Our social media volunteer Caitlin has been catching up with some of our newest artists at DCCS. Drawing of Anna by Jules Valera.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Anna Coughlan and I’m from Cork in Ireland. I moved to Dundee because I wanted to do the Masters programme – I just graduated in August from the MLitt Comic Studies course! There’s a really good comics community in Dundee; it’s a developing city but it’s worth staying here just for the comics scene!
What made you want to become an artist?
I’ve always been drawing, I was just kind of obsessed with drawing as a kid and I started reading comics when I was 8, so as I got older it seemed like a natural thing to do!
Do you have a preferred style of art?
I mainly work traditionally, but I’m trying to learn how to do more graphic stuff. I tend to use a lot of dark saturations, with a lot of black and deep hues in my colours. So yeah, I mainly like to draw with pens and markers and ink.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
When I’m not drawing.. I guess playing computer games and reading comics! My favourite games might be Fallout and Resident Evil.
What is your favourite comic of all time?
My favourite series would have to be Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon’s Preacher; and my favourite graphic novel is Grant Morrison and Dave McKean’s Arkham Aslyum: A Serious House on A Serious Earth
What is the best thing about working in DCCS?
The facilities – there’s a decent computer with all the programmes you could want, and a graphics tablet. Also it’s a nice atmosphere; everyone’s respectful of each other’s work, and quite quiet. It’s also really nice to work with the kids, to encourage them to pursue comics; it’s an area that isn’t really encouraged in schools as much as other kinds of art. So it’s nice to be part of that.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m currently doing two commissions of album covers. I’m also doing an autobiographical comic and a short comic on H.G. Wells’ Red Room – so I have a lot going on!
How can we follow you on social media?
Instagram: @annaaack
Thanks Anna!
– Caitlin
Dundee Comics Creative Space 