Pump Up Your Book Chats with Professional Artist & Author Victor Pross

Victor Pross is a professional artist. He is known for his “extreme caricaturing”. He has many high profile commissions to his credit including painting Ron Howard’s caricature portrait as a gift for the famous director as well as painting various agents of the William Morris Agency. He has rendered numerous International celebrities and Canadian media personalities for commercial and private purposes. Victor Pross has been interviewed on television shows such as: Canada AM, Breakfast Television, News at Noon and has been pegged by Canadian Media as “Canada’s foremost caricature artist.” He has worked on various posters, comic books and CD covers bringing to each work his own unique style. He is currently instructing an art class as well as offering his services as an editorial caricaturist. Victor’s first book, Icons & Idols, features a collection of the artist’s paintings and drawings and is now available in books stores across the United State and online.  His website is www.victorpross.com.

Thank you for this interview, Victor.  Do you remember writing stories as a child or did the writing bug come later?  Do you remember your first published piece?

I wrote and illustrated my own comic books when I was kid. I was very imaginative from the start. I can’t say what master I served the most as a kid—writing or visual art—because I told all my stories in words and pictures. But I would primarily describe myself now as a visual artist even though my book, Icons & Idols, has interesting reading. It is an art book really, but the writing is not a frill. Mind you, I am now writing my first novel. I do remember my first published piece…it was an article.

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?

The most frustrating part was the countless rejections, especially when I thought the publishing houses were either stupid or insane to turn down such a good idea, that being my book. Maybe there is a lack of modesty here, but if you don’t have confidence in yourself, it will cut your results in half. What are you selling in the first place as an artist? You are giving a chuck of your heart and soul in a given medium. That is what an artist is about, writers, musicians or visual artists. You have to believe in that. If not, do something else. The most rewarding moment was seeing my book as a final published work.

Are you married or single and how do you combine the writing life with home life?  Do you have support?

I am as of now single, but I am dating. I am a relationship guy. That is when I am at my best. But I never neglect my ambitions and dreams and so I work each day to realizing them both, short and long term goals.

What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing?  Where do you like to vacation?  Can you tell us briefly about this?

I draw and paint, and even though I am a commissioned as a professional artist it is still fun for me. Other than that, I am a movie and music fan and I like to read. I like to read books about philosophy. I also read novels and biographies. I’m not as social as I use to be. I am extremely selective when it comes to friends and how much of my time and energy I’ll give to someone. I don’t believe in having a network of causal friends. I am only interested in close and intimate relationships. It is about quality. So-called relationships that are too draining of the spirit—notwithstanding the usual stumbling blocks of all relationships—are of no use to me whatsoever. It is a matter of doing a self-honest heart and head cost/benefit analysis. Life is too short.

Icons & Idols: Pop Goes the Culture by Victor Pross (click on cover to purchase)

If you could be anywhere in the world for one hour right now, where would that place be and why?

New York city. I love it there and it has lots of memories for me. It also inspires me.

Who is your biggest fan?

I can’t say really. I am contacted by a lot of people who are very effusive and outspoken in their appreciation of my work, and I wouldn’t place one over the other. I’m only glad I have such a positive influence.

Where’s your favorite place to write at home?

In my living room, where my computer is.

What’s your favorite library and why?

The Toronto Metropolitan library because it is so large, five stories high.

What’s your favorite bookstore and why?

Chapters. It is well-organized, homey and has a great selection.

Do you have any pets?

No, not right now. But I am a big dog lover.

What are you reading right now?

Crime and Punishment.

Tell us a secret no one else knows.

If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore.

What’s the first thing you notice when you meet someone?

To see if they are someone I could like and relate to. If not, I pretty much don’t think of them.

Have you ever won anything?

Yes, awards for my art.

What’s on your to do list today?

Promoting my book, Icons & Idols.

I understand that you are touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in February, 2010 via a virtual book tour.  Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?

Because you can tour the world without leaving home. Talk about modern convenience. I think it will be very effective to get word out about my book.

Thank you for this interview, Victor. Good luck on your virtual book tour!

Thank you.

If you would like to visit Victor’s official tour page, click here.