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about the artistVirginia Paton (Marachi Studios), they/them, is a comic book artist and writer born and raised in New Zealand and based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They travel to conventions across North America and are currently working on a long-running historical fiction webcomic called "Year of the Marachi".
Virginia has also done work in illustration, graphic design, and animation as a background artist. They are also a prolific classical music composer, under the pen name Erin Paton Pierce, with compositions having been performed across North America and on 3 continents. For information and recordings of their music, click here. |
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artist faq
[BASED ON CONVERSATIONS AT CONVENTIONS]
Why "Studios" in "Marachi Studios"?
It's sort of a joke about how many "trades" I have. I was contemplating making my studio name something connected to a phrase often tossed at me: "jack of all trades, master at none." I eventually settled on "studios" instead to avoid having wordplay or puns in my professional business name (although I suppose that wouldn't have been too bad).
What does Marachi mean (and how do I pronounce it?)
A marachi (pronounced "mah-RAH-chee") is a bird I created for my long-running comic series "Year of the Marachi". It is a mix between a peacock, a Canadian goose, an eagle, and a crane. It's best to think of it as if a peacock was a bird of prey. You can learn more about them via my comic!
Don't get it mixed up with "mariachi," which is a Mexican folk music ensemble! Although a marachi mariachi does sound very adorable.
Don't get it mixed up with "mariachi," which is a Mexican folk music ensemble! Although a marachi mariachi does sound very adorable.
How long has your comic been going on for?
I started writing the story back in 2003 but started drawing it as a comic in June 2013. I anticipate the comic running until at least 2025 with how much content I have planned for it. You can find it online on Webtoons, Tapas, and ComicFury.
How long have you been selling at conventions?
About as long as I have been working on my comic, actually! I had my first con in November 2013. I started out with 1-3 cons per year but now do 12+ shows a year as a full time artist and composer. Make sure to check my conventions page to see if I'm coming to a con near you soon!
Did you go to school for art?
No, actually. I went to university for Music Education and Composition. I was set to be a band teacher, but at the very end of the program I decided it was not going to be a good fit for me and my goals. I am still a composer, primarily writing music for younger band ensembles, but now I also do art full time and overall I am much more fulfilled for the path I've chosen.
How long have you been drawing?
Longer than I can remember, so it's hard to say! I always was procrastinating by drawing when in school, so might as well make some money off of it. *finger guns*
Pets?
Pets! I have a pet. He's a Northern Inuit (husky/German shepherd crossbreed) named Balto. He's pretty lazy for his breed but also very sweet!
Anything else to report?
Please consider making your grilled cheese sandwiches with pineapple inside them. You won't be disappointed!
What, were you expecting something art related?
What, were you expecting something art related?
