And since when do you make comics?#

I was about 16 when I started to look at the medium of comics more seriously. I had a friend who was an apprentice in a comic and childrens' book store. Whenever I saw him he showed me new albums which he considered worth reading. One day he gave me Frank Miller's "The dark knight returns"; then it just clicked and I thought: "I want to do that as well!"

Can you live on that?

Yes, I can live on making drawings.

Are your comics always fully autobiographical?

No.
"held" is designated as an autobiographical comic, but only the first half actually is autobiographical. The second half, from page 68 on, is completely made up. Quasi my dream life, as it may well go on. "sag was" is based on real experiences, but the story as told in the book, has never happened as such. Lea, Leif, Sophie, and all other characters are modelled on real people, but in the story they are self-sustained. Generally, I can say that my comics are always somewhat based on real experience. But in spite of the authentic tone I may have chosen for the story they remain fiction.

How many prizes and awards have you won already?

Five.
The ICOM-Independent Comic Prize 2003, the Max&MoritzPreis 2004, an Award from the Newcomer Competition of the Art Directors's Club Germany 2003 and an Award from the LuckyStrike Junior Designer Award 2003 for "held". And at the 1. Swiss Cartoon Award 2004 an Award for my "VerFLIXt!"-cartoons.

Why do you make cartoons all of a sudden?

I make cartoons because they cross my mind.
It started almost four years ago and since April 2003 I have been publishing gags weekly under the header "VerFLIXt!" in the online comic-magazine comicgate.de and in the newspaper Saarbrücker Zeitung. Over time many good ideas have amassed so that I thought it good to gather them in an album of it's own. For this purpose I have revised my cartoons again, I went over them and coloured them anew. This was necessary as my drawing and cartoon style has changed during the last years, last but not least since I have learned a lot about making cartoons from my colleagues Ralph Ruthe and Joscha Sauer.

Do you accept bids?

Yes, in moderation.
Recently I have been working regularly for a school book publisher and, when possible, I drew record covers, postcards, adverts etc. ... My main focus, however, are my books. That is why I have to be reserved when I accept jobs as, unfortunately, I cannot do everything that I am offered

Can I do an internship with you?

No.
In the May issue of "MAX" magazine there was a very friendly article about me and my work. Yet, the article advertised the opportunity of doing a comic internship with me. However, this was a phantasy of the MAX editors. I work very much on my own, and most of my working procedure can neither be delegated nor be assisted by someone else. In short: There is no proper job for an intern. And I would not consider making coffee, carrying letters to the box or trash to the bins an occupation worthy of an intern.

Why do you live in berlin and not in Barcelona?

As I have more friends in Berlin than in Barcelona. And so, at this moment, I feel more at home here than there.

I would love to have a small drawing with signature from you. What do I need to do?

Recently I repeatedly received empty cards with self-addressed envelopes, asking me to make a little drawing with signature. I often get the feeling that the senders are not really interested in me or my work - the latter they do not even seem to know, but instead they are after completing their collection. This is why I do not like granting such requests. I am very happy to make little drawings and signatures during book-signings or after one of my readings. That is nice and much more personal. This way we can get to know each other a little, you can tell me, what you would like to have, we can chat and it is enjoyable for both of us. .

I would like to buy an original from one of your books. What do I need to do?

That is a difficult topic. Generally I do not sell original pages from my books. I would like to keep the originals together, as for me the stories are so personal that I cannot easily give them away. Sketches, single illustrations and pages from short stories etc. I am more happy to say goodbye to. Most of the time on book-signings or readings I carry a folder with pictures on me which are for purchase. So please ask me, when you see me.

What do you do, when you don't draw?

I do what everybody else do outside work. Eating, drinking, sleeping, and playing table tennis.

When will your next comic be released?

In January 2006 the mini-cartoon book "DU BIST SÜSS” will appear in print. It is a collection of single-picture-jokes for Love-Birds, which works perfectly as a Valentins Day gift. Presently I am working on a new comic album; the title will probably be "Mädchen" and it will be released in autumn 2006.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE COMIC-BOOK?

That’s difficult. There are several comics that I find great.
But if I had to choose three to take along to a lonely island with me I’d take the (unfortunately non-existent) 12,000 page complete edition of Lewis Trondheim, along with Craig Thompson’s “Blankets” and Ralf König’s “Superparadis”. I just enjoy and admire these works. This is why I sometimes include small tributes to them in my own stories.