Star Wars Artist Series: Cat Staggs

Illustrating over 130 cards for the project, Staggs says she loves the fact that all fans have a chance to be mini-art collectors thanks to Topps.

"The Revenge of the Sith Artist Sketch Card set was a blast to work on," Staggs says. "I wish I had more time to do more cards. As far as collectors go, I could not imagine getting something like this growing up. To be able to get an original piece of art like that. I would have been beside myself to get something like that, but then again, I am an artist -- so I am a little biased."

The highly-collectible artist sketch cards brought Staggs into the Star Wars fan forefront and she quickly took on other projects including a Celebration III Convention exclusive print, drawing tutorials and Halloween masks for the kids section of starwars.com. Currently, Staggs is working on some non-Star Wars work -- a few unannounced sketch card projects as well as a few comic book covers.

Even with her busy work schedule, Staggs still finds time to attend the endless conventions scattered across the United States, so she can continue to promote her work and meet fans.

"Fans blow me away," Staggs says. "I still to this day can't get over someone traveling to meet me or see me at a show, let alone collect my art or ask for an autograph! It is truly flattering. I don't think I will ever get used to it."

At conventions, Staggs also has the rare opportunity to meet her own muses -- including Princess Leia herself.

"Meeting Carrie Fisher at the Dallas Comic Con was a truly surreal experience," Staggs smiles. "When I first saw her, Cynthia Cummens and I were chatting with R2-D2 actor Kenny Baker and she came over to tell him hello. Cynthia and I were in shock! I think we both forgot how to speak. When I finally got to her table at the show, later that weekend to get my goodies autographed, I found myself shaking a little. I was extremely nervous. She was as funny and as kind as can be. It was a real treat, I could not have asked for a better moment."

Aside from chatting with fans, and meeting Star Wars cast members, Staggs says one of the biggest thrills for her at conventions is to network with other Star Wars artists, some of whom are her biggest influences.

"Getting to meet some of the best artists in the world is the part of working conventions that makes it all worth while for me," Staggs says. "I love sitting down with a group of artists and talking shop. To share your art with someone who can fully appreciate what you do and know how you got there is really something special. It is also a learning experience. I am so amazed how giving most of the artists I have met are with their tricks of the trade, so to speak, in such a competitive industry. I have made some lifetime friendships."

"Meeting the artist Adam Hughes is one of the best things to happen to me in a long time," Staggs continues. "He is teaching me a lot even if he does not know it. I really believe in the time I have known him, I have improved as an artist by making me want to be a better artist and not settling for the easy way out."