#LNA Creator Spotlight
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LNA Creator Spotlight: Kata Kane
Happy Wednesday!
To kick off the creation of Ladies Night Anthology vol 5: Sisters, we’re taking a look back at some of our alumni from our previous volumes. We asked them a few questions designed to inspire, enlighten and commiserate. We’re checking in on what they’re doing now and getting advice for people just starting out!
Without further ado, please enjoy our spotlight of Kata Kane
Social Media Info
Twitter @kata_kane
Instagram @robokiss
Tumblr/Facebook altar-girl.tumblr.com / facebook.com/altargirl
Portfolio/website kata-kane.com
Credits
Where might we know you from? I'm best known for my ongoing manga series Altar Girl! I do the story & art, and publish as a webcomic. The first 2 books have been printed as well.
Which volume of Ladies' Night did you work on? V4 Eat it Up! The story was written by Kaia Danielle and it's about a Muslim girl at a low country boil who can't eat pork and instead falls in love with a very traditional and basic American meal. I had never been to a seafood boil myself when I drew the comic, but just recently when we had a freakishly warm day in February a neighbor invited us over for one and I was telling everyone who would listen how I drew a comic about it! It made the meal that much tastier.
What’s next for you? I'm currently working as artist (pencils/inks) on two OGNs with Papercutz debuting this year: Ana and the Cosmic Race hits shelves in May (order code MAR171967 and MAR171968) and GFFs: Ghost Friends Forever will be here later this Fall. I'm also planning an upcoming Kickstarter campaign for Altar Girl Book 3!
Background
Who are your biggest writing/art influences? Everything Rumiko Takahashi, but especially Ranma 1/2. Takahashi's characters are delightful and fun, and she just has this amazing ability to blend action, drama, romance and comedy perfectly in her comics. I appreciated a lot of CLAMP's work too like Card Captor Sakura, Magic Knight Rayearth and X/1999. I idolize Sailor Moon of course, but I was never able to draw as delicate and pretty as Naoko Takeuchi. Chynna Clugston's Blue Monday and Scooter Girl were huge for me as a teenager too.
What work are you most proud of? My original comic Altar Girl! It's something I've been working on since I was 16 years old, so it has had a special place in my heart for a long time. It's grown with me over the years. I'm still proud of it, even for all the missteps along the way. It helped me learn to be a better artist and storyteller on my own terms.
Why do you want to work in comics? I love telling stories, and I love drawing and creating characters. When I was little, I wanted to be an "Author/Illustrator" until I found comics. Then I was like, oh yeah, that's what I was trying to do all this time!
Advice
What advice would you give to creators just starting out? Don't hold back. Don't get caught up in your own head thinking you're not good enough. Everyone has to start somewhere by taking that first step on the path of your own magical journey! Put your comic art or story out there into the world; learn as you go, and don't be afraid to ask your peers for advice.
How do you handle rejection? Let it fuel you to keep going and try again, improving yourself along the way. I honestly try my hardest not to dwell on any rejection. I take it in, feel the initial pangs of disappointment, but I don't let it consume me or convince me that I'm not good enough. I remind myself that I just have to keep trying; it's not the end of anything! I've had it happen enough times that things always end up working out in ways I couldn't even foresee, and other opportunities were there on the horizon.
Industry
How long have you been working in comics? Professionally, I'd say about 6-7 years now. But I was putting my webcomics and art online like, 15 years ago! Wow. Now I feel old. But I think that experience helped a lot too when I finally made the leap to comics as a full-time gig.
Do you have a day job? Does being a mom count? I think it should count. I had my son during the time we were all working on V4 together. As my editor Lauren once put it I "had a baby like 2 minutes ago" but I was really grateful for a fun, exciting comics project to work on during those first few months. I used to have a graphic design 9-5 but I quit that life about 2 years ago to do full-time comics, illustration, and graphic design. I'm for hire!
Favorite convention? Baltimore Comic Con! It's my hometown con, so I get to see lots of friends from all over, but also sleep in my own bed at the end of the day. It's one of those shows that really balances creators and industry. It's not all about the celebs and dealer booths, it's really about the publishers and the creators too.
#gcc ladies night#Ladies Night Anthology#LNA Creator Spotlight#women in comics#hire this woman#inspiration#LNA Sisters
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Thanks ladies!! 💖 #Repost @gccladiesnight with @repostapp ・・・ Check out our Creator Spotlight with LNA Alum Kata Kane over on our tumblr - gccladiesnight.tumblr.com! #womenincomics #ladiesnightanthology #comics #artadvice
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LNA Creator Spotlight: Monica Ras
Please enjoy our latest Creator Spotlight on Monica Ras!
• Favorite publisher – I don’t have one, honestly.
Social Media Info
• Twitter: gryzmoly
• Instagram: gryzmoly
• Tumblr: gryzmoly
Credits
• Where might we know you from? – I have a comic series I’m working with Lauren Burke & Greg Sorkin called “The World Ends with Us” and have also participated in two of the Ladies Night Anthology books: Death & Prom and Magic. I also occasionally pop up at LNA functions.
• What’s next for you? – “The World Ends with Us” is still in the works. I’m also illustrating some hunky men for the Austen vs Bronte podcast/graphic novel. Aside from that, I’m hoping to start a webcomic within the next year, after I get some of the research elements out of the day.
Background
• How did you become a comics fan? – I grew up reading the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series! I was a huge Sonic fan growing up and I had a massive backpack full of issues, which I sadly lost when my parents’ crawlspace flooded. From there, it branched off into Japanese manga, and that’s where my love for comics really exploded.
• Who are your biggest writing/art influences? – Kentaro Miura (Berserk) is a large inspiration of mine in ever sense of the word. Other artist inspirations of mine are: Rose Besch (Bara-chan), Claire Hummel, & T Zysk (Reapersun). (Among many others but I’m terrible at names.)
• What is your dream job? – To be honest, I’m not particularly sure. I’m pretty good where I’m at: a day job that allows me the freedom to pursue my hobbies and interests. I suppose I’d like to be in a more creative field some day, but I don’t have a particular job in mind.
• List your top 5 comics/movies/books – The Road to El Dorado (Dreamworks), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (comic & movie), Blacksad, (and these aren’t a comic/movie/books but video games have a lot of influence on my work) Dragon Age series, Final Fantasy VII.
• What work are you most proud of? – “The World Ends with Us” for sure. It’s my first stand-alone original comic, and Lauren and Greg are a phenomenal team to work with!
• Who inspires you? – Music and new places. I take one Saturday or Sunday a month during nicer weather to drive to new places just for a change of pace. It’s really refreshing.
• Why do you want to work in comics? – It’s really exhilarating seeing something one draws in print. Giving life to characters and situations is a unique sort of sensation. I have a lot of stories to tell and I really like to share them!
Advice
• What helps you get into a creative headspace? – Listening to music. ’m the sort of person who needs to be put into a particular emotional mindset to really get to work on something, so I need to find music that fits whatever it is I’m trying to draw or write to really get the creativity flowing.
• Best critique you’ve ever had? – “Pay attention to line weight.” Varying line weight helps give depth, weight, and movement to an image.
• Best piece of career advice you’ve ever received? – “Do what you’re passionate about.” Seems really simple and straight-forward but sometimes we all forget what we’re passionate about when other pressing matters come to our attention.
• What advice would you give to creators just starting out? – Do what works for you. For some people, going full tilt at what they want will just result in them getting burned out or hating their passion. For some, going full tilt is exactly what they need! Look at your situation and desires and figure out how you want to do things. Do you want work freelance full time? Would you prefer to have a day job and work on freelance gigs on the side? Or even transition from the day job to working as a freelancer full time? Do what works for you and know that there is really no wrong way to go about it. Also, find people and/or groups that share similar interests and pursuits! It definitely helps having likeminded individuals around to keep your passion burning strong!
• What do you do to take care of yourself (physically/mentally)? – Playing video games, going for long walks/drives, taking a hot bubble bath with the occasional glass of wine.
• Have any time management tips? – There are so many ways to keep track of things these days, but I’ve become pretty dang reliant on Google Calendar. It helps keep everything in line and allows a broad look at what I have on my plate. Depending on the project, I’ll set milestones to remind myself what needs to be done when.
• How do you handle rejection? – Rejection certainly stinks, and I’ll be the first to admit that it does make me a little upset sometimes. I might get a little down in the dumps about it but through the years I’ve come to learn that it isn’t the end of the world, so I’ll get to work on things that make me happy to push myself onward.
• Do you have any specific writing/art tips? – I know it’s been said time and again but definitely draw from life. Go outside and doodle, take a figure drawing class, whatever! Drawing from life will help you understand how things are built and especially how things move.
• How do you relax? – Going for drives/walks with instrumental or dance music playing helps a lot. On the rare occasion I’m actually feeling it, bubble baths help too! Or just putting a pup if I’m visiting family; we have a few dogs in the family and nothing helps quite like petting a happy critter.
Industry
• How long have you been working in comics? – About 3 years.
• How do you find freelance gigs? – I’m often referred to them by family or friends. Networking is a very important aspect of any field, really. On that note, participating in things like anthologies can really help your work get out there, and at times people will reach out to you for a gig!
• Do you have a day job? – I do. It’s not at all related to comics, but it is somewhat creative.
• Have you seen changes in the industry since you joined? – Admittedly, I don’t pay much attention to the industry; I’m aware that it can be fairly hostile. On that note, however, I have noticed an increase in hostility. But, I’ve also noticed an increase in people creating spaces and environments in which they can create and support each other, which is really relieving to see, as well as incredibly inspiring.
• Favorite convention – I’ve only been to a handful of conventions but C2E2 and Dragoncon are tied for top place!
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LNA Creator Spotlight: Anissa Espinosa
Sorry for the delay this week. Technical difficulties.
Please enjoy this week’s creator spotlight on Anissa Espinosa!
Social Media Info
Twitter = redribbonrobot
Instagram = redribbonrobot
Tumblr/Facebook = redribbonrobot
Credits
Where might we know you from? I've illustrated covers and mini-comics for Bee and Puppycat, Bravest Warriors, and Adventure Time!
What’s next for you? Let's see, I'm going to be a Story Revisionist on Young Justice season 3, my first graphic novel (written by Nick Tapalansky and published by First Second) will be released in the October of 2017, and I will also be figuring out what my next comic endeavor will be.
Background
Who are your biggest writing/art influences? First and foremost, my friends and peers (both online and offline), Mike Mignola, Claire Wendling, J.C. Leyendecker, Akira Toriyama, and Chris Bachalo.
What is your dream job? I'm doing it! I work as a storyboard artist/revisionist for animation, and will be working on my own comic/creative projects as well soon.
Advice
Best piece of career advice you’ve ever received? Don't give up. Ever. You may not meet your goal as quickly as you would like, but just be persistent. It will happen.
What advice would you give to creators just starting out? If you do one thing on any project, JUST FINISH. You will learn so much more from finishing than agonizing over making something perfect. Trust me, as a perfectionist, this was the hardest thing I had learn.
Industry
How long have you been working in comics? About five or six years, give or take.
How do you find freelance gigs? Tumblr, and twitter have given my artwork the most exposure I've ever had. I am contacted for different comic and illustration opportunities a lot because of those sites. My first comic cover and graphic novel gigs came about because some very kind and sweet friends sent my work to their editors.
Favorite convention? I would have to say SPX. It's probably the most progressive, friendly, and fun con I've ever visited.
#LNA Creator Spotlight#gcc ladies night#Ladies Night Anthology#hire this woman#inspiration#women in comics#LNA Sisters
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LNA Creator Spotlight: Kat Leyh
Please enjoy this next installment of the the LNA Creator Spotlight: Kat Leyh!
Social Media:
Twitter: kaymlay
Tumblr/Facebook: katleyh.tumblr.com
Portfolio/website: katleyh.com
Credits
Where might we know you from?: Either as one of the writers/artists for Lumberjanes, or from my webcomic, Supercakes.
What’s next for you?: Can’t say yet ;)
Background
How did you become a comics fan?: I started reading manga and webcomics in high school, it’s all escalated since then.
Who are your biggest writing/art influences?: That’s a big question… Hayao Miyazaki is a pretty powerful influence on me as a storyteller.
What is your dream job?: Making comics.
List your top 5 comics/movies/books:
-Comics: One Piece, Maple Love, Daredevil (the Samnee/Waid run), early X-Calibur, Through the Woods
-Movies: Snatch, Boondock Saints, Amelie, Royal Tennenbaums, Sword of the Stranger
-Books: Good Omens; Witches Abroad; Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal; The Stupidest Angel; Better Than Running At Night
What work are you most proud of?: Anything I’ve ever finished.
Who inspires you?: Lotta my peers are dang inspiring.
Why do you want to work in comics?: I enjoy the creative freedom making comics allows me.
Advice
What helps you get into a creative headspace?: Being alone and without distraction. Also listening to epic soundtracks.
Best critique you’ve ever had?: Trim the fat.
Best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?: Know what your work is worth.
What advice would you give to creators just starting out?: Complete a project. Once you know you can, it’ll be easier to do again.
What do you do to take care of yourself (physically/mentally)?: Take breaks, take walks, set realistic deadlines.
Have any time management tips?: For me, having a daily/weekly routine helps to keep me from procrastinating. I make ‘to do’ lists almost daily- that is comforting to me.
How do you handle rejection?: My work isn’t for everyone, nor is it supposed to be, I don’t take rejection personally.
Do you have any specific writing/art tips?: Know about page turns, pay attention to pacing, know your weaknesses and work on them.
How do you relax?: Movies, reading, cooking, friends…
Industry
How long have you been working in comics?: Since 2014
How do you find freelance gigs?: Not very well.
Do you have a day job?: Not anymore.
Have you seen changes in the industry since you joined?: Crowdsourced comics sure are doing better and better.
Favorite convention: ECCC and C2E2
#Ladies Night Anthology#LNA Sisters#hire this woman#inspiration#women in comics#gcc ladies night#LNA Creator Spotlight
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LNA Creator Spotlight: Laura Neubert
Enjoy our second installment of the LNA Creator Spotlight! This week we’re focused on alumni Laura Neubert!
Social Media Info
Twitter - https://twitter.com/MissRosengeist
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/miss_rosengeist/
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/laura.neubert.7
Tumblr - https://www.tumblr.com/blog/rosengeist
Portfolio/website - http://rosengeist.daportfolio.com
Credits
Where might we know you from? - Recently, I worked as the
cover artist, and interior pencil artist for the Artful comic
series from Action Lab Entertainment. I have also been
featured in several comic anthologies, including Valor,
Then it was Dark, and Secret Loves of Geek Girls.
Which volume of Ladies Night Anthology did you work on? – I was in
Volume 3 : How to Magic
What’s next for you? – I’m looking to do some work on
personal projects. :)
Background
How did you become a comics fan? - I casually always read
comics and manga. As a kid, my parents would get me
Disney comics from the grocery store, and I was secretly
reading Elfquest whenever I was in the library and could
sneak it away to the kids section. In high school and middle
school I had a massive artist crush on Rumiko Takahashi.
When I got into my early 20’s and found Neil Gaiman’s The
Sandman comics, and Marian Churchland’s Beast, I was
sold.
Who are your biggest writing/art influences? – I try to take
influences from areas outside of comics, as well as inside.
As a creative person, I have deep respect and owe a lot to
the influence of the Impressionists (particularly Degas), and
Klimt, as well as authors like Charlotte Bronte and Tanith
Lee. As far as current comics, I dig a lot of the stuff that’s
coming out of web comics, and of course, have a love for
Marian Churchland’s work. I’m also kind of a nerd for
Adrian Alphona’s work, especially in Miss Marvel.
I’d also be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that at one point I
wanted to be in theater, and also wanted to be an animator,
so Broadway musicals and Disney/Miyazaki/animation in
general are deep pools of inspiration for me.
At the risk of sounding like an ass, I think its best to try and
find inspiration anywhere you can. Why limit yourself to one
medium, or one kind of storytelling outlet. People are
complex, we should honor that.
What is your dream job? There are so many things I still want to do. I’m not sure I can really limit it to one thing. I work in comics, but I’d also
like to write novels, and I’m deeply interested in trying to
learn more about science, medicine, and social work.
I am not entirely sure what my dream job is. The one thing
I’ve learned about dreams is that they constantly are in flux.
As you change, they change. At the moment, I just want to
make cool, engaging things and try to help people around
me better.
What work are you most proud of?
I’m pretty happy with Artful, as it was my first title as a solo
penciller and cover artist.
Why do you want to work in comics?
Comics are such an amazing, diverse, low cost, medium. I
feel like that’s as close as you can get to complete control.
Aside from sound, the artist and author is in charge of
everything. It’s a lot of responsibility, and sometimes, it
makes for some awkwardly revealing work, but there is a
sincerity to it that I really enjoy.
I mean, even when you’re getting into something that’s
much more tightly controlled like licensed characters, I
loved that you can still be like “That’s John Romita Sr.’s
Spiderman!” or “That’s totally Humberto Ramos work!”
There is still a lot more of the individual apparent. I kind of
love that it can be so intimate on a small, indie level, but
even when you get to mainstream comics in any genre, you
can see the fingerprints of many different people on it at
different times.
Advice
What helps you get into a creative headspace?
Musicals, a good nights rest, exercise, talking with friends
and novels. The older I get, the more I firmly believe that
creative headspaces are fueled by the world they come
from. No artist can help but be a product of their
environment, so, it helps to have a good environment.
Best critique you’ve ever had?
“Just because you put your heart into it, doesn’t mean
anyone is obligated to like it.” I think a lot of times, because
artists put so much of themselves into their work, we can
feel devastated and defensive when people critique us.
Learning that everyone has a right to dislike your stuff for
any reason, and that it is not a reflection on you as a
person is, I think, a fundamental skill for any creative
person to develop.
Also “Damnit, you’ve been sitting in the chair for 8 hours.
Go, take a break!”
Take breaks…legit. Take care of your body as best you
can.
Best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t abuse your body by overworking it. Also, don’t take
on work you aren’t interested in.
What advice would you give to creators just starting out?
Be patient and don’t quit your day job until art pays most
the bills. When you have to depend on something as
unpredictable as art to survive, it can wear you out. By being
patient and allowing your art and reputation to develop over time,
without being dependent on it to survive, you can approach it
much more healthily.
Do you have any specific writing/art tips?
Don’t take inspiration from only one source. If you only
watch anime, read something completely out of left field
like a theoretical non-fiction science book, or watch a
medical drama. Any time you pull inspiration from varied
sources, it gives you a better understanding of what works
in some media and what doesn’t…also, you just get more
interesting ideas that way.
Nothing will ever really feel perfect, and most artists
actually dislike their own work as soon as it’s done. Don’t
seek perfection, perfection takes time, and its subjective.
Seek completion.
How do you relax?
Novels in the bath tub. And cats, and cooking, and delightful
little coffee shops.
Industry
How long have you been working in comics?
This is my 3 rd year working in the industry, going on 4.
Realistically, if I count in school, and hobby comics, I’ve been
trying to sort this out for about 7-8 years now.
Do you have a day job?
Yes and no. Currently I’m a full time artist, but I do tend to
run a lot of errands for people, and I’m interested in
learning new job skills.
Have you seen changes in the industry since you joined?
Yes! I think we’re starting to see more respect for Indie comics,
story telling and style in general, and there is a LOT more room
for small press and indie press to get their work out in the public,
which I love, because that’s what I tend to gravitate towards
anyway.
Favorite convention
I don’t have a fave per se, but I definitely enjoy smaller
cons like Mocca, Vancaf and Dink that lean more towards
small press publishers. That being said, Emerald City
Comic Con, and Geek Girl Con are always a blast for me.
The former for being so insanely massive and having so
much talent, and the latter just because it’s so fun! I love
the environment that convention has been developing.
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LNA Creator Spotlight: Emi Roze!
Happy Wednesday! Enjoy the next installment of our Ladies Night Creator Spotlight on Emi Roze!
Social Media Info
Twitter: @emirozedesign
Instagram: @emirozedesign
Tumblr: emidoodles.tumblr.com
Facebook: facebook.com/emirozedesign/
Portfolio/website: https://dribbble.com/emirozedesign
Credits
Where might we know you from? Ladies Night Anthology
Which volume of Ladies' Night did you work on? Volumes 2 and 3
What’s next for you? I’m going to be contributing art for the book Serving Pride.
Background
How did you become a comics fan?
Although I liked a lot of nerdy things as a kid, I didn't get into comics until middle school when my friend lent me the Sailor Moon manga. I bought up as many volumes of it as I could find, which was hard in the pre-internet days. I read tons of manga in high school, and I branched out from there.
Who are your biggest writing/art influences?
Lois von Baarle, Mingjue Helen Chen, Natasha Allegri, Becky and Frank, Naoko Takeuchi, CLAMP
What is your dream job?
I still don’t know. I kind of want to make weird low budget video games with lots of romance, magic, cute queers and monster girls.
List your top 5 comics/movies/books
Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi is forever the top of my list. I love the story. The artwork inspired me to learn how to draw. I really appreciate it's overarching themes like femininity and power, love, compassion, and that weirdo cry babies who aren’t always good at life stuff can still do incredible things.
Magic Knight Rayearth by CLAMP
Steven Universe
Bee and Puppycat
Adventure Time with Fionna and Cake
Why do you want to work in comics?
I want to draw diverse characters and stories about female-identified and LGBT+ people. I want to make readers feel good, inspired, and empowered.
Advice
What helps you get into a creative headspace?
Looking at other people's art gets me energized to make art of my own. I use Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram to find new art. I save art I like on my Pinterest boards or to a folder on my desktop so I can browse through it whenever I need some inspiration.
Best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
In Neil Gaiman’s 2012 commencement speech at University of the Arts, he said that to be successful you need to do good work, be pleasant and deliver on time. You don’t even need all three - two out of three will suffice.
What advice would you give to creators just starting out?
Participating in a project like Ladies Night Anthology is a great way to start making comics. The other ladies gave me so much support and had a lot of knowledge to share. Also they were / are really nice and fun to work with!
What do you do to take care of yourself (physically/mentally)?
I went to therapy for a while and learned how to be mindful of my emotions and my body. I take antidepressants and antianxiety meds. I meditate. I try to get enough sleep. I write affirmations on my bathroom mirror with a whiteboard marker. Every day I write down something I'm grateful for in my journal. Also: dogs, book breaks with chai lattes, and lovely friends who are good listeners.
Have any time management tips?
When I start a project, I write out a project outline and I time box the different phases of a project on my calendar. When I sit down to work I make a conscious decision about how much time I’m going to spend sketching, inking, and coloring.
Do you have any specific writing/art tips?
For me, making art is the best when it’s a collaborative experience. I try not say no outright to suggestions and feedback. Even if I disagree with someone's suggestions at the time, I try them anyway. Regardless of whether I use people's feedback, I let people know how much I appreciate their input. I want people feel comfortable or even excited to bring me their ideas.
How do you relax?
I read books and comics, watch movies and play video games.
Industry
Do you have a day job?
I did, until recently I worked in the tech industry as a designer. Right now I’m taking a break, though. It was nice to make that tech money, but it was also stressful and toxic. It sucked the creative energy and happiness right out of me, and I found it really difficult to motivate myself to make art during nights and weekends.
Favorite convention
CAKE! I love going because I find little self-published gems with beautiful, creative artwork. Plus, because it’s so low key the artists have time to talk shop. I have to limit the amount of money I can bring because CAKE is dangerous for my wallet.
#Ladies Night Anthology#LNA Creator Spotlight#hire this woman#women in comics#LNA Sisters#gcc ladies night#inspiration
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