Leading in Central MA: Veronica Fish, Artist and Illustrator

Monday, April 28, 2014

Susan Wagner, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Veronica Fish is an illustrator and comic book artist based in Central MA. In 2008, she curated Pop Euphoria!, the largest compilation of contemporary illustration in Central Massachusetts, which received much national acclaim. Her work has been exhibited in Los Angeles, Boston, New York and London. Her clients include The Girl Scouts of America, Mowgli Surfwear, Quarto Publishing of London, Wired Magazine, Seltzer Goods, The Boston Derby Dames, Monsa Publishing of Spain and Colombia Magazine.

Fish and writer JJ Kahrs self-published a graphic novel called Pirates of Mars in 2012 and are currently working on Volume II now. She is also working on her own adaption of Frankenstein. Her work is at veronicafish.com.

A Conversation with Veronica Fish

SW: How did you get started in a career as an artist and illustrator?

VF: I started picking up odd jobs for small magazines or publications, often times accepting whatever I could to get work. It became a way to hone my skills and build a diverse portfolio.

SW: How has it evolved since the beginning?

VF: Actually quite a bit, now that I think about it. I think I'm not second-guessing myself as much. I'm not as worried about what people think of my work. Gives some freedom to grow. I'm also doing much more gallery work for shows in LA or San Francisco, which is a lot of fun.

SW: What has been your most exciting project to date?

VF: Two at the same time: starting Volume II of the Pirates of Mars graphic novel series and being asked to create Helmutt's character for the Worcester Art Museum.

SW: Do you get time to enjoy your art for yourself or does commercial success take away time to do that?

VF: I realized I actually function best when someone gives me a challenge to solve pictorially. Sometimes my personal art wanes a bit because there is less incentive to get it done. I only seem to appreciate it when there is less time for it - kind of childish, I'm sure.

I'm fortunate that my commercial clients allow me a fair bit of input, so it's less like grunt work and more creative. It seems like personal/client work is evenly 50/50, so it's nice to keep jumping back and forth.

But I'm so psyched to get to Volume II of Pirates of Mars, that is definitely a labor of love for us!

SW: What is on the drawing board for 2014?

VF: Helmutt designs for the museum, doing a painting for a "Family Guy" tribute show in LA (I'm painting Mayor Adam West), continuing work on my Frankenstein comic, more logo designs for the Boston Derby Dames

Also - curating a Batman-themed art show with my husband Andy Fish. The opening is May 23rd at Friendly Neighborhood Comics in Bellingham - please stop by!

SW: What keeps you in Worcester when there are better markets for art?

VF: A strong internet connection! Kidding - Worcester is great; I love the restaurant scene here, my wonderful friends.

SW: Who or what has had the greatest influence on your life?

VF: Wow, that's too deep to think about. It's either Akira Kurosawa, Bruce Timm's "Gotham Knights" TV series, or Sailor Moon. Or Honey Bunches of O's...

SW: Your favorite quote?

VF: "I sound my barbaric yawp from the rooftops of the world" ~ Walt Whitman

SW: What is the something that few people know about you?

VF: I'm secretly a DJ. ("Sister Freeze"… like a girl-version of the Batman villain)

I also read and speak Japanese.

SW: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

VF: Experimenting with outlandish pancake flavors, finishing the Boston Marathon, completing the 600th page of my Frankenstein comic.

GoLocalWorcester presents Leading in Central Ma, a weekly profile of an outstanding community or business leader. Join us every Monday for an inspiring look at the careers and lifestyles of Central Massachusetts’s most influential citizens.

If you have suggestions for a profile, please email [email protected].

Susan D. Wagner is president of Susan Wagner PR , a boutique public relations firm invested in meeting client's goals with integrity and creativity.

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