I often feel out of place among other artists, as I'm not really into comics/superheroes. ...or fantasy art. ...or anime. I *absolutely* appreciate the art I've seen in these areas (so much of it amazes me!!) but I just don't get into it like everyone else seems to. There were a few people at my work who looked at me like I have three heads when they found out I've never really read comic books! :~/
There is no need to feel self conscious. A lot of artists are not into those things.
The interests of illustrators are as varied as the art. That is what is so cool. Actually, fantasy, comics and anime are fairly small subgenres of illustration.
Is this an informal group, Paula? Is it a one-time event?
BTW, Every artist should feel out of place on at least one or two levels. Our very survival depends on us being not so alike.
This won't make you feel any better, but I don't have a single book dedicated to "fantasy" art, and my interest in comics comes and goes in waves. The attraction that so many artists have in comics and fantasy help explain why those fields are notoriously low-paying.
I have a slight obsession with the Communication Arts Illustration Annuals. I can pour over them for hours, read them before bed, compare which illustrators are in them which years... see how they've evolved or grown. I will be in there someday soon, but until then, I'll just keep slowly memorizing the books :~)
Chuck--this was a small group of friends trying out a fun way to be creative together, and I know we'd all like to plan another session! I directed them here; I hope they join the Cincy Illustrators! (oh, they liked vampires, too ;~)
Very nice, Paula. That must have been a really nice time. And nice work. It's REALLY important for people to get together like that, especially in smaller groups. I meet with a guy, a teacher friend who writes, and we go to coffee shops and talk for hours about once a month. We even have a name for our little group :P
And no worries, most of my favourite artists aren't even fantasy artists. I love that stuff, but I find just as much enjoyment looking through my old art history books and reading about the history behind the pieces and what socio-political movements inspired them.
Fantasy is like a face that I give to what I want to say. Actually, I think it is extremely important for people to be around those who don't do what they do. When I was in school, I saw so many people who just closed themselves off from everything and staunchly defended their "style" and genre so fiercely it in the end hurt them. The funny thing is, I like going to the Pendleton for Final Fridays and just walking around and talking to everyone and looking at the art. It's amazing how much inspiration you can get from just being a person. I think that's the most important thing about art. Everything is person to person and to forget that would seriously be detrimental to any artist. I'm always turning my own experiences and the experiences of others into stories.
Looks like a lot of fun! By the way, some girls like comic books too ;)
ReplyDeleteHaha-I know! :~)
ReplyDeleteI often feel out of place among other artists, as I'm not really into comics/superheroes.
...or fantasy art.
...or anime.
I *absolutely* appreciate the art I've seen in these areas (so much of it amazes me!!) but I just don't get into it like everyone else seems to. There were a few people at my work who looked at me like I have three heads when they found out I've never really read comic books! :~/
There is no need to feel self conscious. A lot of artists are not into those things.
ReplyDeleteThe interests of illustrators are as varied as the art. That is what is so cool. Actually, fantasy, comics and anime are fairly small subgenres of illustration.
Is this an informal group, Paula? Is it a one-time event?
ReplyDeleteBTW, Every artist should feel out of place on at least one or two levels. Our very survival depends on us being not so alike.
This won't make you feel any better, but I don't have a single book dedicated to "fantasy" art, and my interest in comics comes and goes in waves. The attraction that so many artists have in comics and fantasy help explain why those fields are notoriously low-paying.
I do feel better :~)
ReplyDeleteI have a slight obsession with the Communication Arts Illustration Annuals. I can pour over them for hours, read them before bed, compare which illustrators are in them which years... see how they've evolved or grown. I will be in there someday soon, but until then, I'll just keep slowly memorizing the books :~)
Chuck--this was a small group of friends trying out a fun way to be creative together, and I know we'd all like to plan another session! I directed them here; I hope they join the Cincy Illustrators! (oh, they liked vampires, too ;~)
Very nice, Paula. That must have been a really nice time. And nice work. It's REALLY important for people to get together like that, especially in smaller groups. I meet with a guy, a teacher friend who writes, and we go to coffee shops and talk for hours about once a month. We even have a name for our little group :P
ReplyDeleteAnd no worries, most of my favourite artists aren't even fantasy artists. I love that stuff, but I find just as much enjoyment looking through my old art history books and reading about the history behind the pieces and what socio-political movements inspired them.
Fantasy is like a face that I give to what I want to say. Actually, I think it is extremely important for people to be around those who don't do what they do. When I was in school, I saw so many people who just closed themselves off from everything and staunchly defended their "style" and genre so fiercely it in the end hurt them. The funny thing is, I like going to the Pendleton for Final Fridays and just walking around and talking to everyone and looking at the art. It's amazing how much inspiration you can get from just being a person. I think that's the most important thing about art. Everything is person to person and to forget that would seriously be detrimental to any artist. I'm always turning my own experiences and the experiences of others into stories.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Some nice sketches there. Sounds like a fun time.
ReplyDelete