As we continue to report on Mocca Fest 2025, we have a rare opportunity to sit down with this year’s official badge artists –Olivia FieldFields, from Brooklyn, New York, is an outstanding African-American painter and printmaker who named himself in the world of editorial illustrations.
Fields graduated from the School of Fashion Technology and received a BFA in SVA’s illustrations. She has been freelance since graduation, with Cartoon Network Studios, Google, NPR and The New York Times– To name just a few.
To learn more, we chatted with Olivia and asked questions about her unique artistic style and amazing career so far, as you can read below.
Christian Angeles: It’s great to meet you, Olivia! First, tell us about the amazing new badge art you made for Mocca Fest this year! This is a big deal.
Olivia Fields: Thank you so much! It is a great honor to be invited to create this year’s badge artwork. Each design has a different type of artist who is super focused on their craft, projects and speeches. I want the artistic process to be the focus of these designs and highlight what’s going on behind the scenes: artists are all about moments that others may not always see. The only exception is the single design of a person’s face able See, immerse yourself in the works of the artists they support. There is a lot of time, care and work in artistic creation. This is not easy. Every part from beginning to end is an extension of the artist, and each part is beautiful! It was fun to incorporate my love of creation and fashion into design. I also love how you can zoom in on a piece and find hidden details that tell more about the story of the characters or environment it portrays. (An example is a clock on an artist’s worksheet, where one of the designs says 3:15 pm – this is a reference to the first day of Mocca on March 15!) The intention of the artwork is to make you feel like someone you know or someone who might reflect yourself when viewing. My favorite design is the artist of screen printing because it is based on the time I spent at SVA PrintShop!
When I was in high school at the cusp of graduation, I went to Mocca for the first time in 2015. It happened to happen at the same time as SVA’s Acceptance Student Day and they encouraged us to participate. It’s not an exaggeration to have this experience completely changed my life. I’ve never been to comic festivals before, I don’t know what Risograph Printing is, I don’t know you can share your work with others in this way. The artists I met and the art I saw made me feel so inspired and changed the way my own work was. I want to be a part of this world! This is my official introduction to indie comics and illustrations, so for me, it’s a full moment. This has played an important role in my work today, and I am deeply grateful!
Angeles: For those strangers, can you tell us more about yourself? Your artistic style or where you published it?
Fields: Hello! My name is Olivia Fields, and I am an African American illustrator + printmaker based in Brooklyn, New York. After receiving my AAS from the School of Fashion Technology, I completed my BFA in illustrations from the School of Visual Arts. I have been a full-time freelancer since graduation, focusing mainly on editorial illustrations. I have worked with Cartoon Network Studios, Google, NPR, The New York Times, The New Yorker, Warby Parker, Xbox and more.
Angeles: Tidy! Now, is there anything you can promote or sell at Mocca this year?
Fields: I will have prints, stationery items (stickers, Washi), shirts, tote bags and magazines!
I plan to debut Hourly Comic Day This weekend’s 2025 magazine. For me, the Hourly Comics Festival has been one of the highlights of February! I try to participate every year as a form of practice. I found it helpful to get me out of my comfort zone by telling a four-panel story without working on it. I love taking the time to appreciate my little moments in my daily life. I also tend to make my own thoughts and feelings comics, so it’s perfect for me. For anyone who has never been involved, I highly recommend it!
Angeles: What are you looking forward to about Mocca next? Especially panels or exhibitions?
Angelis: I hope so. I love that Mocca buys art from such amazing upcoming talent. But what do you think is unique to the festival?
Fields: There are always artists with such mediums, styles and themes. Whether I am a participant or an exhibitor, it is impossible not to flood with other creatives into the work they do. It really brings the best in the New York City community. Many of us live here, but during our time at Mocca we did get together! Finally, one of my favorite things to do is to share with friends all the incredible work I found. We just walked around together, shouted at the artists we knew, and introduced each other to more talented people. This makes me want to push myself more and have fun at work!
Angeles: Finally, I’ve been asking everyone questions: Why do you think indie comics are so important now?
Fields: As it becomes more common, self-identity, indulgence and expression are key. We need more projects to make the drive limitless to passion. We need a unique perspective! This stems from our own ability to think, reflect and explain the world around us. Through artistic observation and open dialogue are very powerful. Indie comics provide a space for such a diverse sound because it is so widespread. Everything resonates with the audience. It allows for meaningful connections to other people that may not be possible. Now, more than ever, we should be connecting and trying to get to know each other.
Olivia Fields has her work on every badge of this year’s festival. She will be on Table 19 of Mocca ’25. If you want to attend Mocca Fest 2025 in New York, click here.
For more information about MOCCA 2025, click here.
