Olivia Pelaez is a comic book artist/illustrator, resident of New Jersey. When not drawing, she loves to cook, knit, crochet, and review comics via her podcast, The Verbal Mosh (available through iTunes). Her most recent work is a short three page comic completed for the upcoming Gothology Vol. 3: Theatre of Tragedy anthology. In 2010, Olivia was honored as an Illustrator of the Future, with her artwork published in Vol. 26 of L. Ron Hubbard presents Writers of the Future. Other publications of hers include Gothology Vol. 1: The Eternal Sad, Cat Odes, the Dutch ‘zine “P@per” Nr. 9 and 12, and The Gutters issue #91. You can check out her website at http://opelaez.blogspot.com/
What comics or art projects are you working on right now?
Currently, I’m working on short anthology pieces while looking for my next big project. I had finished working on my first graphic novel, “Has Been” written by Jeff Aden, a humorous, fantasy, adventure story with ninjas, dinosaurs, and aliens. It is in the process of finding a publisher to print the book.
What other artists in your field inspire you?
Artists I greatly admire include Guy Davis, Kelley Jones, Stuart Immonen, and Peter Gross.
Do you work out of your home or do you have an office/studio space?
I work out of my home.
What upcoming projects are you most excited about and why?
I’m looking forward to the completion of the Mugglenet Harry Potter fan art book, a re-telling of the story through fan art. I have contributed artwork for consideration and eagerly await to see whether or not my work made the cut. Proceeds of the Mugglenet book will go to charity. As for personal projects, I can’t say what I would be up to. Inspiration for stories hit me out of the blue. I do plan on making my next project a longer (possibly graphic novel length) story than my previous projects. I shall have to wait and see what ideas come to me.
Where do you see comics heading in the next 5 years?
I can imagine an increase in the availability of digital comics. Hopefully comic companies will target more of the younger audiences in order to expand and grow with new titles and relevant books. They key word being relevance. Comics’ themes, plots, it all has to reflect the times. Comics can’t be seen as those books your uncle or father or even grandfather read when they were younger. They have to be something you and your kids currently read. Hopefully comic book companies can figure it out.
Olivia is talented,I recommend her work to anyone who wants a good time and to be immersed in someones imagination,a trait sadly lacking in most comic artists working in this era.
Do yourself a favor,and seek her books,the lady is that good.