Yevgeny Sokolov (fine arts instructor turned pro comic book artist) joins Nerdy Mewzings once again to discuss his transition from traditional fine art and high school teaching, drawing professional comic book covers, and the creative process behind his work.

Yevgeny shares how he started drawing as a child, pursued fine arts in college, and made the leap to comics during the pandemic by studying David Finch tutorials and building comic-style fundamentals. He talks about his creative process, using photo reference for hands and poses, and why planning thumbnails is crucial. We chatted about influences on his style, including Mike Mignola’s use of heavy blacks, Frank Miller studies, and the importance of dramatic lighting in comics vs. fine art.

He also opens up about balancing commissions, teaching, and professional cover gigs for Ripperverse, the value of community (Uncanny Art-Men streams), and advice for aspiring artists: draw every day, study masters, and don’t be afraid to scrap work that isn’t right.

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Follow Yevgeny:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yevgeny_sokolov_art

X - https://x.com/YVSokolovArt

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Timestamps

0:00 - Intro & Yevgeny Sokolov Returns to Nerdy Mewzings

1:30 - Towering 6'10" Artist & Con Reactions

5:00 - Early Art Love & Fine Arts Background

9:00 - Pandemic Pivot: David Finch Tutorials & Comic Fundamentals

13:00 - Workflow: From Rough Thumbnails to Traditional Inking

17:00 - Influences: Mignola, Frank Miller & Dramatic Lighting

22:00 - Ripperverse Covers & Pro Break

27:00 - Balancing Teaching, Commissions & Personal Projects

32:00 - Advice for Aspiring Artists: Daily Practice & Community

37:00 - Comic Convention Plans & Where to Follow Yevgeny

42:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings