Josh Howard is a comic book writer & author, so his story is slightly different than some of our musical dads….

QRD – How old were you when you first realized you wanted to be a professional comic artist?

Josh – Even though I had been making my own comics since I was 5 or 6, it wasn’t until I was 12 & saw Batman that I knew this is what I wanted to do for a living.

QRD – What are a few highlights of your career?

Josh – The success of Dead @ 17, from the critical recognition to the loyal fan base, has definitely been the biggest highlight so far.

QRD – At what age did you decide you wanted to become a father?

Josh – I didn’t.  It just sort of happened.

QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your family has had on your career?

Josh – It just makes it harder to manage my work time, since I do work at home.  But they’re all very supportive.

QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your career has had on your family?

Josh – They don’t get as much quality time with me as they’d like, but I am able to set my own hours & make myself available as much as possible.

QRD – Have your children effected the comics you make &/or read?

Josh – Not really, not at this point anyway.  I just do what I normally do.

QRD – Have you had problems with the lack of steady money from an artistic career providing the financial security you feel necessary in your household?

Josh – Wow.  That’s a little personal, don’t you think?

QRD – Do you think being a father or an artist has a greater impact on your community?

Josh – Father of course.

QRD – Would you rather see your child eventually become an artist or parent?

Josh – That’s up to them.

QRD – Both family & art seem like things that will take up as much of your time as you’re willing to put in.  How do you end up dividing your time?

Josh – As best I can.

QRD – Do you have a split/secret life between being a parent & being an artist?

Josh – I’m not sure what you mean.  It’s not like I’m a prostitute or a drug dealer.

QRD – What do your children think of your work?

Josh – They aren’t exposed to it.

QRD – Do you think you could ever do a comic collaboration with your children?

Josh – No.

QRD – Any words of advice to young people?

Josh – College is overrated.

Another QRD interview with Josh:
Josh Howard (Dead@17) interview (May 2006)