bare bones and take a deep look inside yourself and figure out who you are, what you like, and the legacy you want to leave behind. A job can’t tell you that, a romantic partner can’t tell you that. Don’t be afraid to be alone and look into the void.
- Where can we buy your work or support your projects? Where can people read or buy your comic?
Buy a copy of Popsicle Ghost by adding me on Instagram mc_Popsicle and send me a message! Say hi! We can be friends! I’ll get you a signed, full color double issue!
- What legacy do you want to leave?
I want to leave the legacy of a true artist, someone that created exactly what they wanted to create, and did not chase money or fame but made exactly what their heart told them. Whether it succeeds or fails, makes a million dollars or ten, my art is 100% exactly what I wanted it to be with zero compromise.
