Fil-Austrian Tara Starnegg, hotshot manga artist in Vienna

Tara Starnegg, a 21-year-old Filipina-Austrian, is making a name in Austria in the field of arts. Tara specializes in the art of drawing "manga" or Japanese comics, including print cartoons.

Tara’s works are highly-acclaimed not only in Austria but also in Japan, the origin of manga.

At a young age, Tara participated in numerous drawing competitions in Europe and garnered major awards.

In 2006, Tara joined the European Manga Art Competition together with 50 artists from all over Europe. She won the competition.

Tokyo Shimbun, the largest daily newspaper in Japan, featured Tara in one of its issues, being the champion of the Manga Art competition in Europe. Tara also went to Japan where she was able to meet professional manga artists in the country.

Tara’s mother, Amy Starnegg, said that her daughter draws figures "every time she has a pencil or crayon in her hands," and she does not let go of this crayon or pen.

"I think, two years old lang siya nang mag-umpisang humawak ng krayola. I sensed at that time that she had the talent. Sabi ko sa asawa ko, sa kanya siya nagmana, and at the same time, sa aking mother, who was also a popular artist in the Philippines during her time," she said.

Udo Starnegg, Tara's father, is also an acclaimed artist in Austria. No doubt, Tara indeed has artist's blood in her.

Following the footsteps of her father, Tara studied Graphics and Arts Design in Vienna. Because of her exceptional talent, Tara was employed right after graduation as an art designer in one of the prestigious art and graphic companies in Vienna.

Tara has also published a number of art books and comic magazines, not only for the Austrian readers but also for other countries all over Europe.

"I have a number of art works published in Germany , the latest is the book ES WAR KEINMAL (Not once upon a time…) It is about fairy tales and a bit of parody. I am very much honored here because I drew the introduction consisting of 10 pages. The book is under a German publisher. I hope that this would come out also in English for the international market," Tara told BikolExpress.net.

During her free time, Tara teaches budding manga artists in Austria. She gives seminars and lectures about the basics of manga art.

At the Wiener Comic & Figurenbörse (Viennese Comic and Figure Festival) which was staged at the end of May 2008, Tara was one of the manga experts who presented to more than 1,300 manga fans the art of drawing mangas "made in Austria".

This talented Austro-Pinay told that she has plans to publish an illustration book that depicts the rich culture of the Filipinos.

She said, "This would be an opportunity for Filipino kids here in Austria to learn and appreciate the culture of their parents." She plans to visit the Philippines soon in order to collect materials for this noble project.

Tara has inspiring words for young people like her who want to be successful in their chosen endeavors.

"Don't give up with what you do, and do it with conviction! When you get criticism, you should learn from it, but don't give up. This is the most important thing -- and be proud of who you are."