Interview in Modern Fix
Modern Fix Magazine
Published on 2/04/2004

Short interview in this free music magazine.  You can check out the interview here or read the transcript below.

Modern Fix Magazine
"Tara McPherson"
Interview by Gordon Downs
Issue 38

Recently relocating from Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon, artist Tara McPherson seems to be adjusting to her new life in the Pacific Northwest quite well. Aside from the torrential downpour of snow Portland experienced this past winter, she's enjoying life outside the city of Angels, and has found herself in serene surroundings that allows her to create her own particular brand of art. Graduating from the Art Center two years ago, McPherson not only has a degree in art, but also served time under the creative wing of the staff at "Futurama" where she interned briefly in the nineties. Known famously for her art as well as her graphic design work with concert posters, I had a chance to talk with Tara about her new surroundings, up and coming projects and her latest venture with Vertigo Comics.

So how's Portland treating you? Why'd you decide to leave LA anyways?

I had just been in LA my whole entire life, I just kind of needed to live somewhere else. Thats pretty much the main impetus behind me getting up and going. My sister lives up here, so I've visited a lot.

How did you start doing gig posters?

Most of the time I like and am listening to the band posters I'm working on. My husband though would be the catalyst for why I'm doing posters. He started doing posters for his band and then I just started making them for my band. And then I realized he started making a living doing [posters] and it was just kind of natural that I made a progression into doing rock posters. I've collected them ever since I can remember and I've always admired them and have always been really into music.

You seem to work with a lot of great acts, like Cat Power and Built to Spill. How does that work out for you?

Most poster jobs I do through the venue. I usually deal with the public relations person at the venue. I work with the Knitting Factory, sometimes I do the House of Blues stuff, and I also do some Goldenvoice stuff. Usually when I see a show coming up, I just e-mail them, and they usually give me the green light and I pretty much do what I want.

What sort of music are you listening to these days? Anything you would recommend?

Right now, I just listened to Pretty Girls Make Graves, The Warlocks, and yesterday i went and bought Interpol and Pleasure Forever.

So besides your website, art and concert posters, what else do you have going?

I just did a one-off cover for Lucifer, and that was Lucifer #45. And then, there's a four issue mini- series coming out on Vertigo Comics written by Bill Willingham; its called "Thessaly" and it should be out in February. And then I'm working on a new series right now, also about witches and it's called " The Witching". Its about three female witches who are kind of in the punk rock/goth genre. That's scheduled for next summer.