Suvudu Universe

Today’s spotlight is on Hapo! You can find Hapo on deviantART.

Scrolling through the latest Star Wars artwork on deviantART, I came across a lovely piece of art featuring the women of Star Wars. Since 2013 is the “Year of the Fangirl,” a wonderful campaign created by Her Universe meant to highlight fangirls of all ages and fandoms, I thought it would be great to put the spotlight on Hapo and “Star Wars Ladies.”

Star Wars Ladies by Hapo57

Tell us about yourself.
I’m Hapo, and usually go by some variation of that name on most sites, so I’m easy to find. I’m an undergraduate in my last year majoring in Classics and minoring in Linguistics, and I draw a lot in my spare time.

When and how did you become a Star Wars fan?
I guess I’ve always been a Star Wars fan, ever since the original trilogy was remastered in the 90s. Even though I had an irrational fear of the Ewoks in Return of the Jedi, Star Wars has been (and continues to be) among my all time favourite movies.

What tools do you use to create your art?
Typically, I use a Wacom Intuos3 and Photoshop CS2, but I have been known to occasionally submit traditional work.

What is your favorite Star Wars piece that you have created and why are you fond of it?
It’s so hard to pick favourites! I think at the moment it’s “Skywalker“ because I was so relaxed when I drew it and very surprised and happy with how it came out. I also really enjoy drawing these kinds of quiet, liminal scenes with Luke because I feel like I’m at my own set of crossroads in my life, too; not sure where I’m going and making excuses to stay where I am.

What’s the best and worst thing about being an artist?
The best thing is I can go at my own pace, experiment, and put my emotions about Star Wars on display. The worst thing is probably that I let myself get too caught up in other people’s requests and expectations, and I forget how to draw for myself sometimes.

Star Wars Rebels comes out next year. What are some of your theories concerning the plot or characters? What are you looking forward to seeing the most?
Whatever happens, I’m excited. I have a lot of excitement for the project and seeing how well Clone Wars turned out has furthered my optimism tremendously. I would really, really, really like to see some more about Boba Fett, of course, but I also would love to get even just a glimpse of Leia or Luke or Han growing up under the shadow of the Empire.

Are you looking forward to the future Star Wars films? What are your hopes or worries?
I think it’s the visuals that really make Star Wars, but I’m sort of hoping the dialogue will be better and more natural than it was in the prequels. I would also really like to see more women in meaningful roles, which goes for Rebels, too. Clone Wars did a fantastic job of bringing more girls into Star Wars and I think it’s a very necessary and exciting thing. Whatever happens happens and I look forward to seeing it.

Any final thoughts?
Thank you so much for considering me in your features! And thank you to everyone who enjoys my work, I wouldn’t have as much of a drive to create if it weren’t for all of you!

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Thank you for creating such beautiful art! I definitely agree that The Clone Wars did amazing things by bringing more awesome women into the Star Wars universe. I hope the sequel trilogy and Star Wars Rebels continue that practice. Keep up the great work and may the Force be with you!