No Barcodes: Sean Azzopardi Interview

In the second of a series of creator interviews to mark the upcoming NoBarCodes event next Saturday in Camden Lock Market, London, David Baillie talks to Sean Azzopardi, creator of Twelve Hour Shift and one of London Underground Comics' success stories.

Since being one of the founder members of the Camden Stall six months ago he's gone freelance and has a book deal with a top flight indie company

downthe tubes: I've known you pretty well for a couple of years. I've read and loved your comics for longer. But how would you introduce yourself and your work to someone who has never even heard of you? (For example, perhaps someone showing up at NoBarCodes event next Saturday in Camden Lock Market)

Sean Azzopardi: Hi, I'm Sean, and I'm a cartoonist (room responds with, hi Sean). I make mini comics - Ed, Twelve Hour Shift - and contribute to various anthologies. I like like to write autobiographical comics, or material that focuses on the ordinary aspects of the everyday.

downthetubes: You've been exhibiting yourself at the weekly version of NoBarCodes - the Saturday londonundergroundcomics.com stall - for the last six months. How has that been for you, and has it changed anything in terms of work or your life as a cartoonist?

Sean: It's been a fun packed experience filled with thrills and spills. being around other talented cartoonist has made me work harder.

downthetubes: What are you looking forward to most next Saturday?

Sean: Meeting new people who make comics, and going to the pub.

downthetubes: Anything you're dreading?

Sean: Getting a job.

downthetubes: And finally - any message for the people out there, reading this, wishing that they too were a young, cool and sexy comics creator?

Sean: You have to love it, because you will be spending a long time sitting in isolation, and wondering why you never have any money. Then things start to take off, and it becomes a mad and exhilarating experience.

downthetubes: Thank you very much, Sean Azzopardi!

• No Bar Codes is a one day indie comics event taking place at Camden Lock Market this Saturday. Click here for more info.

• Sean Azzopardi can be found at phatcatz.org.uk and No Bar Codes next week. His Twelve Hour Shift trade paperbacks have been flying off the shelves, so bag yourself one as soon as you get there or face disappointment! You can read another downthetubes interview with Sean by Matthew Badham here.

• David Baillie is over at www.davidbaillie.net and the awesome new hardback edition of his fantasy adventure Tongue of the Dead debuts at No Bar Codes. Click here for an exclusive discount voucher redeemable on the day!