Robert Geronimo is an illustrator, writer, and professor of art history and comic art from Staten Island, New York. Through Geronimo Draws, he creates bold black-and-white artwork inspired by history, mythology, the sacred, and storytelling. He is the creator of the dark fantasy comic series Blood Realm and the upcoming art book Geronimo Draws: Art of Legend & Light.

How did you get your Artist name?

Geronimo Draws came from my name and what I do. It started simple, but it grew into something that represents all of my work: illustration, comics, writing, and teaching.

How did you get into creating?

I’ve been drawing my whole life. I was always into characters, stories, and worlds that felt larger than life.

Studying art history changed everything for me. I started to understand that art could carry meaning, connect to history, and speak to something deeper, including the sacred. That’s when I started taking it seriously.

Where are you from?

Staten Island, New York.

How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?

Growing up in New York exposed me to a mix of culture, history, and real-life grit. You’re surrounded by movement, noise, and energy, but also access to museums, churches, and architecture. That contrast shaped how I see things—both grounded and aware of something bigger.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?

I drew consistently, studied artists I admired, and committed to learning. Studying art history gave me a deeper understanding of what makes images meaningful. Teaching also helped. It forces you to really understand what you’re talking about.

What does your current setup look like?

My setup is simple and focused. I work on smooth Bristol paper using brush pens, black ink, traditional brushes, and white gel pen or white paint for highlights. I build everything through strong black-and-white contrast. I’m also surrounded by history books, art books, and antiques that have inspired me along the journey. That atmosphere matters to me. It keeps me connected to the past while I’m creating something new.

Who inspires you?

I’m inspired by artists like Michelangelo, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Caravaggio, and Gustave Doré.

I’m also inspired by myth, biblical stories, history, and anything connected to the sacred. I’m drawn to work that feels powerful and meaningful.

What is your goal when you create?

To create work that feels meaningful and lasts. I want people to feel like there’s something behind the image—not just something to look at, but something to think about.

Why do you create?

Because it’s part of who I am. It’s how I process ideas, history, the sacred, and experience. It all connects—drawing, writing, teaching.

How has choosing your creative path affected your life?

It’s given my life direction and structure. It’s not always easy, but it keeps me focused and pushes me to grow. It’s taught me discipline more than anything.

Did you have to overcome any obstacles along the way?

Yes, mostly internal ones. Doubt, patience, and staying consistent when things move slowly. Learning to keep going without immediate results is one of the hardest parts.

What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?

I listen to a lot of instrumental and cinematic music while I work. It helps me stay focused and get into the right mindset without distraction. It keeps the energy consistent.

What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?

My goal is to build a body of work that lasts. I’m working on that through Blood Realm, my art book, history book, my illustrations, and growing Geronimo Draws as a platform. I’m focused on consistency and building over time.

What would you tell someone else with a dream?

Take it seriously and stay consistent. Most people quit too early or treat it like a hobby. If it matters to you, you have to show up for it. Be patient, keep working, and eat each rejection for breakfast.

Tell us about your most recent release

My newest project is Geronimo Draws: Art of Legend & Light, available this summer. It’s a collection of black-and-white illustrations inspired by history, mythology, the sacred, and storytelling. The book brings together many of the themes that shape my work: heroes, monsters, ancient stories, spiritual struggle, and the power of images.

I’m also continuing to build Blood Realm, my dark fantasy comic series. It’s a world of warriors, monsters, ancient powers, and collapsing empires. Visually, I’m pushing a strong black-and-white ink style with deep blacks and sharp contrast.

Share a link to your most recent release

http://www.robertgeronimo.square.site/

Instagram

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TikTok

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Website

http://www.robertgeronimo.square.site/

Photography credit: Phoenix Yang