Where were you born? Where did you grow up?  

I was born in Buenos Aires, where I live currently. I grew up with a pencil in my hand of course. I was influenced by Disney, later anime and all sort of comics, mangas and BDs that I founded in my way.

How about your schooling? Had you gone under any art training?

Yes, after school I went to the IUNA, the national art university institute, or something like that and just defended my thesis last year. Previously, during high school I did an animation course for some time. I learned how to draw professionally there.

What things -- both in art and otherwise -- have you worked on, besides comics? Are comics a full-time gig for you or part-time?

I did a couple of gigs during college and after that I started working in small studios and settled in the animation department of a big design studio. I did animation, storyboards and some illustrations. After that I went freelance, doing illustration for magazines, working for other studios and doing storyboards for advertising agencies. I’m currently focusing in editorial illustration, doing a comic for a magazine and starting some local projects. I want to make it a full time occupation.

How did your parents take to the idea of working in comics?  

Ok I think. They support me through they still want me to actually do a painting.

How would you describe your work space? Is it part of your home, or do you go "to the studio"?  

Sometimes I go to studios to work on specific projects, but mostly I have a little corner at home to work.

What are you currently drawing? Comments on that project?  

Aside from the things I mentioned. I’m doing a webcomic. It’s called Luna’s Journey and my objective with it is to work fast on each page with the best quality possible. For now I’m updating once a week. Links for both Spanish and English version can be found at my blog: http://dokdibujos.blogspot.com/

Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten?  

Still alive I guess. I decided it’s healthier not to do long term plans. Choose a project an stick with it until it’s done is the best way.

What is the interest in comics where you live? Do friends and neighbors know you draw comics for a living? How do they react?   
 Not in my neighborhood. But they understand me since I’ve been drawing forever. Eventually you found friends with similar interests.

What's 1 thing you'll always find in your refrigerator?  

Food I hope. Coca-Cola is a plus.

What's your favorite food?  

I’m between pizza and grilled salmon

What are your favorite interests --Movies? Music? TV? Any hobbies? Sports?  

I love animation in general. My favorite movie is Laputa castle in the sky. Love music in general. Internet has sucked me in, no time for tv. Hate sports, only thing that works for me is Pilates.

Have you ever thought of writing your own stories?

I’m just exploring that with Luna´s Journey. It’s beautiful to have full control on the narrative, in both art and story, but it’s a learning exercise.

 
Do you have any great, unsold projects in your files that nobody's gotten to see published?  

I have a 6-paged pilot in my page that still looks for a publisher. Must rework some things but I haven’t given up on it.

The single thing you'd most like to be remembered for in your life is...?  

The nice thing about being an author and/or illustrator is that you can leave your work behind to be enjoyed by future generations. Any work will do I guess.

Any other tidbits of info about you that you are like to share?  

Yes, for the rest of my work and some sketches you can visit my site: www.doloresokecki.com.ar. Cheers

 

LIST OF CREDITS

Dolores Okecki has done illustrations for magazines, games, children's books (Luna Moon) and comics for a young audience (Penny Magazine.)