Hard at work illustrating Topps collectible artist sketch cards -- including the new Star Wars Galaxy 4 series -- is how artist Denise Vasquez fills the time when she isn't on stage performing as a solo musician. StarWars.com chats with Vasquez about her influences, her beginnings as an actress and musician, and why she loves going to conventions.
Did you start out in acting or fine art?
My first experience on stage was with Mrs. Dorothy's Dance Troupe at Lincoln Center in New York City. In junior high school, I performed at Avery Fisher Hall as a violinist with selected students from my class. High school is where I was introduced to drawing classes, and performed as an actress, which led me to enrolling at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute and at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater Training Unit.
What was your first published art piece?
The Virgin Islands is where I had my first published art piece and I began making a living as an illustrator. A woman stopped me on the street the day after I had arrived on St. John to inquire about the shirt I was wearing. I smiled, was courteous and told the woman I painted the shirt by hand. She asked if I used stencils and inquired about my technique. I explained how I painted my shirt by hand without a stencil and she was really impressed. Turned out the woman was the manager of a store called World View Graphics and happened to be looking for artists. Our conversation led to me getting a job there where I spent my days hand-painting designs on clothing. My art on their clothing was also featured in their catalogs as well as in the store. I loved that job. I fell in love with drawing and painting, which turned me on to painting on everything from clothing, glass bottles, mirrors, walls and windows. I ended up doing many commissions with local business and private clients.
Who are your major influences?
I was influenced by art at a very early age by my mother who was an artist. She had an amazing gift when it came to her figurative drawing. My mom would look at something and recreate it so beautifully. It seemed as though she rarely looked away from what she was drawing, while making the art come to life on the page. I loved watching her draw. She would go into this zone, it was as though she was in a sacred state of mind -- so focused, so calm, and so happy. She made it seem so easy and always created with such grace. Her oil paintings were quite different from her drawings, almost opposite, very abstract, unorganized and the colors -- wow. I truly loved the diversity in her talents -- not to mention she plays piano and guitar, and writes. My mom was a single mother, and we didn't have much, but music, art and the theater have always been a part of my life. She made sure of that. Sometimes my mom would take me to work with her and she would give me pencils, pens, paper and a magazine for reference and I would spend my day drawing. When I grow up, I want to be just like my mom!
Who is your current favorite artist?
My favorite artist is Shepard Fairey for so many reasons. He is the epitome of what I call an "Artist With a Cause." He's unique, he's a marketing genius, he works hard, he's imaginative, he's daring, he's inspiring, he shares information with his artist community and beyond, he is true to himself, and he's found his niche. He truly utilizes his being and his messages through his art -- bringing awareness to politics, war, peace and music. He incorporates everything he is and feels into his art. I love how he implemented his art for the Obama campaign by donating his art to Rock the Vote and MoveOn.org. I truly believe he helped Obama's campaign by inspiring new young people to get involved and register to vote.
Who is your favorite Star Wars artist?
There are so many wonderful Star Warsartists out there, but I'm going to say Randy Martinez. I'm not just saying that because he's my man. Randy really loves Star Wars and his art reflects his love and his passion for Star Wars. Randy's art truly inspires me. His art has reintroduced me to the Star Wars universe in a new light. Every time he creates a piece of Star Wars art, I feel like I'm seeing a new side of Star Wars for the first time through his eyes. It's a beautiful feeling and I am grateful to any artist that takes me along on their journey in that way. His art is unique and versatile, which stems from his creating from his heart and the story he wants to tell. I'm always looking forward to what he will create next and I have the privilege of being able to watch him create which is a pretty spectacular experience.
How did you get involved professionally with Star Wars?
It started while preparing for and during Star Wars Celebration IV in Los Angeles. I assisted Randy at his table in Artist Alley during CIV. I was so excited! This was my first Star Wars Celebration. I was overwhelmed with all of the amazing artists that were featured in Artists Alley, the 501st Legion, the fans and the costumes they made themselves, and meeting people with a common interest from all over the world. CIV was where I was inspired to learn more about how I could become a part of this fantastic Star Wars universe as an illustrator.
As I started drawing more, becoming more confident in my art as an illustrator, I began submitting samples my work to Topps. With the guidance of my fellow artists, I began drawing, attending conventions and cons, networking, being outgoing and friendly, and showing my artwork. Attending conventions, showing my work in person, aside from submitting via the Internet, was the key. Also, not giving up, working on my craft and being prepared really opened the door. The opportunity came my way and thanks to Topps, I became an official Star Wars artist!
