Check Out Marianne Mosquera’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marianne Mosquera.

Hi Marianne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m Marianne. I’m a writer/artist currently residing between the North and Southeastern US. I mostly work as a concept artist, screenwriter, and have recently entered the graphic novel world as well.

All I can say it’s that it’s been a long journey thus far! Feels like I’ve lived a few lifetimes. I’ve been drawing and writing since I could hold a crayon; it’s just been a part of me. I was the kid drawing on tablecloths at restaurants and doodling in the inner covers of old Bibles. It’s a faucet I can’t really turn off without some effort. Every twist and turn has been the result of this sense of seeking and curiosity I’ve had for things like identity, grief, the human spirit, and the presence of the divine. All my work, any sort of narrative bite I have, stems from that.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Certainly. The biggest challenges have been very personal, familial, identity-based in nature.

I currently work in the music industry as my day job, and I’ve moved around a lot, but the one constant with each new city has been going to local metal shows. I love exploring new venues, and have had the pleasure of working with some of my favorite bands and favorite people.

Sometimes you’re so pulled by the daily current, that you don’t stop to replay those moments of rapture you have when you’re in an incredible place, working with incredible artists. Whenever I get a bit enraged and disillusioned at the state of this world, I remember those people- and it brings me courage and peace.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m primarily a writer and visual artist, but I’ve worked in various areas from album covers to posters for local shows. I also work with indie filmmakers to develop characters, monster designs, and other concept art. Most recently: ‘La Mala’, a short film by Knial Saunders, will be featured at the Atlanta Underground Film Festival on August 6–9.

My own work has mostly been in the illustrative and indie film worlds. I have a few short films floating around, ancient works at this point— but it’s nice to look back and see that they got some recognition in the festival circuit. I have a few awards for screenwriting, playwrighting, and some of my visual works have been published with companies like the BBC.

Right now most of my attention has gone to working on CHORD EXILED, my graphic novel. It’s a thriller/coming-of-age drama about the heavy music scene, growing up in the south, the loneliness in seeing others succeed, curses, and the demonic.

I’ve always been in awe of the art of manga, as well as the sense of art and atmosphere found in metal albums. This is sort of my chimera child: The love for that medium, my siblings and I bonding over metal bands as kids, and my time working within the music scene. The first volume is almost done!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Just to take heart. Whatever light you find– keep it in the forefront of your mind, and share the warmth with others to keep the creative fire alive. Art has had a rep of surviving the worst times in humanity, but we can’t take that as a given without doing our part.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mangadraft.com/user/mm-rodya
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chordexiled/