Location: I've been all over this great big world but I currently reside in Denver Colorado. I'm planning on relocating soon.

Career: I'm currently a freelance cartoonist and I work closely with the Contemporary Cartoon Militia (www.cartoonmilitia.com). I used to work in the skateboard industry (when I lived in San Diego, CA) as a designer (t-shirts, skate deck graphics, stickers, logos, etc.) but I left for 2 years to live in Guatemala. I returned to the states and moved to Colorado to attend the Art Institute of Colorado.

Age: 21 (I could buy liquor but that would just waste money I could spend on toys and hinder my cartooning). I've been cartooning professionally since I was 16.

Website: I work with Shaughn Struble at www.cartoonmilitia.com and I have a studio with my friend Evan Dileo at www.geocities.com/smoking_gun_studio

Top Five Comics:

I follow creators and not really comic books...and ONLY 5...what are you trying to make me crazy? (Deep breath)

Okay, I feel like I need to say that I am in love with independent comics and for that matter indie movies and underground music. I love it when people create

for the love of whatever they're doing. It shows in their work. I'm not saying that "mainstream" cartoonist don't love what they do but they have more restraints put upon them. I'm big fan of freedom.

Here's my list:

1.Mike Allred (Madman, The Atomics, and now X-Force)he's a master of storytelling his wife (Laura) is his colorist (and she's amazing too) www.aaapop.com

2.Jim Mahfood (Clerks, Grrl Scouts, Voodoom) he's got an amazing unique style. He's a true inspiration to all indie guys. www.40ozcomics.com

3.Evan Dorkin (Milk and Cheese, Dork). He has done some mainstream work (writing Space Ghost Coast to Coast and Superman the animated series) but he has stayed true to his "Indy" roots. www.houseoffun.com

4. Frank Miller. Now I know he's not an "indy" guy (he worked on Daredevil and Batman in the 80's) but his work was some of the first stuff I saw when I was a kid that made me think that comics could be more than just kid’s stuff.

5. Neil Gaiman- He's not an comic artist...he's a fine writer in and out of the comics field. (comics: Sandman, Black Orchid. Novels: Stardust, Neverwhere). www.americangods.com

MA: What (or who) are the major influences of your work?

ZT: I always think about what my mother once told me. She said that I should always stay true to my beliefs and not sell myself short. I try and take what I see

around me and in my life and try and make something that rings true. I take everything I see and store it away in my brain for later use.

MA: Do you think you would have been able to distribute your work without the Internet?

MA: Honestly, I don't think I could have reached as many people in as short a time. There's a lot of garbage on the web but sometimes it's worth digging.  I think that it's also a way to share comics and not have to worry about printing costs and dealing with publishers. I don't think that internet comics will ever replace paper books...but it will help advance the medium. Just like the web will change how Pepsi (or whatever) is advertised but I can't get a soda from my computer.

MA: Why do you think comic/sequential art is often ignored as an art form?

ZT: People are conditioned to think of comics as kiddie stuff. That's sad because these are our modern myths...our own versions of the Greek Gods. I grew up loving the Incredible Hulk, Spiderman, Batman and Superman. Those are cultural Icons. They are a part of our history and a part of our future.

MA: Does your art have an agenda or political message? If so, describe.

ZT: I don't really have an agenda. I just want to share my stories and try and attract people to comics that normally wouldn't be interested.

MA: Why does the comic form appeal to you as a medium?

ZT: Because it's FUN! I think that there can be so much human expression and emotion. There's more freedom of expression than in movies. I think that people are losing their imaginations and that's sad to me.

MA: How and when did your website get started?