Editor’s note: With ICON9 The Illustration Conference on the horizon—four days of art, discussion, performance, and plenty of talk in Austin, TX—the current roster for the Q&A is peopled with many of the exceptional artists making presentations during this biannual artfest. Eleanor Davis, the artist behind the ICON9 poster, will be on the Main Stage Saturday, July 9, at 6:20 pm. Info

Q: Originally from the West, what are some of your favorite things about living and working in the South?

A: I'm from Tucson, Arizona. Now I live in Athens, Georgia, where there are green growing things, lots of water, lots of life.

Q: Do you keep a sketchbook? What is the balance between art you create on paper [or other analog medium] versus in the computer?

A: Maybe 50/50 analog & digital. I keep a sketchbook but because I post most of what I draw in there online I get a little too uptight about it.

Q: What is the most important item in your studio?

A: Big kind window looking out on trees & flowers & clouds.

Q: How do you know when the art is finished?

A: Either it's done, or it's due, that's when it's finished.

Q: What was your favorite book as a child?

A: The Midnight Folk. It's magical & dreamy with no plot - my favorite kind.

Q: What is the best book you’ve recently read?

A: I'm currently half way through War & Peace. It's good, but not as good as Anna Karenina (a favorite).

Q: If you had to choose one medium to work in for an entire year, eliminating all others, what medium would you choose?

A: Pen & ink

Q: What elements of daily life exert the most influence on your work practice?

A: My energy levels tank at around 2 PM, so I try to wake up early & get everything done before that hour!

Q: What was the [Thunderbolt] painting or drawing or film or otherwise that most affected your approach to art? 

A: In high school, my bff Katherine Guillen's zine, Juke, showed me that art could be scrappy and honest and real.

Q: Who was the [Thunderbolt] teacher or mentor or visiting artist who most influenced you early in your training or career?

A: My teacher John Lowe taught me to work hard and smart. He'd say, "Nothing's precious." and "Don't make the wrong line. Make the right line."

Q: What would be your last supper?

A: Sashimi if I was feeling OK about the situation, but if I was about to die I suppose I'd just want to pound pasta (#1 comfort food).

Eleanor Davis lives & works in Athens, Georgia, mostly. She is currently on a cross-country bike ride, most recently in Texas. Her collection of short comics for adults, How To Be Happy, is available from Fantagraphics.

Links: doing-fine.com / beouija.tumble.com / @squinkyelo on twitter & instagram.