Meaning: This quote from Jaime Hernandez, a celebrated comic book artist known for his work on the series "Love and Rockets," provides insight into his creative process and the challenges he faces as an artist. The quote reflects the idea that copying something allows an artist to internalize and remember it, while conducting research can be a difficult and laborious task. Let's delve deeper into the meaning of this quote and explore how it relates to the artistic process.

In the first part of the quote, Hernandez mentions that every time he copies something, he can draw it for the rest of his life. This speaks to the idea that through the act of copying, an artist can develop a deep understanding of the subject matter. By repeatedly drawing or copying a particular object, figure, or scene, an artist can internalize its details, proportions, and nuances. This process of copying can be a form of practice and skill-building, allowing the artist to hone their abilities and develop a visual library of references that they can draw upon in their work.

The act of copying can also be a way for artists to study the techniques and styles of other artists. By replicating the work of masters or contemporaries, artists can learn from their methods and gain insights into different approaches to composition, line work, shading, and other aspects of visual storytelling. This process of emulation and study is a common practice in art education and can be a valuable tool for artists seeking to expand their repertoire and refine their craft.

However, in contrast to the relatively straightforward nature of copying, Hernandez describes research as a painful and challenging endeavor. He laments the difficulty of simply opening a magazine to find a picture of a car or looking out the window to observe a car. This sentiment underscores the arduous and often time-consuming nature of research, particularly when it comes to gathering visual references or conducting studies of real-life subjects.

For artists, research is an essential part of the creative process, especially when striving for accuracy, authenticity, and detail in their work. Whether it involves studying historical photographs, visiting locations to capture the essence of a setting, or consulting reference materials to depict specific objects or elements, research demands a considerable investment of time and effort. Artists must not only find suitable source material but also interpret and integrate it into their own artistic vision.

Hernandez's words shed light on the less glamorous aspects of the artistic process. While the act of creating art is often romanticized, the reality is that it frequently involves tedious and challenging tasks such as research and reference gathering. Nevertheless, these efforts are crucial for achieving a high level of craftsmanship and for imbuing artwork with authenticity and depth.

In conclusion, Jaime Hernandez's quote encapsulates the dichotomy between the ease of copying and the difficulty of research in the artistic process. It highlights the value of repetition and emulation in developing artistic skills, while also acknowledging the demanding nature of research and reference gathering. By delving into the meaning behind this quote, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and nuances inherent in the creation of visual art.