Meet Brooklyn-based Artist Mindy Indy
Mindy Indy has been a full-time freelance cartoonist and artist since 2010. Her biggest achievements are recently completing AER HEAD #1, the debut 50-page comic issue. She successfully Kickstarted it and printed 200 copies. She illustrated Our Sunday Visitor’s “God’s Superheroes: Amazing Catholic Women” and “Amazing Catholic Men,” totaling 74 illustrations, released in February 2022. You can find her work here.
CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION: What brought you to NYC, and where did you come from?
MINDY INDY: I moved to NYC from Ann Arbor, Michigan (near Detroit) in 2010, so I've survived here for over a decade! After graduating from the University of Michigan School of Art & Design, I worked as a full-time graphic designer for a while, but my true passion was cartooning. I had visited NYC for fun and found it was great for the comics and animation industries, as well as everything, really! I fell in love with the city and, after many rejections of applying to jobs online, moved without a job. Best risk of my life!
How do understand your vocation as a Catholic artist? Do you call yourself a Catholic artist?
Sometimes, now that I've gotten quite a few Catholic-themed projects! It depends on the context, since my art spans a broad range. I've gotten more comfortable sharing my faith with people I'm working for, especially if it relates to the subject matter. I've had to turn down some projects though. One was after I started a coloring project on a book for a large publisher that turned out to have anti-God messages. It was a difficult conversation, and I wasn't in a financial position to turn down work, but as people of faith, we need to be true to ourselves and our creator. God always provides, and by turning down that bad work, I got better work eventually.
What is your daily spiritual practice?
I was in Samuel Group, a vocation discernment program, and it changed my life! I've been meeting with my spiritual director from there for many years on a regular basis. I pray in ways now that I didn't before SG. I usually sprinkle prayer throughout the day, starting with a morning offering and memorare. If I bike, I definitely say quick prayers before and after the ride. I pray when I get to my art studio in the afternoon and it really sets a good vibe for the day. And I usually say prayers of thanksgiving and petition before bed.
What is your daily artistic practice?
I was working from home freelancing before it was cool, but I got an art studio last year and it's great having the work/life separation! To keep costs down, I share it with two other cartoonists, and it's in a larger studio of over 150 artists of all disciplines. I can keep better focus in my own studio, and if I need a break, go see what other artists are up to—I learn so much from them! Lately, I've found that if I don't bike, but take the subway and check my emails on the ride, that emails don't take over my day. So after prayer, I can jump right into the main project of the day!
But seriously, how do you make a living in NYC?
I've been a full-time freelancer for quite a few years now. But since I moved without any job prospects, I had to start from scratch. I volunteered at MoCCA (Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art, which closed but now has a hall in the Society of Illustrators) where I made many connections in my industry that led to work. For years I worked part-time at art supply stores while I was exhibiting in small comic cons and art shows and building my freelance career. Sometimes I took on part-time comics teaching work, like at Harlem Children's Zone. I actually just sent out a mailing list post on where I get my work from. My best advice is to get to know lots of people and find your niche! I send freelancing tips in my mailing list on Fridays.
What are your top 3 pieces of advice for Catholic artists moving to NYC?
1. If you're clear that God has called you to be an artist, make the leap and trust that God will lead you!
2. Go to lots of Catholic events so you can meet lots of friends of faith! They'll be your spiritual support, and who knows, they may have some gigs for you.
3. Sometimes the city can be intimidating, but you can find quiet and comfort in holy hours. I used to go to the big St. Patrick's Cathedral if I was especially distressed, because as a tourist attraction they had the most open hours. But now we're blessed with 24-hour adoration at St. Joe’s!