At a young age, Robb Mommaerts decided he wanted to be an illustrator when he grew up after learning astronauts didn’t carry lightsabers (a determining factor). From that moment on, he hasn’t stopped drawing.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the Ashwaubenon native (now Green Bay resident) spent 14 years in the graphic design world working for ad agencies. At the same time, he found ways to use his illustration skills on various projects by drawing and creating mini-comics and children’s books on the side.
In 2011, Mommaerts eventually took his pen and ink out on his own when freelance illustration became a financial reality. He was offered a full-time position with a newly-formed game company called Cryptozoic Entertainment. You’ll see his work for Cryptozoic on established commercial properties (Ghostbusters, DC Comics and Cartoon Network shows like “Adventure Time” and “Rick & Morty”). He has also worked on stand alone projects, such as “Frostbite,” a children’s book written by Julia Dweck, the I Hate Zombies card game, and various covers and pinups for BOOM! Entertainment and Image Comics.
He first draws in pencil, then dips sable brushes in ink, and computer colors some of the most fun creations for children’s books, comics, board and trading card games, posters, book covers, and many other outlets.
Although Mommaerts claims not to be a super techie guy, he’s an avid podcast listener and has been told he has poor taste in ’70s easy listening and funk music. Reaching out to other creators and artists all over the world (as well as them reaching out to him) and making friends on social media or at comic book/game conventions keep Mommaerts connected to the the pop culture industries he plays a valuable role in. He stays involved in the local community by attending artist signings at Powers Comics in Green Bay and meeting fans at functions like the comic book event at the Brown County Library this past summer.
The hardworking, family-minded midwesterner puts down his pens to walk their family dog each lunch break, and his two young children have desks of their own in his downstairs studio space for their projects. That includes homemade duct tape swords and shields. But Mommaerts has also spent a lifetime devoted to his art and has developed a skill set that is truly original and breathtaking.
His someday projects include creating his own fantasy world or writing/drawing biographies in a graphic novel or web comic format. No doubt, his imaginative figures and monsters with exaggerated styles and superb line work would make whatever subject matter he chooses truly shine.
Check out Mommaerts’ work on his website & Instagram.
CREDITS
Text: Shawn Williams
Photos: Jacob Miller
