Richard: What was your contribution to "Flight"?

Erika: Two comics that I drew and were colored by artists more skilled in that department. "Faith" I drew specifically for Flight and was graciously colored by Hope Larson. With "flight" being the loose theme of the book, I chose to do a piece about the feeling of tumbling from the sky that I experienced when losing my religious faith. My second contribution, "Create", I'd done prior to Flight and Kazu felt it was a good match (and also colored it for me!). This comic was about the act of creation, and how you can take something completely value-less (a strip of paper) and turn it into a tiny piece of art (an origami star).

Richard: How would you describe "Unsafe For All Ages" the comic you worked on from Prism Comics?

Erika: "Silver Bullet" is a little story about my very first vibrator and o*****. It was a comic I'd done originally for "True Porn, Volume Two" but it also fit into the theme of Prism's adult anthology as well. I'd describe it as cute.

Richard: Because of the nature of some of your comics are they considered mature comics?

Erika: By some people, yes. I always forget that my stuff is "adult" because the nudity and sex I portray are so un-erotic and normal.

Richard: Why do you like to create comics?

Erika: Because I don't know how NOT to make comics. My life revolves around the art and business of comics, it's in my blood. It's the most honest and direct method of communicating my ideas.

Richard: You worked on the animated movie "Coraline" how was that experience?

Erika: Interesting, I learned a lot about the business of creating a movie. Mind you, I was just a Production Assistant, the most unglamorous and replaceable position. I used my time there to absorb as much understanding as I could of how storyboards work.

Richard: What is "DAR" about?

Erika: My life! For the last six years I've been keeping a comic journal of my life and the many transitions I've gone through. Beginning my sophomore year of college and set to conclude at the end of this year, it covers my "coming out" as a lesbian, being a college student, falling in love with a man, struggling with identity, entering the work force, getting married and becoming a full-time artist.

Richard: Who are the main characters?

Erika: For the most part it's just Matthew Nolan (my husband) and me. Guest appearances include my friends, such as Leslie Levings, Dylan Meconis and then of course my Periscope Studio co-workers.

Richard: Why will people want to read "DAR"?

Erika: Because I talk honestly about relationships, sexuality, gender and identity with humor. And d*** and fart jokes.

Richard: Why are you a part of Periscope Studio?

Erika: Because it's an incredibly positive, productive place to work. My studio mates push me to improve and their advice has been absolutely invaluable to my development not only as an artist but also as a businessperson. Plus, it's just fun to be surrounded by your friends every day.

Richard: What are you currently working on and do you have planned for the future?

Erika: I'm getting "DAR! Volume Two" ready to send off to the printer, prepping "DAR! Volume One" to be re-printed, and gearing up for a couple months worth of travel for conventions and speaking gigs. Now that DAR! has an end date, I'm also developing two more comic projects that I will be releasing in its stead. Don't wanna jinx them by talking too much about them, but I will say that they are gunna be pretty bitchin'

Richard: What work of yours are you most proud of?

Erika: "DAR! Volume One", my very first self-published book. It was an enormous accomplishment for me.

Richard: What comics other than yours would you recommend?

Erika: Dylan Meconis' work (Bite Me!, Family Man. Available through www.dylanmeconis.com )
"Octopus Pie" www.octopuspie.com by Meredith Gran
"Girls With Slingshots" www.gwscomic.com by Danielle Corsetto
"Underground" by Steve Lieber and Jeff Parker http://undergroundthecomic.com/
"Anders Loves Maria" http://anderslovesmaria.reneengstrom.com/ by Rene Engstrom
"Oglaf" http://www.oglaf.com/ by.... ?

Richard: How can someone contact you?

Erika: erika.moen@gmail.com :)

Richard: Any final words of wisdom?

Erika: Even the most serious matters should still be approached with at least a little humor.

Thank you,
Erika