Artist Profile: Duachaka Her

Duachaka (Dua) Her is a Hmong-American cartoonist and illustrator from central Wisconsin. She is the author and illustrator of mini-comics Witchy’s Halloween, Tradition (published by Uncivilized Books), and comic books The Collection and Then and Now. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Entertainment Design with a concentration in Comics and Sequential Art from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Most of her work focuses on aspects of her Hmong-American identity and experiences. Her work consists of comics, children’s books, art prints, stickers, and stationery.

How have your influences changed--or stayed steady--from your early days drawing compared to today? With steady ones, what made them sustain over the years? And ones that have changed, any reflections on what shifted?

My influences certainly changed over the years. As a kid, I grew up with a lot of American cartoon shows and Japanese comics (manga) and anime. Most of my early drawings had similar styles and storytelling techniques. I remembered being so focused on making “pretty” or “handsome” characters, that I didn’t really have an idea of how the story was going to work. It wasn’t until I went to college that I was exposed to a variety of art through my art history and art and design courses. Working on various projects that required me to explore and try different techniques and styles challenged me to break out of my comfort zone. Some of my influences at that time were cartoonists like Jillian Tamaki with her graphic novel This One Summer and Raina Telgemeier’s Smile graphic novel series. These books showed me that I don’t always need to come up with a fancy, out-of-the-world story – that comics could just be about the lives of ordinary girls, which is just as important to write about.

I learned that comics don’t always have to look “pretty,” and knowing how to write a good story that people can easily read and resonate with is most important. Don’t get me wrong, I still love drawing anime style occasionally, but I think due to the subject matter of my work nowadays, my current style better suits the kind of narratives I want to tell with my art. Nowadays, some of my favorite influences come from artists I find on Instagram, children’s book illustrators, and cartoonists.

Do you have other artistic practices that inform your drawing?

I would say I used to listen to music or songs I grew up with to inspire and put me in a good mood to draw. I feel like it activates more creative part of my brain, which sometimes help with problem-solving an illustration or story. I used to do it a lot as a kid and teen, but these past few years after having kids and a family, I haven’t been doing it as often. Maybe it’s because my life is already so hectic that listening to music will just add on to the chaos? So, I’ve been listening to more “intellectual” things like podcasts...or the sound of my kids screaming in the background... Anytime I get to listen to music again, it’s like a treat for myself; it takes me back to my childhood days.

You have your own really wonderful Hmong Artist Interview section on your website. Is there any advice you wished you'd had when you were beginning your career as a working artist? Or a piece of advice you would give to someone just starting this path?

I think a helpful advice would be to surround yourself with others who are also doing the same thing, or something similar, to what you are doing. Being an artist can be very lonely most of the times, so it helps to have one or two good friends who you are able to share your struggles and successes with.

What are 2 to 3 exhibitions, concerts, books and/or book talks, spoken word events and/or films you're hoping to check out this season in Wisconsin or virtually?

Funny you should ask because it just so happens that I have two exhibitions around this time as well! I was recently one of the contributing artists for the “Nice Age Trail” nature exhibit at the Madison Children’s Museum in Madison, Wisconsin! For the exhibit, I created a children’s board book called Too Quiet for Kou, a story of a restless black bear venturing through the forest at night only to find out all the animals that are still awake. The exhibit was inspired by nature and the four seasons of Wisconsin. It includes interactive activities that teach kindness and empathy alongside the seasons, habitats, and animals in Wisconsin. Currently it is open, and I hope to check it out in person soon!

Another thing I am looking forward to is my curated solo exhibition “Then and Now,” happening this August to October at the Center for Visual Arts in Wausau, Wisconsin! The exhibition explores memories and life transitions from childhood to adulthood. More information regarding the exhibition has yet to be announced, but you can check out the Center for Visual Arts website for updates!