Kelsie Ladd is the second oldest in her family of artists. She is fifteen years old and was kind enough to answer my questions about the Womanthology book and herself.
How did you find out about the Womanthology project?
A few years ago, while visiting a comic book convention, I met an amazing female artist named Renae De Liz. I really enjoyed talking to her, she gave me support, tips and encouraged me to keep drawing. When Womanthology was created she invited me and my sisters to be a part of it. And of course, we eagerly accepted.
What was your process for selecting the pieces to submit?
We started by illustrating different costumes for each character. Having several ideas for their outfits, we voted on our favorite designs. Since we got to do a two-page story, as soon as we all finished reading the script, my sisters and I divided up the pages. Then I got some scrap paper and began drawing how I wanted my comic page to look. When I got that all figured out, I redrew the whole thing on better paper. Once my part was finished, we added my younger sister’s art to it, and then we submitted it.
What are your thoughts on the whole Womanthology project?
I think it’s wonderful. It’s a great way to let the world know that there are females out there who enjoy writing, drawing, coloring, inking and/or reading comics! For me, (thanks to my dad) I had been reading comics almost my whole life. He was a big comic fan and introduced us to some of his favorites. After reading them, I picked up the habit of drawing and doodling on whatever I could get my hands on. As I grew older, I knew that art was something that I would want to pursue. Womanthology has definitely given me a chance to live my dream, and I hope other women will feel inspired to do the same.
Do you have a favorite time and/or place to do your art?
Yes, I do. I enjoy drawing the most either early in the morning or late at night. I also find myself more productive on rainy days. As for a favorite location to draw, I’d have to say anywhere outside (given, the weather is nice), otherwise, I just hang around the house and draw.
What/who inspires you? Where do you get your ideas?
A lot of things inspire me, especially my family, friends and music. — Many of my ideas come from personal experiences and wishful thinking.
What are your future artistic plans and/or career hopes?
I love art! It’s something I would love to continue doing for the rest of my life. Whether as a career, or as a hobby. It’s something that I never want to give up on. I’m hoping to someday write my own comic and maybe even go into animation.
Part of the reason Womanthology was started is because women artists have a hard time being respected in the comics industry. What do you think about that? If you or another young girl is interested in being a comic artist, what do you think could help change this problem?
It is true. Women who want to be in the comic industry don’t get very much recognition. It’s just one of those things where comics were originally created by men, so women who want to get into the comic industry often get overlooked. We just need to let the world know that we are interested in it. We gotta keep writing and keep drawing! We’ll get there. 😉
Thanks, Kelsi!
“Hard time” yeah, right. They barely respect a person that worked so hard for Womanthology to make it real.