About
So what can I tell you about Monk and his IT Junk? Well, Monk started out as a doodle at Uni usually during long tedious lectures, he then appeared as a bit of fun on my Blog at Jason Slater Weblog (previously The IT Managers Journal) before getting his own place here at www.monkandhisitjunk.com
Monk lives and works at the Abbey which, not having a huge income stream, often relies on end of line equipment, donations, or give-aways to manage the information technology systems. For a long time Monk worked just with the help of Brother Norris who, how can I put it, is not a techno-geek and could explain the difference between a CD and a DVD much like a cat couldn’t. At this wit’s end Monk somehow managed to convince the cardinal to take on a young protege in the guise of Brother Mouse Matt. Phil the Worm turns up from time to time and often faces his own accessibility challenges.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Why an IT Comic
It felt natural, I live, breathe and work IT - my other interest is writing, especially Sci-Fi, but a Monk in Space might be taking it just one step too far.
Why a Monk
I’d like to say that throughout my career I’ve often felt like a Monk. Comitted to the work in hand for a seemingly higher purpose. I’ve never been a Monk so I can’t tell you what it’s like to be one though.
Is Monk a reflection of you as a person
Cripes that’s a deep question. I guess I could draw some parallels to Monk and vice versa though Monk is typically larger than life whereas I am typically smaller than life.
How long does it take to produce a comic
Great Question. I don’t necessarily cross the i’s and dot the t’ on my comics like I probably should. Therefore from initial idea to a rough sketch to an initial sketch and to a final usually takes around 2-3 hours. Adding the caption can easily add an extra couple of hours.
What comes first, the comic or the caption
Either can come first, depends on the inspiration. Sometimes I just get a funny picture in my head like Mouse Matt standing on Monks shoulders, and other times I have a specific point in mind such as the purpose of a cross-over cable
Where do you find the time
Beats me, I have a fab partner who takes care of me and the kids most of the time. Past that, late nights usually kick in.
which Comic Creators do you draw reference from
None really, I have my own style. Though Charles Schulz, Ted Goff, Randy Glasbergen, Scott Adams (Dilbert), Jim Davis (Garfield), and more recently Aaron Johnson (What the Duck) and Scott Meyer (Basic Instructions) are all comic creators I have a lot of admiration for. Producing comics is hard, hard work and time consuming - a comic can go through many many drafts before being declared complete and all for one hopeful momentary smile on the readers face.
Do you aim to make money doing this
I have a day job that just about pays the bills, this is just a hobby.
What if I have a question?
Send me an email here
