Friday, December 11, 2009

Susan Camilleri Konar - Cartoonist Survey #17

Susan Camilleri Konar is a cartoonist, illustrator and painter. She has had her work published in The Wall Street Journal, Reader's Digest, The Saturday Evening Post and a mess of other publications, both here in the United States and Canada. You can check out some of her work here on her website; http://www.susancam.ca/.

What is your favorite pen to use?
I use Rapidographs (all sizes) and Faber-Castell Pitt pens but am always looking for the perfect pen.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Usually, yes. Staedtler or Derwent (standard) or whatever is available.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
Both. Depends on work.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
Watercolour, gouache or acrylics.

What type of paper do you use?
Ranges from cheap bond to Bristol.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Vehicles. Ugh.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Always in the flesh. I love art stores!

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Coffee in the morning and a snuggle with the dog.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Only when I've passed the critical 'thinking' stage and have progressed to freely drawing or colouring away. I like our CBC non-commercial radio or a range of music preferably Jazz or Classical. But then there are The Who and Midnight Oil days.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Archie, Andy Capp and Peanuts. My husband can't believe Spiderman wasn't one of them.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Bloom County. I love Ann Telnaes' editorial work.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
I loved the Beatrix Potter's books and I have a copy of Lang's The Blue Fairy Book.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
Art history degree from University of British Columbia and a design and illustration diploma from Capilano University.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Yes.

Did either of your parents draw?
Dad's side has many artists.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
My dear husband, Brian.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
I typically keep a few books in strategic places (bedside, car, etc.) for gag/strip ideas and rough sketches.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
I've had my nieces over for a paint-flinging, art appreciation, pizza and singing extravaganza and loved it. And they have some cool artwork to prove it.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
If you have to force yourself it's going to be a painful process.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
Signed cartoon/comic collections.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
I think you should ask anyone but me. I haven't a clue.

Are you a righty or lefty?
If we're talkin' drawing hand, I'm a righty.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Vintner-librarian-astronomer.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Small room in my 100+ yr.-old home stuffed with a dog, bookshelves, paints, computer, storage units and one well-worn drawing table. Windows face North. Marauding squirrels, neighbourhood cats and screeching Stellar Jays keep things interesting.

Do you play any musical instruments?
Vocals.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Learn how to deal with rejection.

Who is your favorite artist?
Noooo! Can't do it. Too many favs.

Thanks very much Susan.
Next up will be a cartoonist from "across the pond," Kieran Meehan.

No comments: