There has been much said about Singaporean comic artists who are rarely appreciated and even worse, put down because their work is ‘not as good’ as their Western or Japanese counterparts. But M.A.G.E feels that there are those rare few who have made a mark for themselves, if not at home, then on the world stage via the Internet. We caught up with Singaporean artist Johnny Tay of Anema and got the scoop on what really makes a true comic artist.

1) What can you tell us about yourself?

I am currently a second-year Business Management Student at Singapore Management University, and graduated with a business diploma from Singapore Polytechnic, majoring in Advertising and Public Relations.

Every moment not spent on schoolwork is expended on writing, drawing, promoting and managing my site (and previously, the Anema book series). It has consumed all my time, living none left for CCA or a healthy social life.

2) Could you give us a brief explanation of your artistic background?

I have no professional training whatsoever. Everything that I know, including digital art and web production skills, was acquired from reference books, the Internet, or simply trial and error. My advertising course at the polytechnic gave me some exposure into related media, but I’m pretty much on my own. Regrettably, there are no credible cartooning schools in Singapore.

3) How and why did you enter manga industry?

I was able to produce a complete comic book at the tender age of five, even before I learnt how to write. Perhaps the ability was imbued within me. With over 10 years of producing comics, my love for the medium also grew and I developed a silent conviction that I could do something with the comics medium.

The ability to communicate through pictures has always been invaluable and effective, dating back to the time of cavemen. It is unfortunate that their potential in modern times is so subdued and restricted. A comic is whatever the creator wants it to be and should not be confined to stereotypical styles and designs, like superheroes and big-eyed manga features.

Before anema-aotr.com, Anema was actually a black and white book series. No publisher in Singapore wanted to touch my creation, so I studied all the necessary skills to publish it on my own and pulled it off. That’s how it began.

4) How and why did you start drawing/developing your comic to what it currently is?

The very first version of Anema was conceived when I was ten. Since then, several versions of it have been drawn - I had to revamp the storyline as I gained new experiences and expertise. Not all my time was spent on Anema, of course. I did many other series over the years.

One year after I published the book series, I was forced to stop at Book Two. There were overwhelming reasons for that, most notably financial strain, lack of support from book dealers, and the general sentiment that local fantasy is lousy.

The website solved most of my problems, but to make it a reality, I went through two months of intensive software self-training, and converted all the strips to full-colour. I had to do the work of 3-4 people since I had no money to employ help, as no one in Singapore wanted to sponsor my project!

5) What has been the response so far to your works?

Feedback on my books was pretty mixed. Most fell into the range of “Your artwork can improve, but I love your determination.” And then there were a few who emailed and called me names. But children loved the humble books tremendously.

After Anema was converted into the “dot comic”, all the critics were silenced. Now people even compliment the artwork! And those who didn’t like my style said Anema was still good by any standard.

Some reviews from famous cartoonists include Jim Toomey (Sherman’s Lagoon), who said the site is great and I got a future in the US; Ian MacDonald (Bruno the Bandit), who exclaimed I deserve all his praises; and Colin Goh (Talkingcock.com), who declared I have lots to be vain about!

In May of this year, I also received two international awards: The Golden Web Award, by the International Association of Webmasters and Designers; and The World Web Award for Excellence, by Art Space 2000.

6) What keeps you going?

Truth be told, I’m going through considerable hardship now. Long hours every day, combined with the lack of rewards can take their toll sometimes.

What comforts me is this may be the only time in my life when I can do and say as I please. I am trying to live out my dream and not many Singaporeans have done that. If things do not work out, it’s back to the horror and drudgery of normal working life.

The other thing I value from all this, is the human interaction. Being a creator has allowed me to meet people worldwide and to hear their opinions on my work, as well as share pointers. I’ve also had autograph sessions and given talks, all of which have been memorable.

7) Any words of advice to aspiring artists in Singapore?

If we were living in the US or Japan, I would have said “Drop out of school and chase your dreams!” But in Singapore that’s tantamount to suicide, trust me!

Instead, I’d say hold on passionately to your dreams, but be prepared to walk a long road and do everything to reach them. Finally, be patient - A day will come when Singapore gives overdue recognition to its own artists. I hope you’ll be there when it happens.