Sean Freitas is a freelance artist by night and works in a grocery store by day. He is 33 years old and lives in San Francisco. His work has only just been published as he only recently decided to pursue a career as a comic book artist. He’s had work published in So Super Duper, New York’s Spank Magazine and the sold out Night Patrol Zero. He is currently working on Night Patrol issue #1 and Brian Anderson’s Mythkids.

GLT: What got you into comics and wanting to use comics to express your art?

SF: I was exposed to the world of comic books when I was in high school. My friend Eddie Neto was collecting Marvel X-Men cards and would give me the doubles. At first I wasn’t too interested, until he gave me one with a visually stunning character named Domino. She has pale white skin with a black spot on her eye and is still my favorite character.

GLT: What comic or drawing are you most proud of?

SF: I think I am the most proud of Diamond in the Sky. It’s a portrait of Juanita More who is a legendary drag queen/ DJ who gives a lot back to the community. It was fun to draw and came out looking a lot cooler than I had initially imagined.

GLT: Why do you think that GLBT people are more drawn to comic books and relate to the characters more so than heterosexuals?

SF: I think that many GLBT people are very creative and expressive and comic books provide an outlet for that. Many of us are attracted by the stories, art or characters and there is such a wide range to fit almost anyone. I personally loved the X-Men, for they had a lot of tough female characters and could relate to the fact that they are treated differently for being born different.

GLT: Do you ink and write your comics along with drawing them or do you have someone do that?

SF: Right now I pencil and ink my own work. Sometimes I will write a short story but generally I’ll work with a writer like Kenne Morrison or Brian Anderson. It’s a lot of fun to collaborate with other creative minds. It’s inspiring. It makes it all worth while when I can create a tangible image of a character that’s been floating around in someone’s head for months or even years.

GLT: Did you go to school to major in something like illustration or did you decide one day this was just your calling?

SF: I’ve taken a few high school art classes but I’m pretty much self-taught. One thing that I love about drawing is that all you need is a pencil, sheet of paper and a little imagination. Most of what I’ve learned is from looking at other artists and trial and error. I’m constantly learning and evolving my technique.

GLT: How have you seen queer comics evolve? Are they becoming more mainstream or popular?

SF: I definitely think that queer comics are evolving. I remember it was a big deal when rainmaker from Gen-13 was a lesbian. Now there are gay characters in a lot of mainstream books which make it all the more easier for queer comics. I go to a comic book shop called Whatever in the Castro district in San Francisco and I’m seeing a lot more queer comics. I think that Comic-Con is a great way for other queer artists to meet and to see that there are a lot of other queer artists out there. We still have a ways till we’re mainstream but I would love to see the day when you can pick up gay comics like So Super Duper or Pride High in a supermarket.

GLT: If you could have any super power what would it be and why?

SF: If I could have any super power it would be telekinesis. I’ve always wanted it and could get so much done!!

GLT: Who is your favorite artist, comic or other?

SF: My all time favorite artist is Travis Charest. He is so talented and has some of the most detailed work I’ve seen. I also love Joss Whedon and John Cassady’s run on Astonishing X-Men. Charles Burns Black Hole graphic novel and Edward Gorey are other personal favorites.

GLT: What makes your style, characters and art different from other artists?

SF: Not sure what makes my art work different, but I love drawing flowing hair and faces with a hint of sadness.

GLT: If people would like to see more of your art and work, where can they go to see it?

SF: Right now I have some artwork on facebook, but hope to start a website soon.

I thank you for your time Sean. Your art work is amazing and we wish you the best. The Gay & Lesbian Times would like to thank you for sharing your story and art with us!