Interview with Rob Botts: Illustrator of The Daily Jaws 2024 calendar
What is it that makes JAWS so special?
Like so many of us, I’ve been a Jaws fan since the moment I saw the movie. Jaws really impacted my childhood in so many ways but it started with my mom reading the opening of the book on the beach and immediately telling my dad: “Bob - you have to read this. You have to read this.” Of course he said no as we were on the beach! But once I saw Jaws on TV for the first time I just couldn’t stop wanting to keep watching it and wanted to know so much more about sharks! Especially the different kinds of sharks we all are familiar with. Bathtub shark - swimming pool shark - lake shark - pond shark - puddle shark and of course, sink shark. And if heavy enough, rain shark! Jaws is a one of a kind film that has made an impact on so many and continues to do so to this day! Sometimes I’ll have Jaws playing in the background while I’m doing other things but I always end up stopping at one point or another and watching the whole damn thing!
What inspires him for his cartoons/illustrations?
My general inspiration is loving the actual process of drawing cartoons. I grew up on The Far Side, Calvin and Hobbes and Garfield. Being able to not only draw characters but having them in situations with captions that make people smile is what it’s all about!
Who is his favourite Jaws character to draw?
My favorite Jaws character to draw would be Quint. Those squinty eyes along with the iconic hat, bandana and jacket. Quint has such great facial expressions throughout the film - one so different than the next that it’s truly a cartoon cornucopia of creative caricatures!
Who is the hardest to draw?
The hardest Jaws character to draw for me would actually be Brody as he has larger eyes but the lids on the eyes are somewhat relaxed - a bit like Sylvester Stallone. Have to get them just right. Also, he has light eyebrows so the lines around the brows need to be expressive subtly to get the reaction you need.
What tools do you use to create your images?
In terms of creation tools, I use an iPad Pro with the drawing program ProCreate. It’s great because I can use so many layers when drawing(sketching, inking, coloring, lettering) and make corrections / changes to the drawings very easily! It took some time for me to adjust years ago going from paper to a screen for digital work but I would never go back now as it’s so convenient and efficient without giving up creative results.
Typically how long does it take from idea to finished image?
The idea process can vary. Sometimes they just come to me throughout my day and I’ll add the ideas to my notes on my phone. But as far as sitting down once I have the idea and beginning to sketch to finished product and if I’m uninterrupted, usually takes me about 1-2 hours. Once I start, like any artist, I don’t want to stop!
Some of the artwork in The Daily Jaws calendar 2024
What month are you most proud of image wise?
The cartoon I’m most proud of from The Daily Jaws Calendar is October. I’m a huge horror movie fan and it was so much fun to have Bruce carving a pumpkin under water with Quint’s axe while the ominous orange sky bleeds into the dark Amity water. Scary..but fun!
What do you hope people get out of the TDJ calendar?
I hope people just enjoy their favorite Jaws characters as cartoon characters in situations that give them the warm and fuzzy feelings along with some chuckles about their favorite film! At the end of the day, it’s a Jaws calendar for Jaws fans - by Jaws fans! It doesn’t get any better or more meaningful than that! It’s like ringing the fan bell in all of us! And I hope everybody finds just the right wall for it as well!
What has it been like collaborating with The Daily Jaws?
The collaboration with The Daily Jaws has been great. As you can see, I’m having a wonderful time! Their passion and extensive knowledge of not only the Jaws films themselves but the understanding of the true importance of the legacy of Jaws is bar none! Exciting times ahead!
What is it that makes JAWS so special?
Like so many of us, I’ve been a Jaws fan since the moment I saw the movie. Jaws really impacted my childhood in so many ways but it started with my mom reading the opening of the book on the beach and immediately telling my dad: “Bob - you have to read this. You have to read this.” Of course he said no as we were on the beach! But once I saw Jaws on TV for the first time I just couldn’t stop wanting to keep watching it and wanted to know so much more about sharks! Especially the different kinds of sharks we all are familiar with. Bathtub shark - swimming pool shark - lake shark - pond shark - puddle shark and of course, sink shark. And if heavy enough, rain shark! Jaws is a one of a kind film that has made an impact on so many and continues to do so to this day! Sometimes I’ll have Jaws playing in the background while I’m doing other things but I always end up stopping at one point or another and watching the whole damn thing!
