Steven Martellotta is a comic creator and visual storyteller living in Perth, WA. Comics are his medium of choice, as they provide incredible power to the solo storyteller. He is a big believer in the importance of media and understanding how it shapes our lives. Steven is working on a variety of short comics while creating a longer story based on his childhood growing up in Albany. He is also the current Secretary of the Perth Comic Arts Festival.
My time at PCAF
Since attending my first Festival in 2021, PCAF has become a really important part of my whole comics practice. My connection with the festival really solidified through the monthly workshops, which I attended every month and tried to take as many notes as possible. Through them, I not only learned more about comics as a practice, but also met other creators looking to learn and create too! Since joining the committee as a shadow member in 2023, I have taken over the position of Secretary, and am loving every minute of helping to organise and facilitate such an incredible event. PCAF ‘till I die.
About Me
When I was a little kid, I would draw comics about super heroes I made up, with a ballpoint pen on folded pages of A4 paper. I guess not that much has changed since then. I’ve always had a strong love for storytelling, and I love the power comics provide the individual creator to tell their story. Much of my work is inspired by the things I love, and influenced by the shows and stories that would captivate me as a child.
As I have created comics, I’ve developed a fascination with process. The diversity and breadth of what comics can be also creates a diversity in how they can be made, and getting to see the different ways in which people create their work is wonderful. For me, I like pens and paper, enjoying the tactility of pencilling and inking, and seeing the physical result of a completed page.
Currently I am creating short stories about my home town of Albany, or whatever else excites me. When I’m not making comics, I try to be hiking, seeing friends and playing games, before inevitably thinking about the next story I’m going to tell.
Some Comics I’ve Made:
- UpRock
- RRV
- Bushido Frog
Some of My Favourite Comics:
- On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden
- Seconds by Bryan Lee O’Malley
- 20th Century Boys by Naoki Urasawa