Meaning: This quote by Todd McFarlane, a renowned comic book artist and writer, encapsulates his formative years as an artist and storyteller, particularly his experiences working with two of the most prominent comic book publishers, Marvel and DC. McFarlane is best known for his work on the popular series "Spider-Man" and for co-creating the character Venom. Later, he gained even more widespread recognition for his creation of the character Spawn and for his work as a writer and artist on the self-published comic book series of the same name.

In this quote, McFarlane reflects on the critical period in his life when he dedicated himself to honing his craft and mastering the art of visual storytelling. His reference to "putting in time with Marvel and DC" alludes to his early professional experiences with these industry giants, where he undoubtedly encountered invaluable learning opportunities and challenges that contributed to his artistic development.

During his time at Marvel and DC, McFarlane would have been exposed to the rigorous standards and expectations of these major publishers. This environment would have demanded that he not only refined his artistic skills but also developed a deep understanding of narrative structure, character development, and visual storytelling techniques. The phrase "trying to learn how to draw and tell stories in a proper fashion" underscores the significance of this period as a foundational learning experience for McFarlane.

In the world of comic book creation, storytelling is a complex and multifaceted endeavor. Artists must not only possess technical proficiency in drawing and illustrating but also have the ability to convey emotions, action, and drama through their artwork. Furthermore, they need to collaborate closely with writers to ensure that the visual and narrative elements of a comic seamlessly complement each other. McFarlane's reference to "learning how to draw and tell stories in a proper fashion" indicates his recognition of the need to master these interconnected aspects of the craft.

It's important to note that McFarlane's experiences at Marvel and DC were not without challenges. These companies are known for their high standards and intense competition, and breaking through as a prominent artist in such an environment would have required immense dedication and perseverance. It's likely that McFarlane's time at these publishers involved a significant amount of trial and error, as well as the need to adapt and grow in response to feedback and criticism.

Ultimately, McFarlane's quote serves as a testament to the formative role that his experiences with Marvel and DC played in shaping his artistic and storytelling abilities. The lessons he learned during this period would undoubtedly have a lasting impact on his career, influencing his approach to creating compelling and visually stunning comic book narratives.

In conclusion, Todd McFarlane's quote encapsulates his acknowledgment of the pivotal role that his experiences with Marvel and DC played in his artistic development. It reflects his recognition of the challenges and learning opportunities inherent in working for major comic book publishers and underscores the importance of mastering the art of visual storytelling. This quote offers valuable insight into the formative period of McFarlane's career and provides a glimpse into the dedication and perseverance required to succeed as a comic book artist and storyteller.