Bianca Thompson (Artist Spotlight)

By: RogueSymbiote

Bianca Thompson is an extremely talented airbrush artist who creates one of a kind works of art. Her talents have warranted the attention of multiple major companies. She has created sketch cards for both Upper Deck and Cryptozoic who produce collectable trading cards for Marvel and DC respectively. She also runs her own airbrushing shop in Scottsdale, Arizona. Bianca will be attending Phoenix Comic Fest from May 24th-27th. Make sure to stop by and check out her original artwork at booth AA819 in Artist Alley. I had the pleasure of speaking with Bianca about how she started her journey in the comic genre art world and where her talents have taken her.

How did you get into airbrushing?When I was 17 I received an airbrush for Christmas and I've been airbrushing ever since.How did the opportunity come about to create sketch cards for Marvel and DC?7 years ago I submitted artwork to a company called Breygent marketing for a Vampirella set and they took me on as an artist. From there I moved over to Upper Deck who specializes in Marvel and then Cryptozoic who specializes in DC sketch cards and since then I've been working on The Walking Dead, Star Wars, Lady Death and my own sketch card characters called Dead Divas. I currently have 4 comic books out of my Dead Diva characters.

What sparked your interest in the comic books?When I was a kid I used to collect Marvel trading cards. I wished that one day I could be an artist on them. Little did I know many years later I actually would be. One of my favorite sets was the Marvel Masterpieces of 1992 set by Joe Jusko. In 2014 i was asked to be on the Marvel Masterpiece Joe Jusko set of 2016. This would be my greatest achievement set!Who were your favorite characters to airbrush for that 2016 set?

Jean Grey, Apocalypse, all the X-Men! Jean Grey is the character that I fell in love with that made me want to become a comic artist.

What about her character did that for you?

She was a lot like me. Caring, but a leader. Strong, but doing what needed to be done to help others. Plus her powers are unrivaled even to Professor X. And of course the phoenix always rising from turmoil over and over.

What were your favorite characters to work on for the DC card set by Cryptozoic?As always, Wonder Woman and Harley Quinn are my favorites to draw for DC.I’ve seen that you’ve been on the convention circuit a bit, what has that experience been like?Very hectic! But it's always a lot of fun seeing old & new friends. Talking comics with fans is always fun.Do you offer commissions at the conventions?Unfortunately I'm unable to do commissions at the show because I have to bring all my airbrushing gear with me including a 30 gallon compressor, so it's not really an option. But I do take advanced commissions at conventions for pick up.What has been your favorite commission so far?Honestly I do so many I'm not honestly sure which one's my favorite. My favorite piece this year would have to be my Wonder Woman Wonderroo's painting. I'm very excited for that to be premiering at Phoenix comic Fest.

How big is that painting?

The original is 20x30 inches and then I'll have 11x17 prints available at my table.

How long did that take you to complete?

From start to finish about 4 hours.

What is normally the most popular item at your convention booth?

11x17 prints followed by my 6x9 prints. I also have an 11x17 Phoenix fest exclusive this year of one of my original Dead Divas characters.

What is the Dead Divas series about?

They are a series of femme fatale one shot comic books. Each character either gives karma or receives it.

Where are these issues available?

On my ecrater store and at the convention (Phoenix Comic Fest).

Do you have any upcoming projects?

Just finished up Rick and Morty season 1, working on season 2 now and a few other [card] sets, but by contract I can't talk about them yet. I'm also working on Dead Divas series 2 sketch card art.

Besides Phoenix Comic Fest, do you have any more convention appearances coming up?

No just Phoenix Fest for now. My Sketch card schedule keeps me too busy to travel.

From everyone at The Geekly Grind, I would like to thank Bianca for taking the time to chat with us. Make sure to stop by her booth at Phoenix Comic Fest from May 24th-27th. Her original work is extremely unique and would make a great present for any comic nerd in your life. Personally, I'm a big fan of her sketch cards as each one is one of a kind.