In 2008, I founded a comics, art, and writing publishing label called Milk Shadow Books. The whole thing began to publish my own work, but now we have moved into publishing graphic novels by mainly local artists such as Ben Hutchings, Tim Molloy, Dillon Naylor, Gregory Mackay and many others. At this stage I'm the publisher and editor-in-chief.
Why do you do it?
Mainly it's really difficult to sustain self publishing and distribution in Australia. I see us as a company to help these artists get their work out when it might be a struggle for them to otherwise. Most of the work is world class quality, so getting people to read it is reason enough.
What do you love about the city you live in?
Melbourne has always got something happening in it! Apart from possibly being home to Australia's largest population of comic writers, artists and fans, there's so much music, food and art to appreciate.
Where did you go for your last holiday?
We went to Fiji last year. It was nice just relaxing on a deck chair in the sun on an island. Signs that I'm turning into an old man. A retirement on the Gold Coast might not be far away.
What's your favourite item of clothing? Why?
Black jeans. Got two pairs of the same jeans. When I find some that fit my legs, I'll jump on them. They hide grease stains well too.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid?
Inspector Gadget. Then Don Adams stopped doing the voice and it went weird.
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go?
Back to the first time I met my fiancee. We met whilst working together, and this time I'd try and make it more special as we didn’t really realise what was happening at the time.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook for us?
It would more than likely be some kind of pasta in a pesto sauce. I could mix in some frozen vegies and tinned tuna, but that would be the extent of it. Sorry, gourmets.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned?
Somebody told me just “Don’t publish shit”. Just publish work that you believe in, not for fame or money. It's worked pretty well so far.
How do you define success?
We recently got our graphic novel line picked up for store distribution in Australia and New Zealand by Madman Entertainment. Pretty exciting for us. But getting to work with some artists I was a fan of previously is a buzz that never dies.
