Andy T Fish (Andrew Tiberius Fish)
Comic book artist, writer, illustrator and painter-- and a few other things (see below) my work has been published all over the world since 1998 and exhibited in galleries as far away as Sydney Australia.
One of the paintings from my JAZZ Series is in the collection of the National Gallery in Washington DC.. I studied comics, sequential art and graphic novels with with Will Eisner, Jack Kirby and Paul Ryan. I learned writing from Mickey Spillane. My first professional job came from the legendary editor Archie Goodwin who thought I really grasped storytelling. That’s thanks to Will Eisner.
2024 APPEARANCES
Jan26-28 OA EXPO ORLANDO, FL
APR 6-7 SC Comic Con GREENVILLE, SC
Contact Jack Mucciano to arrange Andy & Veronica Fish personal appearances
jackmucciano@gmail.com (774) 275-3023
I am married to fellow artist Veronica Fish and we often collaborate on projects— working together has been the greatest thing we’ve ever thought of, besides getting married.
We have three sons all of whom demonstrate some artistic ability. #3 son Adam has his own website HERE.
I’m kind of a big deal, at least according to my mom and she doesn't even know I’m on Wikipedia.
Grand Imperial Poobah Emeritus of Andy T Fish dot com— Andy T Fish.
Comics are a visual language— a combination of words and pictures successfully married tell a story whose closest cousin is probably silent film. Today comics worst aspect is the focus on pinups and great art, while it SHOULD be focused on STORYTELLING first. Bad comics are ones where you can’t tell what’s happening on the page but they sure look good. STORYTELLING is the backbone of Comics Art.
CONVENTION APPEARANCES - We make appearances at sci fi and comic book conventions which offer us an invitation where we sign books, do sketches for fans and interact with publishers and editors.
PANELS - At conventions one of our most popular panels explores what it’s like to be a full time working husband and wife artist team for various comic book and graphic novel publishers. During the panel we answer moderator questions and do sketches while we talk which are then raffled off to the audience which ensures good panel attendance.
PREVIOUS CONVENTION APPEARANCES.. We have been honored to be featured guests at many shows around the world including:
New York Comic Con
San Diego Comic Con
Chicago Comic Con
Rose City Comic Con
Ace Comic Con
Wizard World Comic Con
Boston Comic Con
Austin Comic Con
South Carolina Comic Con
Salt Lake City Expo
Bing Comic Con
Plastic City Comic Con
Anime Boston
And many others, we work with con promoters to provide artwork for convention programs, charity auctions and promotional materials as well as heavy marketing via our own social media channels to help their show be a success. We love to help out good conventions and want them to be successful.
Contact us for details.
LATEST PROJECTS
January 2023- Appointed director of Comic Books and Graphic Novels for Makimono Entertainment Inc. Chief Director of Content. Overseeing the creation/writing/drawing/coloring and lettering of eight monthly titles.
Dec 2022 - Completed 200 page HIDE Graphic Novel for Penguin Random House and Ten Speed Press.
April 2022- It’s Official and we can talk about it— our latest graphic novel project is HIDE, based on a young adult graphic novel by Keirsten White, adapted by former Batman editor Scott Peterson and we’re teamed with ace letterer Greg McKenna who worked with us on BLACKWOOD.
November 2021- Work continues on our 200+ page graphic novel for Penguin Random House. Also working on an independent graphic novel of my own, developing several scripts, doing illustrations for a game company, and working on my latest How To Art Book.
June 2021- Veronica and I have just signed a contract for a 200+ page graphic novel TBA.
February 2021- Writing a hard boiled detective novel for an un-specified publisher. More TBA
January 2021 - Veronica and I have finished the second SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH MINI SERIES II (Something Wicked) for Archie Comics and have several other projects soon to be announced.
May 2020- HOW TO MASTER PERSPECTIVE from Walter Foster Books written and illustrated by me is released.
Jan 2020 - We are currently illustrating BLACKWOOD II; MORNING AFTER for Dark Horse Comics and SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH; SOMETHING WICKED for Archie Comics both to be released in early 2020. I just completed HOW TO MASTER PERSPECTIVE for Walter Foster Books.
TEACHING - I served as an Adjunct Professor of Illustration at Massachusetts College of Art and Design where I encouraged young artists many of whom have gone on to great success. My philosophy as a professor is simple; Tell The Truth and Push Students Towards Success. A 2018 MassArt Twitter Poll voted me “best professor” by the students, quite an accomplishment for someone who had only been there one year.
RECOMMENDATIONS
“Andy has the ability to bring learning to life for artists of all ages. As a colleague and student of Andy's I've seen him engage teens in self reflection through cartooning and comics, unfold the mysteries of the internet to seniors, and engage all ages in meaningful conversations about art. He is a true talent at his craft and as an educator to boot.” — Alexander Dunn, Worcester Art Museum Outreach Co Ordinator
“I hired Andy as often as my budget would allow while at Worcester Magazine, where he illustrated covers and features with wit and bravado, and always on time. Andy is absolutely professional, with a versatile style that is adaptable to nearly any situation, and an unerring sense of character that reflects the story being told, the venue that is telling it, and the artist's winning, distinct personality. I associate his pen (or digital line) work with razor-sharp articulation of ideas, splashes of bold, compelling color, and a powerful ink line that races forward and never wavers. And you should see his paintings. He approaches every assignment with intelligence and serious intent. I heartily recommend his work.” — Mike Warshaw, Editor Boston Globe
“I consider Andy Fish the best professor I had in my career at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. A true rarity, he respected the individuality and intellectual comprehension of his students. He displayed personal interest in the progression of his students and compassionately offered to share some of his own networks. His relevant recommendations for inspirational purposes elucidated his impressive breadth and depth of interests and acute awareness of the art world as it is currently. Equally as impressive was the balance he found between personable and professional. Andy Fish is a prime role-model for his easy self-confidence, energetic and enthusiastic interest, knowledge, and understanding of the realities of the art world in its current states. He is the most relevant professor I had the honor of studying under.” — Kerstin Millnamow, Artist
“Andy was one of my most influential mentors during my time at Mass Art. He was a motivating teacher who truly understands the industry of Illustration. He led by example, constantly producing work at a high level and expecting the same of his students. He provides critique and direction that is straightforward and inspires students like myself to push their work to the next level. Working with him was a pleasure.” — Sylvia Kats, Art Production Manager
“Andy pulled our fat out of the fire on more than one occasion when other author’s failed to meet their deadlines, he is our go to guy when we need a book to come in on deadline and to exceed expectations.” Cary Harmon - Quarto Publishing, London.
BOOKS
Author and or illustrator of dozens of books, graphic novels and comic books, SEE THE BIBLIOGRAPHY HERE
GALLERIES
My work has been exhibited in galleries all over the world and one of my paintings is in the permanent collection of the National Gallery in Washington DC.
Participant - I am always interested in new gallery opportunities.
Judge- I has extensive experience in juried shows curation and critique.
Consultant - I can use my experience to help you establish a new gallery space, or to prepare your own work for display.
ORIGINAL ART
COMIC BOOKS & GRAPHIC NOVELS I am an experienced and published creator.
SKETCHES & COMMISSIONS - order a one of a kind illustration in ink, or a fully rendered painting either digital or in watercolor or goauche.
Cover Work - Make your book stand out with an original art or uniquely designed cover.
$200-$600 - per page, pencils, inks and full color options
$50- $3K - Each commission has it's own ins and outs. Contact andy@andytfish.com to discuss your project.
CREDENTIALS
Ordained Minister ULC April 2016
Doctor of Theology ULC April 2019
School of Visual Arts
New York City- Undergraduate Studies in Comic art and Illustration
RISD
Providence, RI - Post grad studies in illustration and painting.
Andrew Jackson University
Masters Degree in Art, MFA
Ma College of Art and Design Faculty Illustration Studies, Freelancing 1 year
Emerson College Faculty Graphic Novel Studies and production. 12 years
Worcester Art Museum Faculty Illustration, comic art, digital media, installation art 15 years
Art All State Artist Mentor Ten Consecutive Years - a record!
BOYS CLUB HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
In 2014 I was inducted into the Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame — although I’m old enough to remember it only as “the Boys Club”— this honor includes having my face painted into a giant mural by the amazingly talented Mike Briggs.
Travels
Japan - I travel frequently to Japan, While there we study the ways of Manga artists and comic art culture from the other side of the world.
Lectures
I can lecture on art, art history, working as a freelancer, travels in Japan, establishing yourself as a writer or artist and many other subjects. My talks are lively and popular.
See www.undercoverfish.com for rates.
Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame Ceremony
Art All State
Suffolk University
Emerson College
Ma College of Art and Design
Regional Libraries throughout Massachusetts
Youth Art Month Ceremonies
West Boylston Art Honors Induction
Memberships & Organizations
Chairman and Grand Poobah Emeritus, The Andy Fish Society - LinkedIN Group
Regional Exalted High Ruler of National Gorilla Suit Day, New England Chapter
Bones & Skull Society, Secret Organization that does MOSTLY good.
Awards & Achievements
IGN Peoples Choice Award for SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH Best Comic Series of 2019
American Library Association Award for BLACKWOOD Top Graphic Novels for Teens
Special Invited Guest 2020; Collective Con Jacksonville FL, Awesome Con Washington DC
Special Invited Guest 2019; Jet City Comic Con Tacoma WA, Ace Comic Con Chicago IL, Rose City Comic Con Portland OR, Meta Comic Con Minneapolis MN,
Boys and Girls Club Lifetime Achievement Honors, Hall of Fame Inductee.
New England Newspaper Illustrator of the Year, Inkpot Award, Contender for an Eisner Award and someday Rondo Winner.
Special Invited Guest, San Diego Comic Con 2018
Special Invited Guest, New York Comic Con 2018
Experience
Paintings have been in galleries all over the world including one in the collection of the National Gallery in Washington DC.
‘Graphic designer for Adam West.
Adjunct Professor of Illustration, Massachusetts College of Art & Design
Adjunct Professor of Art, Emerson College, Boston MA
Eisner Judge for Spirit of Retailing, San Diego Comic Con
Over two dozen books in print by several publishers world wide. You can find a link to them above in the MY BOOKS section.
BiBLiOGRAPHY (Partial)
FLY: A TRUE STORY COMPLETELY MADE UP- UC Books
THE TRAGIC TALE OF TURKEY BOY; AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY - UC Books
JERRY CLAUS; THE RETURN OF DARK SANTA - Blue Monkey
REQUIEM - 24 PAGES IN 24 HOURS - Blue Monkey
WEREWOLVES OF WISCONSIN - McFarland Books
DRACULA'S ARMY - McFarland Books
FREAKISH BLUES - Freekish Bloos
GEEKS & GREEKS - Geeks Press
HOW TO DRAW GRAPHIC NOVELS - Chartwell Books
HOW TO DRAW SUPERNATURAL MONSTERS - Chartwell Books
HOW TO DRAW SUPERHEROES - Chartwell Books
GEEKS & GREEKS - Relentless Goat
GUMBY - Papercutz
BLACKWOOD - Dark Horse Comics
SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH V1 - Archie Comics
BLACKWOOD; MOURNING AFTER - Dark Horse Comics
SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH; SOMETHING WICKED (V2) - Archie Comics
HOW TO MASTER PERSPECTIVE - Walter Foster Books
ANDY’S STORY
(I get a lot of requests from students for interviews, please consider this an interview you can use)
Growing up in a home without a father for all of his pre-teen years Adam West’s stalwart Caped Crusader (and to be fair Jack Webb’s Joe Friday) provided him a moral compass as to what was right or wrong. At a friends house an older brother knew Andy liked Batman and handed him a stack of old Batman Comic Books and Andy was hooked, teaching himself to read with comic books.
Andy reflects on the experience: “I still remember the book to this day, it was Detective Comics #388 and it had a great Joker Cover. When you flipped to the first page there was a dramatic shot of Batman and Robin driving through the dark facing a giant Joker Moon! Wow! The story brought Batman and Robin to the Moon and as a little kid I was fascinated not just with Batman but with Astronauts and Dinosaurs so this story really appealed to me, even if I couldn’t read the words. The backup story featured Batgirl with art by the great Gil Kane, and for some reason Batman was threatening her with a gun! I had to know what this story was about so I taught myself to read with this book— little did I know the story was going to be continued and it would take me about twenty years to get the second part of the story!”
The love of comics led to the study of film, both silent and early 20th Century Cinema and in those formative years before VHS the only way to see these old movies was on late night TV or at revival showings at the local library. By the time Andy entered High School he had bought an early VHS Player for $500 and began a collection of films for studying.
Encouraged by his High School Art Teacher, Tony Trippi, he studied a variety of mediums including film-making, photography, silk screening and the earliest aspects of digital design.
Andy wanted to go into film but recognized the difficulties in working with studios and financiers. With comics you had an unlimited budget to tell your story.
Studying with Will Eisner via his career studies at The School of Visual Arts in New York (sometimes taking the same class 2-3 times as a non-registered observer) Will recognized Andy’s talent and his drive to successfully launch a comics career. Andy would later study with Paul Ryan whose work on THE FANTASTIC FOUR broke Jack Kirby’s tenure record and Jack Kirby who he met at a comic convention in New York City.
Andy began sending in samples to comics publishers, initially getting rejection letters, some with encouragement and some with skepticism but he continued to send in samples undeterred. After nearly 400 rejection letters they surrendered and he was given his first assignment at Marvel Comics on a Team Up book.
One of the best gigs he ever did was to provide artwork and graphic design for TV’s Batman, Adam West who he got to know personally.
Years later, after producing a string of graphic novels for a variety of publishers all over the world Andy would team up with his wife and fellow artist Veronica to work together on BLACKWOOD for Dark Horse Comics and the SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH revival for Archie Comics.
Andy continues to work in the comics field today with several projects currently in the works.
FAQ’s
Q - Can you look at my samples and give me some advice?
A - I’m sorry, I wish I could, but in a creative field there are way too many instances of coincidental projects being developed— ARMAGEDDON and DEEP IMPACT were both made around the same time. I would hate to have you think I stole your ideas. I do teach classes which you can find out more about over HERE. Among the offerings are ones that include critiques of your work (you sign a disclaimer).
Q - Do you have any advice for new freelancers? I’m just starting out and I’d love some insights!
A- Boy are you in luck, I have an ELEVEN part series I wrote that is very relevant and chock full of truth, which I am known for. Best of all it’s free. Get ta reading.
Andy Deets - B 12-27-75 Boston Massachusetts