Every year, in the countdown to the Lakes International Comic Art Festival in October, we bring you a series of interviews with guests at the event. This “Festival Focus” for 2019 is with Kristina Ricken, a Danish artist perhaps best known as the creator of the web comic, Live fra Lolland (Live from Lolland), which has been collected into three books to date.
In addition to strips and her own books, she has also illustrated books for, among others, Hovedland, the publisher FADL, and designed campaigns for, among other things, Region Zealand, and has created a lot of drawings for wedding invitations, labels, newsletters and everything in between.
What are you working on, comics-wise, right now, and when will it be published?
Kristina Ricken: I'm currently working on a new book, but it is still in the early stages, so I have no idea when it will be released. I'm always working on my webcomic, Live fra Lolland (Live from Lolland - Lolland is a little Danish island), and I have weekly comic strips in both a Danish women's magazine and a newspaper, so I guess I'm always working on those as well ;)
Which comic project you've worked on are you most proud of and where can people see it or buy it?
Kristina: Considering that I have only been drawing and making comic strips for six years, I have been very fortunate to work on some really cool projects. I guess the one that I am most proud of was a campaign to help Danish women become more aware of cervical cancer and make sure they get tested for it.
How do you plan your day as a creator? (Do you plan your day?)
Kristina: I plan my day every morning over a very strong cup of coffee ;)
What's the best thing about being a comics creator?
Kristina: Making people laugh! I mean, how lucky am I to have a job like that!
And the worst?
Kristina: The feeling of having run out of fun stuff to draw!
What most distracts you from getting your work done?
Kristina: Netflix ... and cake!
Do you think it's easier or harder for young comic creators to get published today?
Kristina: I think with all the options that social media and self publishing offer, it is probably a bit easier. I published my first two book by myself with the help of crowdfunding, and it blew my mind that the readers of my webcomic gave me £5000 to create a book.
Have you ever been to the Lake District before and if so what did you think of it? If you haven't, what are you expecting?
Kristina: This is my first Festival outside of Denmark, and I am so excited! I have no idea what to expect, but I'm looking forward to seeing it all.
Which one comic creator would you most like to meet, and why?
Kristina: There are so many! But two female webcomic creators that have been my biggest inspirations are Allie Brosh and Norwegian artist Tegnehanne.
How do Festivals and other comics events help creators most, do you think?
Kristina: I think it lets people who doesn't know your work see it and maybe have a chat to you about it.
What one piece of advice do you offer people looking to work in the comics industry?
Kristina: Just do it! If it's what you want, then go for it. It's hard work, but also very fun and rewarding.
Kristen, thank you very much for your time and we hope you enjoy the Festival!
KRISTINA RICKEN ONLINE
Web: kristinaricken.dk
Instagram: @kristinarickendk
• The Lakes International Comic Art Festival is back in Kendal in the Lake District 11th – 13th October 2019: www.comicartfestival.com | Podcast | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter |Youtube