Bio
Paul has been using pictures and words to tell stories since he was a kid, and professionally for twenty-five years. Employing a variety of cartooning styles, he has a passion for communicating ideas and concepts simply, quickly and in entertaining fashion.
He's co-created and self published his own comic book, drawn for a variety of comic book publishers, and has written and drawn comics for educational, historical and informational applications. He's drawn thousands of storyboards for broadcast television and his illustrations have appeared in an array of venues, both in print and on the web.
Early Interest, Developing Passion
Paul knew even as a tyke he wanted to be an artist when he grew up. Drawing incessantly as a child, he created his own characters and comic books, illustrating family newspapers which featured a number of comic strip series.
Continuing through his teens Paul developed his skills, taking every class in high school he could think of to prepare himself for his chosen field, and after graduating attended night classes at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. He was a regular attendee at Chicago comic book conventions, looking for a way to break in and break out and make his mark--his own way.
Young Entrepreneur
By age twenty-two he had realized that dream, co-creating the Trollords with partner Scott Beaderstadt. They formed Tru Studios to self publish the successful black and white comic book series beginning in 1986, releasing nearly thirty issues in all. Looking mainly for a way to express himself through his art and to connect with an audience, he'd also learned what it took to organize and run a business.
Work with other comic book companies followed, including DC, Topps and First Comics. Paul inked issues of The Flash, The Fly, Jurassic Park, El Diablo and Mazin' Man, among others.
Thriving Business
Three years after a move to Minneapolis in 1993, Paul and his wife, Mary formed Blue Moon Studios. Their daughter Laura was born under a blue moon, so the company moniker was a natural.
Transitioning out of the comic book industry, Paul sought and found opportunities to apply his knowledge and approach in other areas. Using pictures many times merged with words, he was more convinced than ever this peculiar alchemy possessed a power and attraction not only within the comic book industry, but beyond.
Whether to convey a concept through storyboards, or using the language of comics to inform and teach in the fields of health, history and education, the medium could be used to great effect to communicate ideas simply, quickly, and with style.
Many organizations and individuals have utilized Paul's skills to get across their message. Companies such as Best Buy, General Mills, Target, Pillsbury, 3M, BlueCross BlueShield, Famous Dave's and associations such as the National Kidney Foundation and the Center for Disease Control have tapped Paul as the artist for large projects to aid in informing people how to stay safe and healthy.
Keeping the Dream Alive
While earning a living doing what he loves, Paul has continued to develop his own personal projects, including his children's book, Night of the Bedbugs, now available at amazon.com and in bookstores late March 2010. He is currently working on writing and/or drawing a number of childrens books and graphic novels.
All in the Family
Conceived as an outlet for any and all creative pursuits, Blue Moon Studios allows Paul and Mary, also an artist, to balance their art and their livelihood; to work and play and raise a family right at home.
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