What type of comic work or
cartooning do you do?
I do mostly
cartoony comics, if that makes sense. My style relates more to comic strips
than to superhero comics.
How do you do it? Traditional pen
and ink, computer or a combination?
Every finished
piece of art I do passes through the computer nowadays, and most of it is being
done 100% digitally. That being said, I still draw in my sketchbook every day
in pencil/pen and ink.
When (within a decade is fine) and
where were you born?
I was born in
Mexico City in the 70’s.
Why are you in Washington
now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
I moved to
Washington DC because of love (even though that might sound like a cliché!). We
live in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood.
What is your training and/or
education in cartooning?
I studied a BFA
in Visual Arts in Mexico City and then a MFA in Illustration at the Academy of
Art University is San Francisco.
Who are your influences?
My biggest
influence as a cartoonist is Bill Watterson, who I consider the best there ever
was. Besides him the people I admire and allow their work to influence me are
very varied, from Mike Mignola to Scott Morse.
If you could, what in your career
would you do-over or change?
I would’ve
taken my drawing skills more seriously, and would’ve practiced more while
growing up.
What work are you best-known for?
My best-known
work is my webcomic, Chili’s World.
What work are you most proud of?
This is a hard
question to answer, as it’s usually the last thing I’ve done! So, I guess it
depends on what page I’ve just finished.
What would you like to do or work
on in the future?
I am currently
trying to break into the Picture Books market. Picture Books have the same
element than comics in that it’s a medium that combines images and words to
create a whole new world.
What do you do when you're in a rut
or have writer's block?
When I don’t
know what to do, I still have to do the work. Even though creativity might not
be flowing as I wish it was, my webcomic still needs to be updated. So
basically, I keep on working through the rut or writer’s block…
What do you think will be the
future of your field?
It’s taken a
while, but now comics are being recognized as a proper medium to tell stories
(both fiction and non-fiction). I believe that just like with books, most
comics are going to be delivered digitally, with print becoming more of a
collectors market.
What local cons do you attend? The
Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?
I’ve exhibited
at SPX and at the DC Zine Fest. And this year I’m going to be a part of a new
show that looks very promising called Smudge Expo, over at the Artisphere in
Arlington, VA. Attending shows is important to get to know the people that like
your stuff and to promote it to new crowds.
What's your favorite thing about
DC?
I love that you
can walk almost anywhere in the city without the need of a car. And having
amazing museums for free isn’t too shabby either! :)
Least favorite?
What monument or museum do you like
to take visitors to?
I love taking
visitors to the Kogod Courtyard inside the Portrait Gallery / American Art
Museum (after visiting the museums, of course). It’s such a peaceful place!
How about a favorite local restaurant?
I really like Beau Thai here in Mount Pleasant, or
maybe Red Rocks Pizza or El Chucho's in Columbia
Heights… I guess it depends on what I'm craving.
Do you have a website or blog?
Yes, I do! You
can check out Chili’s World at www.chilisworld.com
and my portfolio at www.santiagocasares.com.
As he noted, Mr. Casares will be at Smudge this coming Saturday, March 8th.
February 28, 2014 
