FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How did it start

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

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 an email here