F .A Q 'S

Because I get so many questions about the same few things, here's a section that should address the usual questions about me, my work, and the meanings of life. If you've got a question that isn't covered here, then email me about it. Hey, it might be a question that needs to be added to this page. But, um...READ THE FAQ before you send in a question. Thanks!

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT POSTERS TO DO?
Well, the majority of the times, I am commisioned by one of three entities: a promoter, a venue, or a band/ label. If the show is one that I feel presents ANY kind of artistic/ aesthetic challenge, then I'll usually do it. Obviously, I'll be more prone to do posters for bands I like and respect. There have been MANY instances where I've turned jobs down because I simply don't respect the band in question. Depending on several factors (time available, money on hand/ amount I'm being paid, etc.) I decide on whether the piece will be a screenprint or an offset/ lithograpgh (i.e.) a flat, glossy poster.

On rare occasions, I'll see a certain show coming to a venue that especially interests me (I frequently got jobs this way, of course, when I was just starting out in my career). In this instance, I'll contact the promoter or the band themselves and request permission to do a poster. If we can come to friendly and fair 'terms', then I'll do the job and ship the posters to the venue/ band. These days, this scenario usually occurs when I want to do a poster for a 'younger' band or a very obscure/ independent band who likely don't have the type of budget that allows them to request really nice posters for their event. For instance, the QUASI poster I did was a total labor of love. I sought them out, paid for the posters myself, gave them some posters for no charge, and basically re-imbursed myself with a signed and numbered overrun of 150. I just love that band so much.

I always suggest getting permission from someone officially related to the event you're doing a poster for (promoter, band, label). It's a rule I keep. There have been 2 or 3 times in my career when I wasn't as thorough as I should've been, and didn't get sufficient permission from someone 'official'. EVERY time, there were 'complications'. Don't make that mistake.

Many artists won't go into detail on this topic, but I will...primarily to help younger artists wanting to get into the poster biz. This entire genre is a sketchy one when it comes to 'rights', and that sort of thing. But, be as safe as you can. Get signatures! Keep a paper-trail regarding EVERY job you do. Trust me!

WHO ARE YOUR ARTISTIC INFLUENCES?
I have many influences. Some of my major influences are comic book artists, the biggest being Graham Ingels. Ingels worked for the legendary EC Comics during the 'golden age' of comic-bookdom (late 1940s-50s). Wanna know why I use so much black and tend to rely so much more on 'shadow' for aesthetic tone, instead of color? Blame it on Ingels. An amazing artist who could use 'black' and line-width to set tremendous tone.
I also love Bill Scienkewicz and of course, Berni Wrightson.

Among other modern artists, I am a huge fan of Polish poster artist Wieslaw Walkuski. His paintings are amazingly lain out. I'm also a big fan of Drew Struzan. You've no doubt seen his work on movie posters and book/ album covers: he is the man responsible for the staggering paintings that adorn many of the Star Wars and Indiana Jones movie posters.Im also a big fan and collector of American propaganda posters from the early 20th century. Harisson Fisher, Arthur Triedler, and Samuel Rignowki are among my favorites.

Aesthetically , my biggest artistic influence is Vincent vanGogh. There aren't enough words for me to describe what the man's work and writings have done to inspire me. He's taught me to 'feel' art LONG before before it falls out of my hands. His letters and his works are constant 'water-marks' for me: they serve as his 'big-brotherly' advice. Finally, Frank Kozik. He not only showed me that it could be done, but how to do it.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS?
I read a LOT. I watch the news a LOT. I try to study history and how art relates to the same. The secret to me is noticing what has touched people in the past. After that, it's pretty much adaptation. From ancient Egypt to 2005 USA, people don't change that much. Look at what has touched people. Taste it, chew it, and then regurgitate. It's a very beautiful process :)

WHAT ART SUPPLIES DO YOU USE?
When it comes right down to it, I'll use whatever is at my disposal. Usually, though, I like to sketch out my artwork/ layouts with light charcoal pencils. When all else is unavailable, I'll bust out that trusty #2 pencil.

When it comes to laying down ink, I use whatever works best. I particularly like PIGMA brand pens. I use the PIGMA Graphic #2 or #3 for fine lines. I'll use the PIGMA #49 brush-pen for thicker lines. I also use brushes and India-Ink, when necessary. I prefer Japanese brushes, but have used these really cool horse-hair brushes by STROME.

And dont ever underestimate the trusty SHARPIE marker. I've accomplished some pretty cool things with the SHARPIE Ultra-Fine Point pen.As far as surfaces, I'll use anything. Regualr 'letter' paper, card-stock, cover-vellum, etc. I prefer 80-pound cover bristol for 'line' artwork pieces. When it comes to my paintings...well, that's a whole different can-of-worms that I'm not going to get into here!

WILL YOU DO A POSTER FOR MY BAND/ EVENT/ COMPANY?
-If you're in a band, I really would prefer to talk with you first and find out exactly what you're all about and what you're shooting for in an image. Of course, I'd want to hear some of your music. Ideally, if you have some of your music in MP3 format, you could email me a few tracks. Otherwise, send a CD/ tape to:
Jermaine Rogers.com
3614 Montrose (Suite 1204)
Houston, TX 77006

If you are planning an event or need artwork for your company/ institution, please send me an email with complete, detailed information concerning the same. In any case, you'll find that Im very easy to work with. Don't be afraid to make an inquiry- I've been contacted by huge bands AND unknowns...and I've taken jobs from BOTH. So, let me know. I get tons of submissions, but I give detailed attention to every single one.

I'VE HEARD TALK OF 'UN-OFFICIAL' POSTERS CONTAINING YOUR ARTWORK. IS THIS TRUE?
-Unfortunately, yes...it's true. In 1993-94, I created tons of raw pen-and-ink artwork and sold it regularly to a couple of different people who were event organizers and promoters. Several of these drawings have been used in subsequent concert and promotional posters produced by that promotional company, some as recently as May 2000. Technically, I can't deny that it IS my artwork, but the actual finished product (color choices, text layout and, most importantly,content) was NOT created by me. Some of this artwork was, admittedly, pretty weird. It was artwork that lent itself to being taken in different ways. I was younger and quite happy to be getting paid for drawings. But, since then, I've seen these drawings used for events that I'm not really down with. I've seen this artwork 'altered', and depicted in a context which totally goes against ANYTHING I'd ever do. I've seen crappy text and color choices applied to this artwork. So, these posters are 'unofficial' in the sense that they were not 'Jermaine final product'. It's my fault, though. It's a big lesson to anyone. Be careful who you sell your artwork to, and KNOW what it's going to be used for. Don't ever get so desperate to be 'printed' that you relinquish 'control'...unless you're working for some agency that's shelling out the big bucks.

Bottom line, you guys pretty much know my style, as well as the kind of content Im usually into. If you come across a poster that looks questionable, just drop me an email.

Also, an easy way to reassure yourself about any poster is to look for my signature. I don't sell 'unsigned' posters. If it's NOT signed and you KNOW it's a legit 'Jermaine poster', contact us and FIND OUT WHY.

(ADDENDUM: Don't worry, by the way. There aren't many of these 'unoffical' posters out there. Maybe 10, or so. And they are RARE, as there weren't many printed in the first place. PLUS, I got to the promoter before he went too far and came to an 'agreement'. So, don't worry: you'll probably never see one of these horrible posters. Good for you!)

ARE THERE ANY IMAGES/POSTERS YOU REGRET CREATING?
You know, as a 'working artist', you put it all out there on the line. While most people PRIVATELY undergo the natural human cycle of changing their opinions on a variety of subjects, becoming more mature and adept in decision making, and just plain old 'screwing up', an artist undergoes these things in an open forum for all to see: his artwork. For instance, think of some of the stupid things you've done in the past. Contemplate some of the thoughtless things you've said. Reflect on some of the things you've pulled that are totally out of line with your character. Now, imagine if these were all constantly on display...available for all to see (both your admirerers and those special kind of folks who are out to sabotage your reputation in certain circles). This is a reality to the working artist. And, it's a rough thing to be 'held accountable' from now on over certain things that you've progressed beyond.

By this time, Im sure it's evident that I ain't talking about 'art technique', here. Im talking about 'subject matter'.There are images and artwork that I've done in the past that I'd never do now. There are things that I'd say in the past that I've changed my mind on. There are things that I'd leave 'open to interpretation' in the past that, today, I wouldn't be so vague about. And, there are simply some pieces of artwork that I've done in the past that I'd never do now, for a variety of reasons. Some people who know me more personally may see an older poster or an older piece of artwork that I've done and be QUITE shocked that it was done by me. Hopefully, such people will remember that I am imperfect. There are, frankly, times when I just didn't think the creation of certain images through. As I live longer, I get a bit smarter and more mature...and a LOT more saavy at decision-making. I also get more adept at just knowing when to shut-up. Bear with me.

ID LIKE TO OWN SOME ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY JERMAINE. IS THIS POSSIBLE?
Sure it is! You can browse the FOR SALE section of our website and see if there's anything there that catches your eye. If you'd like to inquire about the availability of a specific piece of original poster art, just drop us an email.If you'd like me to create an original piece of artwork for you and would like info. concerning whether he is available and/or prices for original commisions, please drop an email. I am often times VERY busy, but I have taken on personal commissions before.

GOSH! I READ THE ENTIRE FAQ, BUT MY QUESTION WASN'T EVEN ADDRESSED! WHAT DO I DO?
Don't panic. Just email it to us. Maybe your question is good enough to be added to the FAQ.
 
Thanks!