Women Who Rock! Jessica Hickman and Soni Alcorn-Hender

This month for my Women Who Rock series, I wanted to introduce you to two women who I've known a few years through my work in the field of sketch cards. For those who may not know what a sketch card is, I'll explain. Sketch cards are a collectible trading card drawn by artists. Here's the twist- they're not reprinted. When an artist illustrates a sketch card (either in pencil, or paint, or marker -anything but digital), they draw directly onto a blank card. Artists sign contracts to draw anywhere from 50-200 (sometimes more) cards which they then return to the manufacturer (such as Topps). The one-of-a-kind cards are inserted into beautifully packaged collectible cases of cards known as hobby boxes, giving the collector the chance to find (or 'pull') a rare work of art. Sketch cards are associated with licensed properties in film and television as well as comic books. The talented artists I'm talking with today have illustrated cards for properties such as Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Heroes (to name a few). Their creativity is relentless and they have a dedication to their craft (extending well beyond sketch cards) which will inspire you! In a nutshell, these women rock!

Jessica Hickman

Hi Jess, thank you for chatting with me. Let me start with this basics that folks often want to know. Did you go to art school ?

I attended Arizona State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drawing. I really wanted to take some graphic design courses but at the time I was there ASU was strictly a Fine Arts school. Since then they’ve added some digital graphic classes and computer animation.



Do you work in traditional or digital media or both?
I mainly work in traditional media (pencil, pen and marker) and occasionally work in Photoshop.

How long have you been working in the trading card industry?
Oh gosh, 4 years I think?

How has it helped you as an artist and/or businessperson?
I have definitely had to re-think composition when it comes to working on such a small surface. And I never really worked with markers before sketch cards. Now I use them all the time and I think my sense of color and marker technique has really improved because of it.

What would you say are the challenging aspects about being a freelance illustrator?
I would say just getting your work out there. Finding networking sites and posting your artwork to show and receive critiques are the best ways to get noticed (and to keep your artwork ‘fresh’). I exclusively deal with the internet though. I’m sure other artists have put ads in magazines and newspapers, but I have never done that so I’m not sure how beneficial it would be for me.

What would you say is the most rewarding aspect about being a freelance illustrator?
Meeting people who actually know and enjoy your artwork. I’m always surprised to meet people who know who I am and like the work I produce.

What advice would you give girls who wish to be freelance illustrators, either in terms of business skills or art skills?
Draw ALL THE TIME. I cannot stress this enough. Buy a sketchbook and carry it with you all the time. Draw at the zoo, airport, mall, family functions, etc. You might not think your work is improving, but it really is. Especially when you finish your sketchbook and go back to page 1. You can really see your progress.

In your opinion, what quality is needed to be a successful in this business?
You HAVE to know how to draw. If you work mainly in digital media and don’t think you need a traditional background, your work is not going to be as sought after as those artists that have studied drawing (2D and the human form). It will come through in your work. Learning to draw is the best way to make your work more popular with potential employers.

Where can we see your art?
http://Jessicahickman.com
Facebook
Jessasketch.deviantart.com


Soni Alcorn-Hender

Where did you go to art school?
I did an art foundation course in Portsmouth, then a degree in Illustration at Glasgow School of Art.

What would you say is the most challenging aspect of being a freelance illustrator?
Self-discipline! You need to learn to manage everything including time, finances, energy and inspiration, for those inevitable periods when you lack one (or more) of the four but still need to meet a deadline anyway.

What are the rewards of being a freelance illustrator?
When people offer you work (and payment) for drawing what you already love! It doesn't happen immediately, you have to associate yourself with the subject first; but the best way is just to draw and explore what you're passionate about and get it out there, get it seen.



Do you work in traditional or digital media or both?
Ooh very traditional. I even have dip-pens and a Victorian ink well which I play with on occasion. Digital art can produce a near-photo-like realism but I think handmade artworks have more life to them.

What advice would you give girls who wish to be freelance illustrators, either in terms of business skills or art skills?
I'd say both art and business skills are essential, including how to market your own work and communicate with potential bosses and clients. In terms of art I think there's actually a lot of room for women artists, and for them to bring their own styles and sensibilities to this genre without having to draw like the male artists or create what they think male fans expect. Diversity is definitely appreciated!

How long have you been working in the trading card industry?
About two and a half years.

How has working in this industry benefited you as an artist and/or businessperson?
It's given me lots of deadlines, which may feel painful at the time but are always great for improving your technical skill and confidence. It's also given me some great contacts, not just people to work for, but other artists in a similar position to be inspired by.

What would you say is a quality needed in a person to be a successful in this business?
Persistance is important, it can take a long time for things to start moving and during that time you need to keep working and trying to get noticed.

Where can we people check out your art?
My gallery website: www.bohemianweasel.com
and Twitter: @BohemianWeasel

Thank you for chatting with me Soni!

I hope you take a moment to visit both Jess' and Soni's web sites to view their art and learn more about these two women who rock! If you'd like to meet other artists who work in the sketch card/trading card industry, please visit Sketch Card Art blog . Jess herself conducts interviews with top artists and new artists alike!

If you'd like to see trading card sets from Topps, including upcoming releases, please visit www.topps.com.