Congratulations to :01’s New Associate Art Director, Andrew Arnold!

Congratulations to Andrew Arnold, the new Associate Art Director managing First Second graphic novel design.  Andrew will now be responsible for art direction and design for graphic novel titles both at First Second and those graphic novels published by First Second’s sister companies FSG BYR and Roaring Brook.

Andrew started working at our parent company, Macmillan Children’s, as a marketing associate in 2009. He moved over to the book design department the following year, becoming a Senior Designer in 2014. He’s worked with Hope Larson and Rebecca Mock on Compass South, the graphic novel edition of A Wrinkle in Time, Ozge Samanci’s Dare to Disappoint, as well as on picture books with Vera Brosgol and Jake Parker.

 

First Second: What was the first comic you remember reading?

Andrew: I honestly couldn’t tell you! But I do remember the first time my parents took me to a comic shop: it was right before a family vacation. We were driving from Houston to Florida, which meant a lot of time to kill in the car for an 8 year old. My next-door neighbors (who eventually became great friends) were into comics, and they suggested I bring some with me to read along the way. My parents drove me to the shop, let me pick out a few, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

First Second: What about comics inspires you?

Andrew: That moment when text and art come together seamlessly. It’s like you’re not reading text or looking at pictures; you’re reading comics and that’s all it can be.

First Second: What are some of your favorite graphic novels?

Andrew: Maus, Walt Simonson’s run on Thor, American Born Chinese, Persepolis, And Kevin Huizenga’s Ganges are a few that jump out at me. I also love Frank Miller’s Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One. Saga is one that I’ve been hooked on for awhile.

First Second: What are some things you’re working on now at First Second?

Andrew: So many things, and I only just started! I’m wrapping up a middle grade comic by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham that’s super charming. Shannon’s story is about making friends for the first time and how to deal with bullies. It’s incredibly honest and Uyen’s artwork captures that beautifully. I’m also working on something by Scott Westerfeld and Alex Puvilland that I’m excited about. Oh, and I heard that some pages of Battling Boy 2 are rolling in, but I don’t think I should reveal too much about that yet . . . I’m new to the fold and the last thing I want to do is spill the beans.

First Second: What do you have to say to the world about comics?

Andrew: It’s a great time to be in comics. People continue to experiment with the form and I’m so excited to be on the front lines of it all. I really can’t wait to see what comes next!