Meet Kat Fajardo

Kat Fajardo illustrated “Secret Species in the Congo” for Symbolia’s preview issue. Get Symbolia on your iPad today. You can also subscribe via our PDF Edition.

Who are your influences?

I have too many influences, but the ones that have made a great impact on me are Mike Allred, Tradd Moore, Daniel Clowes, Vasilis lolos, Peter Lazarski, Jon Vermilyea and the Hernandez Brothers. It’s not enough that their art is amazing, their comics are just excellent and unbelievably imaginative. When I think of the comics I want to make in the future, I just think of these great artists and hope my art would influence others just as these cartoonists have on me.

What is your favorite thing to do when you get away from work?

Doing more work! I can’t sit still for a second, even when watching the tv with friends. My hands have to be busy in order to feel relaxed. Just having a free moment makes me feel like I should be doing something, which is why I have a list of side projects ready at hand whenever I’m taking a break from work.

What would be your go-to weapon in a zombie attack?

Either my neighbor’s metal baseball bat or my pink hello kitty battle axe. Either one will do.

Born and raised in the slimiest part of NYC, Kat Fajardo is currently a cartooning major at the School of Visual Arts. She enjoys her share of fat pugs, old sci-fi radio, and glitter. Besides looking forward to marrying a werewolf, Kat is aiming to become a great professional cartoonist. You can view her work at katfajardo.blogspot.com.