By VANESSA VALENZUELA
FOR Sunshine resident Jarrod Elvin, storytelling is an art.
The 30-year-old comic book artist is one of four emerging artists selected to work in shop-front studio space in the Sunshine Town Centre as part of the Sunshine Art Spaces initiative.
The Art Spaces project developed by Brimbank City Council is designed to provide up-and-coming artists in the area with an affordable studio space in Sunshine.
It also aims to generate employment opportunities for artists in Melbourne’s West and encourage more people to visit the Sunshine Town Centre.
Jarrod, who moved into the studio space earlier this year, said his love for telling stories and creating art was the sole reason he decided to become a comic book artist.
“I’ve always loved to draw ever since I can remember and I’ve always wanted to tell and make-up stories,” he said.
The talented artist is the founder and owner of MickMacks, an independent business that produces unique and alternative comics, animations and films.
His comics are geared towards young adults and teenagers who enjoy stories with a slightly dark edge and wacky sense of humour.
Jarrod is also in the process of developing a Meatbucket TV series for Channel 31 in Melbourne.
Jarrod said his family has supported his decision to pursue a career as an artist, and encouraged him to study Animation at Griffith University in Queensland.
“My family has always supported me and my art and I’ve always known it’s not something that I will get rich from but I love what I do,” he said.
Jarrod said the Sunshine Art Spaces project provided artists with a good opportunity to showcase and sell their artwork in Brimbank.
“It’s a nice atmosphere and I think it’s gonna do really well in Sunshine to help revitalise the area and inject a bit of culture and a bit of art and creativity,” he said.
The Art Spaces Gallery is located at 2 City Place in Sunshine.
See www.mick-macks.com for more information