Meet Jason Reeves

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jason Reeves a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jason, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
I have to force myself to deliberately step away from the writing/drawing table. I make myself get outside, maybe see a movie, or cook for the family. Turns out cooking is kinda cathartic for me when I give it the time it deserves. Nowadays, I actively strive to take at least a full day off, steering clear of anything related to creating comics. This intentional break is great to help recharge my creative batteries.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Jason Reeves and I make comics if you want to boil it down. My publishing company is called 133art Publishing, an award-winning comic book imprint that is deeply passionate about crafting narratives and storytelling that reflects the rich experiences of the Black community. Our comics not only entertain but also serve as a platform for underrepresented voices.

Myself and a growing community of Black creators have grown our own corner of the comics industry affectionately thought of as Black Comix. We believe in the transformative power of storytelling and the ability comics have to inspire and empower the audience of readers in any culture. The most exciting aspect of our journey is getting to watch as it becomes fruitful, and see my peers come into their own as their work finds these audiences. We’re having fun and I still feel like the grind has just started. We invite readers to join us on this exciting journey as we continue to make strides and break new ground, redefining the industry landscape.

And speaking of Black Comix, we’re getting ready for an upcoming event highlighting numerous talented creators. Join us on February 3 & 4 as we commemorate the 6th annual Black Comix Day event at the World Beat Center in San Diego.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Proficiency in Photoshop (and now Clip Studio), expertise in printing, and the ability to add value to any creative team I collaborate with.

Photoshop: Mastering Photoshop is an ongoing process that requires consistent practice. Dedicate time to exploring the program and take advantage of the vast resources available online, including tutorials that range from basic to advanced levels. Treat it as a valuable skill that evolves with practice and continuous learning.

Printing: Committing to understanding the printing process is crucial, but it comes with a significant upfront investment. Only venture into this if independence in comic and product creation is essential for your goals. Carefully weigh the benefits against the costs, ensuring it aligns with your long-term vision.

Adding Value: The ability to contribute to a creative team and add value beyond individual skills is paramount. Focus on the collective success of the team rather than personal gains. Be intentional about giving and selflessness, recognizing that fostering a collaborative and supportive environment benefits everyone involved. A rising tide lifts all boats, and being a team player enhances the overall success of any endeavor.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past 12 months, my most significant area of growth and improvement has been a intentional focus on enhancing the business aspects that I previously found challenging. I’ve been focusing on myself strengthening my skills in bookkeeping, metrics analysis, copywriting, and promotional strategies. While I’ve always excelled at bringing creative concepts to life in the form of physical products, lately the desire has been to level up in making those products more visible and appealing to a wider audience.

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