Katrina Mae Hao

Colorist

Where were you born?
I was born in a province called La Union.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up at San Fernando City, La Union.

Schooling?  Art training?
I graduated from St Scholastica’s College Manila with the degree of Bachelor of science in Information Technology with Interactive Multimedia Design and Animation. I was trained by my professor Roland Saldivar, colleagues in Interactive Art Services where I was an intern, and I had more training by flatting and assisting several colorists in Glasshouse namely Romulo Fajardo, Rain Beredo and Jay Ramos.

How long have you been working professionally in comics?
I started out coloring for comics since I was in 4th year college. I’ve been coloring comics for 7 years now and I must say I am very happy. This is my dream and I am thankful that David Campiti has been making sure I get more projects and exposure.

What things — both in art and otherwise — have you worked on, besides comics?
I have worked as a freelance colorist and graphic artist.

Are comics a full-time gig for you or part-time?
I am a full time comic book colorist. There are times when this work is very demanding but I am very fulfilled whenever I get a project done. There are times deadlines are crazy but if you really really love what you do, there’s nothing that can stop you.

Talk about how you broke into the business –was it easy? Hard? Ups? Downs?
I wouldnt say that it was easy, it really takes a lot of practice before I got to color like this. I guess I’m lucky that my family has been very supportive. It also helped that I met amazing artists who are very generous to share their knowledge. It also helped that I met Mr. Roland Saldivar as my professor in college. If I hadn’t met him, I’m not sure If I’ll be in the business. I also have friends who supported me and helped me be the best that I can be. Criticisms and suggestions also helped me learn a lot. No matter how painful some criticisms may be they do make you better.

Any interesting anecdotes? When you held your first published work in your hands, how did you feel?
Hmm..can’t say that I have any interesting anecdotes to share.Having that first published book in your hands makes you feel like your ten feet tall! Its amazing! The feeling you get when you see your name on the credits is absolutely awesome!

Did you work as an assistant to any other artists? If so, please talk a bit about those experiences.
Yes I have been assisting artists. I’m so lucky to assist them. I have learned a lot and no words can express how thankful I am that they gave me their trust to assist them. Its a privilege to work with such talented artists.

How did your parents take to the idea of working in comics?
My parents are very supportive ever since. They wanted me to be happy in everything that I do. They are the best!

How would you describe your workspace? Is it part of your home, or do you go “to the studio”?
I have a work space at home. I spent a lot on it with my hard earned money. I bought a lot of stuff to have a very nice environment while working. It really helps an artist to have a space that’s  your own.

What job are you the proudest of?  What’s your most embarrassing?
I am proud in each and every project I worked on. Some of them are not great but I am proud because I know I did my best.

What are you currently drawing?  Comments on that project?
I’m currently preparing my portfolio.

Talk about your Family: Parents, siblings, home situation. Are you Married?
First of I am single! My family is a close one. We bicker and challenge one another. My sister is a Treasury Manager, my Brother manages our family business (Typical Fil-Chi, we have a Hardware) my other brother is a software engineer. My mom is also working in our family business. My dad was a kind man. He passed on 5 years ago. 

Have kids? Anecdotes about married life, how it relates to your busy schedule, etc. If you have kids do they understand your job? What do they say about it? Do they read comics?
I don’t have kids, but I hope I’ll be lucky enough to have one someday. My schedule is pretty flexible. It all depends on the projects you have accepted and managing your time. If my schedule allows, I always try to adopt a office schedule, like working from 8am to 5pm. But if the deadlines are tight I work until I get them done in time. Deadlines are important and they must be followed.

What projects do you hope to work on in the future?
Someday, If I’m good enough, Id like to work on famous titles (Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Xmen, etc).

Where do you see yourself in five years?  ten?
In five or ten years, I see myself still working in this industry and I hope I’ll still be a GHG talent. 

What is the interest in comics where you live? Do friends and neighbors know you draw comics for a living?  How do they react?
Well, its really funny when I tell them that I’m a colorist. Their first reaction is that I color people’s hair! Haha! Thats why I always make a follow up statement! I color comics people! Not hair!

What’s 1 thing you’ll always find in your refrigerator?
Besides water, chocolates!

What’s your favorite food?
I love cheesecakes! 

What are your favorite interests –Movies?  Music?  TV?  Any hobbies?  Sports?
My favorite genre in movies is fantasy. I watch all kinds of movies even the types that make you fall asleep! Most of the songs I listen to are alternative rock. I jog 3 times a week. I love to travel. I have three dogs. I like to play Badminton. I love comedy TV series.

Have you ever thought of writing your own stories?
I thought about it but I don’t think It will work out! Haha

Ever been in a gang?
No. I don’t think so.

What’s an average day in your life like?  Walk us through a typical day.
An average day for me is to wake up at 8am, Eat breakfast, Take a bath, the I go to my work space and start the day reading my emails. After reading and corresponding to my emails, I work until 1pm and I watch something while having lunch. Then work some more. Then If the deadlines are not that tight I jog at 5pm with my uncle and brother. After jogging, its dinner time. Then I rest after. I read, watch or catch up with my TV series. By 12 midnight I sleep.

Any humorous or interesting anecdotes to tell about the comics business?
I cant think of anything right now. XD

Do you have any great, unsold projects in your files that nobody’s gotten to see published?
No not really.

If you weren’t a comic-book artist today, what would you be?
I’ll probably end up in some advertising company or if I’m fortunate I could pursue being a Make Up Artist!

Have you taught comic-book art or had any assistants?  If so, talk about that.
I have assistants. Colorists need a good relationship with each other and their flatters. What I love about Glasshouse Graphics is that colorists do help each other. If there are impossible deadlines we try to help each other out just to get the project done on time.

The single thing you’d most like to be remembered for in your life is…?
That I have done something great and I don’t care if people even remember it. All that matters is that I did my best and I hope its good enough.

Any closing words for your fans?
Don’t give up. Practice hard and enjoy life.

Dark Horse Starwars: Strange Allies Interior colors
Del Rey: Kim Harrison’s Blood Crime Graphic Novel 1 & 2 Interior Colors
Kren Moning’s Fevermoon Graphic Novel Cover & Interior Colors
Knightingail Vol1 Issue 1-6 Cover & Interior Colors
Knightingail Vol2 Issue 1-6 Cover & Interior Colors
Knightingail Vol3 Issue 2-4 Cover & Interior Colors
Contagion Issue 1 Interior Colors
Exposure Night of The Living Dad Issue 2 Interior Colors
Exposure Night of The Living Dad Issue 3 Interior Colors
Exposure Haunted House Issue 1 Interior Colors
Comic Buyer’s Guide May 2010 Cover
Comic Buyer’s Guide January 2011 Cover
Comic Buyer’s Guide  Cover #1697
Marvel Gaming Cards Baron Zemo
Marvel Gaming Cards Abomination
Marvel Gaming Cards Doombot
Marvel Gaming Cards Enchantress
Marvel Gaming Cards Leader
Marvel Gaming Cards Maestro
Marvel Gaming Cards Melter
Marvel Gaming Cards Legendary Pain the Town Red Box
Red Giant: Pandora #0 Interior Colors
Red Giant: Pandora #1 Interior Colors
Red Giant: First Daughter #0 Interior Colors
Red Giant: First Daughter #1 Interior Colors
Red Giant: First Daughter #2 Interior Colors
DreamWorks How to Train Your Dragon 2: A Tale of Dragons Storybook Interior Colors
DreamWorks: Turbo Racing Team Board Book Interior Colors
Zenescope: Grimm Fairy Tales: Tales from Neverland 1 A Cover
Crystal Fractal Comics Interior Colors
The complete Major Bummer Super Slacktacular Cover
Dark Horse: Defuser #1 Interior Colors

Gallery

Start working with Katrina Mae Hao today!

Request a quote from the largest international animation and comic book design studio today. Let our diverse artists across 7 countries bring your vision to life. Get started now!

(352) 277-1712

CALL US

inquiries@glasshousegraphics.com

SEND US AN E-MAIL

Get Started

Ready to bring your animation or design project to life? Contact Glass House Graphics, the largest full-service international design studio, and get a quote tailored to your creative needs today!

Hey there!

We're currently crafting our artists' portfolio page! While we work on it, feel free to reach out to us using the form below to discuss your animation or design project. We'll provide you with a tailored quote that suits your creative needs. Stay tuned for updates!