All the way from Italy comes the artist of the OGN Silver Vessels, Katia Vecchio! So come on down for the latest meeting of the minds!
1. Hello there! And welcome to the Mind Meld here at IndieComiX! For those who may not be aware of you and what it is you do, could you tell us a bit about yourself?
Its Katia!
Hi! Thank you for having me! My name is Katia Vecchio and I’m a comic book artist from Italy. I’m the artist behind Silver Vessels (Mad Cave Studios/Maverick), Painted (Humanoids), and Wild Strawberries at The World’s End (Source Point Press). Besides digital, I love drawing and coloring with watercolors, especially landscapes, flowers, and characters immersed in nature.
2. March saw the release of the Silver Vessels OGN for Mad Cave Studios’ Maverick Imprint with you as the artist and Steve Orlando as the writer, what was the experience like for you?
The experience was amazing; I felt very lucky to work with such professional people. Starting a new project is always a challenge, and I always want to give my best, but I’m proud of what came out! It’s incredible how satisfying this job can be!
3. In that same vein, what led to you coming on board for the OGN’s art duties?
Arancia Studio, the creative studio I’ve collaborated with, told me about a new project they had for me. When I learned it was a project with Steve Orlando and Mad Cave, I was thrilled; I’m a fan of their comics! I was also delighted that it was a young adult graphic novel, something I feel really suits my style!
4. After looking at some of your art on your personal website, I have to say you’ve done some beautifully great work, which can also be seen in Humanoids Inc., Bradan Press, and Source Point Press in addition to Mad Cave/Maverick. Are these your only published works so far?
I’ve worked on various covers for different projects, and soon to be released is Comics are Dying: The Comic for Zoop campaign, written by Louis Southard. I’ll be among the 100 artists featured in the comic.
5. What led to you wanting to be an artist in comics?
I’ve always been fascinated by the art of drawing since I was little. I was captivated by the cartoons I watched on TV, especially for their artistic aspect (I was in love with Sailor Moon’s design). I watched them and then drew them; sometimes I invented stories and characters and put them on paper. When I got bored, I would come up with a new story. In middle school, I started reading Manga, and in high school, American and European comics. Every year, this passion for drawing and comics grew, as did the desire for it to become a profession.
6. Stance on AI in art?
It’s not ethical as in they take data from actual artists without consent. To use it for commercial use, you’re using other people’s works for your own profit without consent. That’s probably the worst use of AI. It’s theft and devalues the artists.
7. As a woman in a mostly male dominated Industry like Comics Creation, has it been difficult for you?
I’m grateful to say that I’ve found a lot of acceptance in the comics industry, despite it being predominantly male dominated. Overall I’ve received great support and respect from the comic community at large. I’ve been able to work side by side with dedicated professionals who have recognized my talent and provided opportunities for me to grow and thrive. I believe that open-mindedness and a willingness to collaborate are fundamental values in any industry, and I’m thankful to have been embraced so warmly in the world of comics.
Page 9
8. As you’re in Italia, what’s the comic book scene like there?
Unfortunately, here in Italy, the comic book scene is not highly valued because comic creators are not adequately compensated. There are many talented Italian writers and artists who have published beautiful stories, but very often these stories are forgotten because the industry is small, and until there is a huge word of mouth, the authors do not gain enough recognition. That said, I realize that running a comic publisher comes with all its difficulties, and I hope that in the future, the Italian Comic Industry will be properly rewarded.
9. With Silver Vessels now out in the world as of March, where will fans next see your work in comics? And will you be doing more for Mad Cave/Maverick in the future?
I’m currently preparing a pitch to submit to a publisher, collaborating with a comic book writer whom I greatly admire for his work (I can’t wait for this project to come to life and to be able to talk about it!). I really hope to work with Mad Cave\Maverick again in the future!
10. As an artist, what’s your method for avoiding the issue of burn out?
Page 26
I try to draw what I like and what gives me satisfaction. In the past, I experienced burnout for a short period, and taking a break and resting my brain was very helpful. Watching movies, reading comics to get inspired, and talking to people in the industry have definitely helped resolve that issue because they fueled my passion to keep drawing.
11. For my final question, what advice would you give to those (women especially) looking to get into comics creation?
I would say… draw as much as possible, especially comic pages! (Without going crazy!). Get inspired by movies, read lots of comics, and observe panels, framing, and direction. Upload your work on social media following writers and artists you like, thus surrounding yourself with people from the industry. Don’t get discouraged if your dream of creating comics doesn’t come true right away, sometimes it takes time and mentally, I think it’s better not to rush. In this field, if you’re good at what you do, people will notice you. Meanwhile… Draw!
Editor’s Note: Huge thanks to Katia for taking part in this interview. Check out her personal website for more of her work!
Interview by: Rob Wrecks
