This is the second interview in the ongoing Sketch Card Artist inteview series. This time Leah Mangue was kind enough to anwser my questions.
How did you get into drawing sketch cards?
In 2006-2007 three people helped convince me to show my work to the Topps editor. Joe Corroney, Randy Martinez and Cynthia Narcisi (Cummens). Joe was kind enough to introduce me to the then Topps editor and I was then invited to participate on my first card set. Lord of the Rings Masterpieces was that first set and I managed to sketch (they were barely more than that) 945 cards in 19 days.
What is your favorite subject to draw?
I truly prefer to draw animals and aliens…non-human subjects. One of the reasons I started my Pets Illustrated business was my fondness for drawing furry and non-furry creatures and for the simple love of animals.
What is your favorite character to draw?
Several come to mind and it’s hard to pick just one. Boba Fett and I love drawing (and coloring) the Boga from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. I also love to draw any human character with unique facial bone structure. One of my all time favorite people to draw is Peter Cushing…any role.
Do you prefer black & white sketches or color sketches?
High contrast has great appeal to me and I often prefer drawing with warm greys (dark and light) and with great contrast. I feel some of my best cards are in black & white.
What kind of materials do you prefer to work with?
My love of colored pencils is true and they have been my primary choice for 20 plus years. In more recent times, however, I have found Copic markers to be delightful.
Who is your favorite sketch card artist?
Wow. That’s like a parent being asked to pick a favorite child. I enjoy SO many of my fellow sketch artists work I have so many favorites in different categories as well but I must say for true originality I am very partial to the ethereal yet sublime work of Soni Alcorn-Hender.
What are you currently working on?
I am finishing up Woodstock sketch cards for Breygent Marketing and tieing up loose sketch card commission ends.
Has your career as an artist benefitted from doing sketch card work?
I believe all artistic avenues have benefits on a persons career and sketch cards offered me a chance to have a little more fun with my work.
Do you collect trading cards for yourself?
If I had money to spare I would collect sketch cards, I like the idea of the smallness and portability of these collectible arts.
Do you have a website/blog/online presence where readers can find more information about you?
I can be found on Twitter (LMangueArt) and on Facebook (Leah Mangue) and through my website: http://www.lmangue-art.net
