What did you get in trouble for as a kid? Anything adults told you to avoid that’s actually a big part of your life now?

I played too loudly in kindergarten music class and was sent back to homeroom to consider my sins. Today I own four electric guitars and two amps. So there, Mrs. Kurtz.

Any person who really helped you in your awesome artistic journey?

My sister, four years older than me, future art historian at Yale, exposed me to a lot of art. She also played crummy tricks on me, increasing my emotional resilience.

When you get a new project from Blue Q, how do you begin? What’s the starting point?

I begin with a stream of doubts — "Damn, this is such a great gig, don't mess it up, Roy!I" Then I wait until Mitch drops hints about approaching deadlines. Sufficiently stressed and anxious I start doodling on paper, then scanning random stuff from my stacks … now the wheels are in motion — choo choo!! This is gonna be fantastic!

“I begin with a stream of doubts.”

What was your favorite thing to draw as a child? Why did that lodge in your head?

In kindergarten I loved Halloween stuff. Black and orange. Cats and witches. I drew those icons year round. My pals drew a lot of planes and knives, so I tried that too but I wasn't angry enough, I guess. But the pumpkin stuff is still never far from my conscience. Very grounding. Still love black & orange.

Any activities, exercises or strategies to pull yourself out of the occasional artistic rut?

My ruts are about having too many options, which feels like no options. Lately I plunk my face into a mixing bowl full of icy water in the mornings. No ruts for Roy!