Design Better Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Gareth Hinds: A Golden Age for the Graphic Novel
Host: Eli Woolery and Aarron Walter
Guest: Gareth Hines
Release Date: February 26, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Design Better, co-hosts Eli Woolery and Aarron Walter engage in an insightful conversation with Gareth Hines, a prominent graphic novelist known for adapting classic literature into visually compelling graphic novels. The discussion delves into Gareth’s creative process, his transition from video game design to graphic novels, the challenges of translating ancient texts, and his views on the evolving landscape of graphic storytelling.

Gareth Hines' Background and Career Path

Gareth Hines shares his journey from studying design and illustration at Parsons to becoming a celebrated graphic novelist. Initially working in various illustration domains, Gareth pivoted to graphic novels as a thesis project, which led to self-publishing his adaptations. His breakthrough came with Beowulf, which resonated with English teachers as an educational tool, solidifying his niche in combining illustration with classical narratives.

Notable Quote:

Gareth Hines [00:01]: "We're kind of in a golden age for the graphic novel. Like for people understanding that you can actually tell any kind of story this way and that it can be particularly powerful way to tell certain kinds of stories, especially like memoir."

The Process of Adapting Classics into Graphic Novels

Gareth elaborates on his meticulous process of adapting complex and ancient texts into graphic novels. This involves extensive scriptwriting, character design, and creating rough layouts to visualize storytelling elements. He emphasizes the blend of digital and traditional mediums, often coloring his illustrations using watercolors to achieve a classic aesthetic.

Notable Quote:

Gareth Hines [12:16]: "I'm always experimenting with how to combine the digital and traditional to get the advantages of both, to get the flexibility and the speed of kind of iterating and trying things out digitally. But then the final art, I like to have a more traditional look and to be using those more traditional materials."

Challenges in Translating Ancient Texts

Translating texts like The Odyssey and The Iliad presents unique challenges. Gareth discusses the importance of balancing historical accuracy with artistic license, ensuring that the visual narrative remains faithful to the original while making it accessible to modern readers. He also touches on the complexities of scriptwriting without redundantly conveying the same information through text and images.

Notable Quote:

Gareth Hines [14:45]: "The core of what I do is like, figuring out how to go from one medium to another and how to tell the story visually."

Influence of Video Game Design Experience

Gareth’s 11.5-year tenure in the video game industry, notably at Looking Glass Studios, profoundly influenced his approach to graphic novels. Skills in project management, software proficiency, and 3D modeling from game design have enhanced his efficiency and versatility in graphic storytelling.

Notable Quote:

Gareth Hines [10:05]: "One of the biggest ones was that I got to sort of understand the importance of project management and scheduling because, you know, I saw how these games would kind of go off the rails schedule wise and budget wise often."

Choosing Projects and Future Plans

Gareth maintains a dynamic list of classic and contemporary works he aspires to adapt, often influenced by requests from educators and feedback from his readership. While he has successfully adapted Shakespearean plays, he expresses interest in future projects like Gilgamesh, Arthurian legends, and original science fiction narratives.

Notable Quote:

Gareth Hines [20:32]: "I always have kind of a list in my head of old stories that I love that I'd like to illustrate and things that I know that I've been asked for, usually by teachers."

The Business Side and Publishing

Gareth discusses his experiences with various publishers, highlighting the supportive relationship with Candlewick Press, which valued the educational potential of his works. He contrasts this with challenges faced when larger publishers like HarperCollins acquired smaller imprints, often leading to diminished creative support.

Notable Quote:

Gareth Hines [29:49]: "But when it started to really sell, again, self-published, I had self-published Beowulf when it started to sell to English teachers."

Marketing Efforts

While publishers handle broad marketing strategies, Gareth emphasizes the importance of personal marketing efforts such as social media presence and targeted outreach. Hiring a publicist for specific projects like The Iliad illustrates the additional steps he takes to enhance visibility.

Notable Quote:

Gareth Hines [34:21]: "I'm out there just enough that if people are looking for me, they can find me."

Use of Generative AI Tools

Gareth explores the potential and challenges of generative AI in his creative process. He acknowledges AI’s capability to generate reference images and environment sketches but remains cautious about its accuracy and the broader implications for the creative industry.

Notable Quote:

Gareth Hines [36:52]: "It's probably going to be both. It's going to super, super disrupt large industries, large numbers of people's livelihood, and we're going to have to figure out how to grapple with that."

Partnerships with Schools

Gareth actively collaborates with educational institutions, conducting presentations and workshops that demonstrate his creative process. These interactions not only inspire students but also provide him with fresh creative ideas for future projects.

Notable Quote:

Gareth Hines [38:55]: "I'll do a presentation and I'll talk about how I got to be a graphic novelist, how my process works."

Recommendations and Personal Insights

Gareth mentions his enthusiasm for contemporary graphic novels and adaptations, citing works like Plane Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol and the graphic adaptation of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis's friendship. He also expresses admiration for authorized adaptations like Anne Frank's Diary.

Notable Quote:

Gareth Hines [41:16]: "The authorized 1984 is very, very good. Although it feels longer to me than the original. I think they should have abridged it a little bit more, but oh my God, it's so gorgeous."

Conclusion

Gareth Hines embodies the fusion of traditional storytelling and modern illustration, carving a unique space in the graphic novel landscape. His dedication to making classic literature accessible and engaging through visual narratives continues to inspire both educators and readers alike.

Notable Quote:

Gareth Hines [42:32]: "You can pretty much find links to everything there."

For more information or to explore Gareth Hines' work, visit garethhines.com.

This summary captures the essence of the conversation between Gareth Hines and the hosts, highlighting his contributions to the graphic novel medium and the insights he shares about his creative and professional journey.