The following is an interview with sketch card artist Mike Vasquez, as he makes his way through the holiday season by providing commissioned artwork for the geeks on everyone’s shopping lists. In this interview, Fanboy Comics Managing Editor Barbra Dillon chats with Vasquez about how he was initiated into the sketch card industry, the special holiday offer that buyers will receive when commissioning work, and why Star Wars characters are his absolute favorite to draw.
This interview was conducted on December 10, 2012.
Barbra Dillon, Fanboy Comics Managing Editor: We recently met at Long Beach Comic & Horror Con, where I had the chance to see your comic book and sketch card art. When did you begin your work as an artist, and what intrigued you about working in the sequential art and sketch card mediums?
Mike Vasquez: Long story short, I’m mostly a huge Star Wars fan, and my first attempts at getting into the Lucasfilm industry lead to some failures, and I just kept trying and trying to get my foot in the door which led to my first set of Star Wars sketch cards. From there, I slowly began to submit art for sets from other licenses, and, just like that, I was flung in full time into sketch card work. I kind of just fell into I guess.
BD: You have drawn sketch cards for quite a few companies, including Topps, DC Comics, and Cryptozoic Entertainment. From which sketch card series would our readers be familiar with your work?
MV: My most recent work can be found on Topps’ Galactic Files, Cryptozoic’s DC New 52, and the DC Legends Series, and I’ve had the privilege to work on quite a few licenses in which I cannot reveal any details about yet. But, needless to say, I’m really stoked to have contributed to them. The most fun set that I’ve worked on was Viceroy’s Cryptid’s Set, though. Their stock and concept really let me push myself in my creativity, and I really surprised myself with the quality of work and fanbase I generated from that set. I’m really thankful to have been invited to be a part of that set!
BD: While our readers can find previous examples of your work on your website, www.mikegoesgeek.com, you are also available for private commissions. In an effort to help the holiday shoppers who may be in the market for something special for the geek on their gift list, what kinds of artwork do you provide on a commission basis?
MV: On top of my normal PSC commissions and Blank Variant Sketches, I’m currently selling some Holiday Parody Greeting Cards featuring Star Wars and Doctor Who characters and the classic christmas television program characters. Those are all available at my Etsy shop, while supplies last!
BD: Are there any characters that you particularly enjoy drawing, or any recommendations that you would suggest to our readers?
MV: My favorite character to draw has to be Darth Maul. There is something about his red skin and personality that just drives me to draw him whenever I get a chance. As far as reading goes . . . I’m actually a huge fan of the Star Wars Old Republic novels. If you’ve played the game, definitely check out Old Republic Annihilation. SPOILERS!!!! Malcolm Jace + Bastilla Shan = Awesome!
BD: Are there any special incentives that you will be offering to your customers who request private commissions?
MV: Actually, come New Year’s I will be sending out a coupon with a free single character bust sketch card with every purchase over $40.00, so make sure you follow me on Twitter (@mikegoesgeek), so you don’t miss it!
BD: In addition to requesting commissions, do you also sell prints of your previous artwork?
MV: No prints are available online at the moment, but I plan to have more than a few eye catchers at my next event in March 2013, including my fan favorite Adventure Time/Star Wars Mash-Up, as well as some others in the same vein.
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
MV: Um . . . well, without breaking my contracts with companies, my most recent project that I’m really excited to be working on has my brain walking, not running, so much my mind feels dead . . . LOL. That was my attempt at a little humor, but, sadly, I think we can all agree that was a little lame.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for holiday shoppers to find more information about your artwork and how to go about requesting commissioned art?
MV: You can check out my site for all my updated work at mikegoesgeek.com, and there is a tab to my Etsy Store there, as well, but the easiest way to get a hold of me is to just message me directly at mike@mikegoesgeek.com.
