Meet a Local Cartoonist: Dennis Johnson and Dedsquad

by Mike Rhode

Scott McCloud and Dennis Johnson at Politics and Prose

Dennis Johnson, Jr. tabled at Smudge with his minicomics last month. I was dashing out to check the parking meter and missed a photograph (so all images are from his blog), but I did buy his minis before leaving. Priorities!

What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?

I am a self-taught artist, and have tried to learn everything about making comics. Currently I am doing a little bit of everything. I am working on writing, drawing, inking, and coloring my own original comics such as “The Ded Squad”, and “The New Frontier.”  My stories tend to range from slice of life, to superheroes. I am very versatile, and have also learned other types of art forms such as acrylic painting, and digital art.

How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?

When creating comics I use a combination of techniques but most of the time I start with traditional pencil and paper. I am a huge fan of using brush and ink because the lines come out livelier. Afterwards, I scan my artwork into Photoshop and digitally color it.

When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?

I was born December 6, 1988 in Maryland.

Why are you in Washington now?  What neighborhood or area do you live in?

I have lived most of my life in Maryland. Currently I reside in Gaithersburg.

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

Most of my education in cartooning came from reading and practicing. I never was able to go to school for it so I tried to learn from everything I could get my hands on.

Who are your influences?

My biggest influence has to be Scott McCloud. He was a crucial part of why I am committed to comics. Through reading many of his books, I realized that comics aren’t just great art or a great story, they are a form of communication. He made me realize that comics are more than just superheroes. After I read his books everything about comics and life just clicked. I also tend to draw inspiration from cartoons, manga, and animated movies.

If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?

If I could roll back the hangs of time to improve my career I think I would have started to practice making comics earlier. Since I am a self-taught artist, a lot of my work has been trial and error. If I had taken more time to learn more about making comics when I was younger, I could have saved myself a lot of trouble.

What work are you best-known for?

 At this point in my comic book life I’m not sure if anyone knows my work. I am working on self-publishing my comics, and networking at conventions to get myself out there. In the future I hope to be known for my comic “The Ded Squad.”

What work are you most proud of?

 Not too long ago I submitted a very personal piece to the 10th edition of the Magic Bullet newspaper. The one-page comic illustrated depression, stress and anxiety to the best of my ability. It was tough for me to write about the pains that I have experienced for years, but the comic turned out to be a great release for me. When it was completed I was so proud of the piece, and it felt like I reached out into the world. Although it did not get accepted, I have displayed the comic at various conventions. I decided that I wanted to connect to those struggling with the same disorder. I feel like this work could really make people think about mental illness and how they can help someone else or help themselves.

What would you like to do or work on in the future?

My future plan is to cultivate and continue to grow the art community that I’m trying to build. I believe that comics have a great healing power within them just like any other creative art. It also wouldn’t hurt to get “The Ded Squad” underway!

What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?

When a creative block hits I normally just take a break. I try to switch up my routine to try to break the cycle. Often times I turn to other mediums when I have a block or I try to learn new tricks. I have learned that trying to push through a creative block normally only causes frustration.

What do you think will be the future of your field? 

I think that comics will continue to grow in popularity. Especially the indie comic scene because right now publishing is the easiest it’s ever been. It seems like artists and writers are popping up everywhere. It’s only a matter of time before indie publishers like Retrofit and Koyama Press begin to acquire more talent and begin to compete with companies like Darkhorse and Image. The world also seems to take to movie or show adaptations of comics like The Walking Dead. Other industries seems to be taking more comic book writers and illustrators seriously because they are seeing that their work is no different from the work of a novelist or fine artist.

What local cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?

So far I have exhibited at DC Zinefest 2014, SPX2013, Awesome-Con 2014, UFB-Con and Smudge Expo 2015. I will be exhibiting at Awesome-Con 2015 and Creator-Con 2015.

What's your favorite thing about DC? Least favorite?

I love how diverse the DMV is. D.C. is an amazing place to get to know many different people. My least favorite thing about D.C. is driving. The traffic lights, speed cameras, and one-way roads drive me crazy.

What monument or museum do you like to take visitors to?

I love to visit the Hirshorn and the National Art Gallery. It’s fun to see the contrast of styles and ideals.

How about a favorite local restaurant?

My favorite restaurant in the DMV is a little sushi place called Yuraku in Germantown. Everything always tastes exquisite!

Do you have a website or blog?

My website is dedsquad.tumblr.com or you can find me on facebook.com/dedinkart.