We recently connected with Fío Avocado and have shared our conversation below.
Fío, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
The year after I graduated college I moved to Portland, OR to pursue the Comics and Graphic Novels Certificate Program at the Independent Publishing Resource Center. My idea was that I would work for a non-profit and be able to make my art. I learned quickly that both worlds were quite competitive, and I was fresh out of college without a lot of work experience.
After applying and not getting a handful of jobs that were oddly competitive for how low they paid, I submitted an image to CultureStrike (now called Center for Cultural Power), and my work was incredibly well received. This was when I realized my calling was to be an artist, and specifically a community and socially engaged artist. From there I decided to further prioritize and develop my art practice.
Fío, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Fío (fka Fiona) Avocado. I’m a queer, agender, and neurodivergent artist, educator, and collaborator based in Pittsburgh PA, by way of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula –> PDX –> MPLS –> Athens OH –> PGH. I’m a printmaker who specializes in screenprinting fine art and commercial works focusing on the themes of queer platonic friendships, everyday pleasures, and political and social issues. I also do illustration, knitting, sewing/quilting, and have a long history with the indie comics and zine world.
I received my BA from Michigan State University, am a graduate of the Independent Publishing Resource Center’s Comics and Graphic Novels Certificate Program, and received my MFA in Printmaking from Ohio University. I recently returned from a Fulbright to Argentina and am in the process of figuring out what’s next.
You can support my work through my online shop, visiting me at markets and in person events, sharing my work, and commissioning me for print, illustration, and teaching. I am also open and excited about collaborating with artists and friends whom I share creative affinity.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Yes! Here is my list. I might be forgetting something but i’ll do my best.
Books:
Beth Pickens — Your Art Will Save Your Life, Make Your Art No Matter What
Austin Kleon — Steal Like An Artist
Lynda Barry — What It Is and Picture This
Places:
-Zine Fests / Fairs
-Artist Book Fairs
-Your local library (I love spending hours in the arts and crafts section)
-Bookstores
-Record shops
-Art galleries
-Museums
I also think it’s super important to have a regular sketchbook or journaling practice. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just drawing and/or writing every day makes a huge difference in honing ones style and creative vision.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I wish there were more funding opportunities for artists–I think that 98% of artists will tell you that money is a constant issue. Most of us work day jobs to keep a roof over our heads and support our studio practice (real talk: I am currently working five gig jobs while I look for work that is related to my career and/or find a way to monetarily support my studio practice.)
I would also love for there to be universal income for artists (I mean, everyone really, but that’s another topic.)
Because of the financial struggles that artists face and the lack of paid opportunities, there is a pervasive scarcity mindset. I wish that it was more commonplace to collaborate and support other artists in getting opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fionaavocado.com/
- Instagram: fiona_avocado
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionaavocado/
- Other: https://fionaavocado.substack.com/
Image Credits
Photos 1 and 2 by Jaye Frances Imagery