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| Wind Farm by Mo Ali |
Artist, poet and writer Mo Ali lives in the south-east of England, which really doesn’t help. His recent work has included pin-up art for the graphic novel Wolfmen 2: Fall of the Wolfmen by Dave West and Andy Bloor, artwork for the BBC News website and cover work for the novel Crown Wearer written by William Couper…
SciFi Art Now: What tools do you mainly use to create your art?
Mo Ali: It depends on the specifics of a project or piece, but good old pencil and paper usually, followed with digital tools like Photoshop. But I try not to limit myself to any one tool.
SciFi Art Now: Why?
Mo: It’s just the way that works for me and, in terms of not limiting the tools you use, it keeps you flexible and adaptable, and can result in something different and unique every time.
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| Wolfmen by Mo Ali |
SciFi Art Now: What inspired you to become an artist?
Mo: Honestly, I’m not sure. It could have been from watching cartoons and art shows as a kid, reading comics and books and admiring the covers and artwork inside, and wanting to be able to create stuff like that. There wasn’t a lightbulb moment of revelation though.
SciFi Art Now: What was the most useful piece of advice you were given when you began learning your craft?
Mo: That there is no ‘right way’ or style when it comes to creating art…and also to practice, practice, practice.
SciFi Art Now: Which artists most inspire you?
Mo: I don’t know about ‘most inspire’, but I like art by Dave McKean, Frank Quitely, Moebius, surrealist painter Yves Tanguy, Lierre Foest, David Lloyd, Lubna Agha, Klark Kent… it’s a constantly evolving list though.
SciFi Art Now: What is the appeal to you of science fiction as an inspiration for some of your work?
Mo: I think it’s because, at its best, science-fiction can combine the fantastical with the very real in interesting ways that engage the imagination. And because of the robots. Obviously.
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| A portrait of cult author Jeff Lint, writer of such classics as Jelly Result and The Stupid Conversation. Illustrated from a now-lost photograph of the author circa-1990. A bio of Lint, written by Steve |
SciFi Art Now: Do you have a favourite piece of work or project you have worked on?
Mo: Alas, I’m too self-critical to have a favourite, but I recently did a portrait sketch of cult SF author Jeff Lint which turned out rather nice.
SciFi Art Now: In your career, have you had any bizarre experiences while creating your art?
Mo: Sadly no, all the bizarre stuff just happens in my head. Its probably better that way.
SciFi Art Now: What most frustrates you about being an artist?
Mo: That I’m not able to draw or paint exactly what I imagine in my mind. I’m accepting it over time, but it still annoys me.
SciFi Art Now: What keeps you going despite the hopefully occasional frustrations?
Mo: That one day soon I’ll draw something I’m happy with.
SciFi Art Now: What advice would you offer to anyone starting out as an artist?
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| The cover of the novel Crown Wearer written by William Couper Art: Mo Ali |
Mo: Copy, trace, mimic and learn from other artists. Copying isn’t bad, its part of the learning process.
And also practice, practice, practice.
• For more of Mo’s work visit: www.moali.co.uk. To cotact Mo email: infoATmoali.co.uk
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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