So what is it about us creative types that find it necessary to stay up till the crack of dawn to get work down. Why do the wee hours of the night prove to me the most productive time of the day?

If you are familiar with comic books you’re familiar with Jim Lee. Currently the Co-Publisher of DC Comics, and arguably the greatest comic book artist in the industry. I’ve messaged him a few times on Twitter, and per the MO of the most well known, I never got a response from the guy. Understandable. He’s a busy fella.

Last night I was working on a project ’til 2:30am or so – usual time to work, not a normal project. I was workin’ with the ol’ pencil and paper and struggling with how much I’ve lost over the years.

Any artist knows that clothing is tricky, and making it look real is quite a challenge unless you’re well practiced (which I am not). I abandoned tradition art about 10 years ago or more in favor of digital media; Photoshop became my best friend, and my biggest crutch.

So in the middle of the night last night I reached out to Jim Lee over twitter for some help, and he reached back like a true scholar. He shot a quick video on his iPhone (I knew I liked that guy), and posted in on YouTube for myself or anyone else who might benefit from some guidance.

The dude rocks! Took him a minute thirty to pull that sketch out and it’s better than what I get after slaving for half an hour. There are plenty of talented “celebrities” out there, but the mark of a true master artisan is one who gives back to the artistic collective. Thanks, Jim, for taking the time to help a novice like myself, and it’s nice to know that even the pros work at 3am in the morning to get stuff done.

For a good look at Jim Lee’s work checkout Batman: Hush, Superman: For Tomorrow, or All-Star Batman & Robin.