Artist Spotlight: Star Wars, Vampirella, Fables And More From Illustrator And Comic Artist Chrissie Zullo
Check out this awesome collection of art and a short interview from illustrator and comic book artist Chrissie Zullo.
Chrissie Zullo is an illustrator and comic book artist who has worked for DC, Dark Horse, Archie Comics, Topps, IDW, and Harper Collins. Some of her comic work includes the covers for Cinderella: From Fabletown With Love, Hack/Slash, Vampirella and sequential interiors on Fables, and Madame Xanadu. You can view more of her art or purchase prints at StoreEnvy, Facebook, Tumblr, and Instagram. Check out the rest of the images and several interview questions below.
TMS: What are your artistic influences?
CZ:Growing up, I was mostly influenced by Disney and
Anime, and as I went into college, a lot of my influences came from Low Bro and
American comics. I think my style is a crazy mix of all those different styles
I like.
TMS: What were some of your favorite comics
growing up?
CZ: I grew up on a lot of Manga, and it wasn't until
college that I really fell in love with American comics, mostly anything Batman
and Fables.
TMS: Can you tell the readers which comics and
publishers you have worked for?
CZ: Yes- I have worked for DC Comics, Dark Horse
Comics, Dynamite Comics, Archie Comics, Harper Collins, and more!
TMS: How do you
choose which projects you work on?
CZ: I
try to be open to any new project, because it gives me a chance to try things I
wouldn't normally have tried to draw.
TMS: Can you explain
your artistic process? How long does a project typically takes and what type of
materials that you use? Do you have a go to soundtrack that you typically
listen to while working?
CZ: Yes-
I always start with three to five thumbnail sketches to get an idea for the
piece. Once I like a thumbnail or it gets approved, I sketch it out larger,
then typically ink it. Depending on the piece, I either paint with acrylic,
color with marker, or color digitally.
TMS: You’ve done
several Vampirella covers, were you a fan of the character to begin with?
CZ: Yes,
especially her redesign. I loved the new outfit and new storyline, so it was a
lot of fun to create those covers.
TMS: Can you tell us
about any projects that you are currently working on?
CZ: Right
now, I have a cover coming out for the new Josie and the Pussycats, as well as
a new cover for Archie.
TMS: What are some of
your favorite movies, comics, television shows, and other current artists?
CZ: Some
favorite movies are - anything Star Wars, Alien, sci-fi, and anything Disney
animation. TV - Game of Thrones and Stranger Things. Other Artists- too many to
name, but some of my all time favorite are James Jean and Adam Hughes.
TMS: Do you have any
pets?
CZ: Haha
yes, two Boston Terriers (Rosa and Sandwich), and a black cat
(Sephiroth).
TMS: How many conventions do you typically
exhibit at each year? Is it a big part of building and selling your brand?
CZ: I do about 10-15 conventions a year, all over the
country and sometimes in other countries. I think it is a great way to get your
artwork out there and build a bigger audience to your art, and also a great way
to see new places and meet new people.
TMS: Who is your favorite comic book character
or superhero and why?
CZ: Right now, probably Wonder Woman, but I have a soft
spot for anything Zatanna.
TMS: What is the last song that you listened to?
CZ: I'm currently listening to classic/old-timey
Halloween songs to get ready for the holiday.
TMS: Finally, what was the last movie you
watched?
CZ: I don't know if it counts as a "movie",
but last night I watched "Over the Garden Wall".
