Gene Kelly is an illustrator and graphic designer who
grew up in the Midwest and now resides in the suburbs
of Brooklyn, NY. When not chained to the internet
designing for “the man” he retreats to the world of
comics and illustration, which is his second true love
(the first being his lovely wife, Mary).
Client List
UnderGround Online, Stage Left
Productions, Beta 3 Comics, Dead Dog Comics
I’m not sure I’m an “artist” now, lol. But I have been
drawing since I was young and started working
professionally while still in college, so that would
be about 8 years doing both illustration and web
design.
What are some of your major art influences?
Numerous American comic book artists, Jim Henson, Bill
Watterson, Pixar Studios, and Miyazaki films.
What are some of your major genre influences?
Growing up it was all superheroes and D&D. Now it’s
any kind of creative fantasy, the more imaginative the
better. Give me ideas and things I haven’t seen
before. That’s what it’s all about… contrary to what
the hokey pokey may claim.
What sort of training/schooling/experience do you have with art?
Although primarily self-taught, I earned a BA in art
and design from Southern Illinois which helped round
out my skills. After that it’s a matter of learning
from every new project I take on. The “never-ending
battle” as it were (and as it should be).
How did you become involved in Empty Room Studios?
I was fortunate enough to meet Jeremy Mohler via
Deviant Art and after trading comments for a while he
invited me to join the studio. I’m really flattered
and excited to be part of such a talented group.