The following is an interview with author/illustrator Nadine Takvorian regarding the recent release of the autobiographical graphic novel, Armaveni, with Levine Querido. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Takvorian about her creative process in bringing this poignant story to life on the page, the themes that she hopes may resonate with readers, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent release of Armaveni! What can you tell us about your decision to share your story with readers?
Nadine Takvorian: First off, Barbra, thank you so much for this opportunity! Sharing a story about the Armenian Genocide has been a long-time dream of mine. I knew I wanted to write and illustrate a graphic novel about it since I was in college, which was quite some time ago. By background is in illustration and I’ve always loved comics and stories, so it just felt like a natural progression to move into making my own comics. It never occurred to me that this particular story would be anything other than a graphic novel.
BD: In balancing the writing and illustrative duties of the project, how would you describe your creative process in bringing your story to life on the page?
NT: I first started with a physical notebook where I would jot down ideas, brainstorm, and make tons of exploratory sketches. This project also required tons of research, so I kept notes of primary and secondary sources, and interviews of family members. I also started building an extensive library of visual references of everything I’d need to draw. Research is probably one of my favorite parts of the process!
At some point I needed to start actually writing this story, so I sat and started plotting the outline, crafting scenes and dialogue, and began scripting. I drew rough thumbnails during this stage when I was writing the manuscript, to figure out the panels on each page and start composing within those panels.
Once the manuscript was approved (after lots of revision!), I moved on to final art. I used my thumbnails as my blueprint to craft the pencils for each page. I assembled a dummy with the pencils, and once the dummy was approved I moved on to the final inks and washes. Making the art was by far the most labor-intensive part of the process. It took about a year and a half to complete final art from pencils to finish.
For this book I also developed a font based on my own handwriting, and that was another big learning process. I really love how it ultimately turned out.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums and genres. How do you feel that your story might connect with and impact readers, and what, if any, conversations do you hope that it might inspire?
NT: I hope readers will learn about a people and a culture that is not very well known, and about a genocide that is actively denied by the Turkish government today. Perhaps readers might connect with similar experiences they’ve shared with the character Nadine as a teen. Ultimately, I’d love for readers to connect the dots and see how “othering” groups of people can ultimately lead down a dark path. I’d like for readers to notice if similar things are happening in the world around them. Perhaps even to people in their own communities.
BD: What makes Levine Querido the perfect publishing partner for Armaveni?
NT: LQ’s mission to champion underrepresented voices really resonates with me. You can just look to all their past titles and see their commitment to helping authors and illustrators of various backgrounds, identities, and cultures get their stories out into the world. I also love that they are a small publisher that gives their authors and illustrators deep attention throughout the entire process, both during and after publication. I really feel nurtured at Levine Querido.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
NT: My previous illustration work has been mostly for the educational market and Armaveni is my debut graphic novel. I am currently working on a picture book and a potential YA graphic novel.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Armaveni and your other work?
NT: My website is a good spot to check out my work: www.nadinetakvorian.com. Readers can also sign up for my newsletter, where I send occasional updates on upcoming events, new work, and process posts.
Readers can also follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, or Threads under my handle: @nadinetakvorian.
