MEG HUNT

One of the first thing Meg Hunt hears in response to her age is 'You're so young!' It's really not true, but she's twenty three, grown up near the beaches of Connecticut and transplanted into the Arizona desert where she lives with her dutiful assistant and her small dog. Meg is an illustrator, freelancing for the past year and a half; her clients have so far included Rockpile, Bust, Utne, the Phoenix New Times, the Stranger, Fantagraphics Comics, K Records, and a few more. She spends her time watching cartoons and British comedies and drawing, veering between silkscreening, illustration, comics and the like. Her personal motto is QUIRKY ART FOR QUIRKY TIMES, 365/24/7, and Meg is always up for a challenge. Besides art, Meg likes good company, noodles, exploration, thrift shops and yard sales, and tricycles.


When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?

I've always been interested in art since I was a kid, but I didn't have much of a plan. When it came to figuring out what to do with my zeal for art, illustration seemed to be pretty logical, but it hit a rocky period when I hit high school and college. I fell in love with the idea of being an illustrator my senior year of high school, but the college courses I took left me disillusioned; for two semesters at the University of Connecticut my illustration professor, the ever amazing Cora Lynn Deibler, was on sabbatical and I didn't really get a good feel for the kind of work illustration could provide with the adjunct faculty hired to fill her shoes. But then, I won an award for illustration, spent two more semesters learning all the exciting and scary things that illustration can offer, and I've been hooked ever since.


Who or what inspires you?

Everything; I really dig the work of friends (their productivity makes me feel inspired to make more), but of course I like looking outside of the art world for influence. I find myself inspired by old posters, toys, garbage, patterns in fabric, fashion, pop culture and manufacturing, printmaking, educational programs on the Discovery Channel or TLC, books, cartoons, videogames, and music. Lots of music inspiration.


As for people that really inspire me, I gotta name people like Ghostshrimp, the Little Friends of Printmaking, Jillian Tamaki, Sam Weber, and Josh Cochran totally floor me and surprise me all the time.


Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?

I attended four years of college at the University of Connecticut. We're not really that well known for our art, but I got a BFA majoring both in illustration and printmaking. The printmaking aspect really swung my style into perspective, I found my niche in silkscreening and as a result all my artwork tends to reflect that. Lots of flat uses of color and graphic lines now. The printmaking side also helped out because my professors always tried to get me to explore with technique, not to get so stiff. So the way I work is a lot more fluid and painterly than a lot of other silkscreeners I've met. Though I'm not terribly proud of the work I did in school now looking back upon them, it definitely set the building blocks up for what's coming out now.


How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?

Well, I guess I haven't been at it long enough to be truly stale yet, but I don't like to do the same thing twice. Though sometimes I have recurring elements, I keep trying to push myself, whether by color, line, perspective, or character, so it keeps being odd and interesting. I'm also trying to sharpen my brain with word exercises and such so I can get my concepts better sharpened.


What are some of your current projects?

I've just wrapped up a design for a letterpress print that'll be released as a limited edition set to coincide with Fantagraphics' upcoming book BEASTS!, and right now I'm working on a series of drawings for The Believer and some collaborative wallet designs for Poketo. Besides that, I'm also working on a zombie comic with my sister A. Hunt. Other than that I'm just trying to get work published, maybe get some t-shirts printed, get my silkscreen press financed and put together so I can print again, and perhaps a limited edition art print?


And of course, I'm just scrabbling towards getting more freelance work, sending postcards, the usual hustle!


Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?

Ha, typically I'm most proud of whatever I've just finished. I'm pretty proud of the work I've done for Fantagraphics, but I guess it's just being tied into a fantastic project with so many of my favorite artists. I dunno, it's too hard to really pick out something I'm more proud of at this point.


Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?

There's always things to try! But I know there is a lot to silkscreening that I am raring to explore again, particularly split fountains, varnished layers, diecuts, etc. I've pretty much sworn off painting, so that's right out. I haven't tried competing in illustration yet, so I guess that's something else to attempt!? I'd love to do some work for book covers, advertising, album art, product design, etc... So you name it, I want to try it!


Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?

Be persistent, don't let yourself get run down by problems or failings. It takes time to get your name built up enough that people will know who you are. Some people get style obsessed, and some just flounder all over the place-- but I think it's best to just find what appeals to you and that you will have fun drawing down the line. Trends seem to go in and out, but you need to stick to what it is you do best and can work best in. Be natural, enjoy yourself and have fun-- and try and learn all you can about the business side of illustration. There's a lot to it, and it can be scary, but better to be informed than ignorant!


What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?

I think if you can look at it and get lost in the details, it turns out great. Great concepts are important too of course; and I find myself more drawn to things that aren't just drawing what you might see in real life. I can see an illustration and it might look great but if it doesn't make me think a little bit or really strike me with its humor or emotion I'll just walk away or close the magazine or whatever. If I come back to it more than once, it's hooked me.


What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?

I try to find more work. It's harder for me to just work on personal work, because I feel so tied to having a reason to make it-- an end product or a project or a work assignment. If I can figure out a project or get more work then I can shut off the part of my brain that worries too much. Sometimes it's tough but I always pull through so I just try and not let it get to me.


And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?

I don't have cable since I moved, so I've been largely subsiding off of DVDs, but I know if I did have my way I'd be watching the oddity programs on TLC, the Venture Bros., Project Runway, Reno 911! and Celebrity Poker Showdown probably.? That's okay, more time for me to work in the long run! But typically I work alongside music or DVDS- I have a great tolerance for listening to certain things without getting sick of them!


Related Link:

http://www.meghunt.com


Recent Work:

HERIBERTO SANCHEZ

I was born in the mountains and was raised by wolves; okay I’ll be serious for a moment.

Hola! My name is Heriberto Sanchez (Heri). I’m a 25 years young freelance graphic designer from LA. I dream in illustrations and breathe design and composition. I have an obsession with cheese and the color green. I like drawing and I carry my sketchbook everywhere I go, and I just recently developed a taste for human blood, lol just kidding, I just wrote that to see if you were paying attention! :p I like to invent words, write short stories, take pictures and make up slogans like, “when worst come to worst, my sketchbook comes first”. I spend a lot of time drawing on my desk while listening to loud and repetitive electronic music.

When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?

As an infant watching cartoons on television, going to kindergarden and building small houses out of clay, getting into trouble for drawing on the margins of my school books. At school, I was always consider the “artist” in the class. I was painting the backgrounds for the school’s plays. There was no pivotal moment when I decided to be an illustrator; the journey was spread out like butter on an English muffin. I always had an interest in art, especially cartoons, I grew up in the 80’s watching the Muppet Babies, The Thunder Cats, Cantinflas, Mazinger-Z, The Ninja Turtles, The Flintstones, Richie Rich and the Smurfs to name a few. I was influenced by the art of animation, then I decided to pursue and study animation in Los Angeles.


Who or what inspires you?

Artists and seeing their work inspires me. Friends and people I come in contact, situations in my life give me ideas for illustration. Being surrounded by art and artists inspires me. Comedians inspire me. Music, friends and the way people act and interact inspires me. Sometimes I sit and listen to my ipod while I look at people interact with each other, it’s interesting how much you learn about motion, gesture and behavior when you watch people.


Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?

I just graduated from Westwood College with a Bachelor Degree in 3D Animation. I focused my time away from the computer into my sketch book; I took some painting classes on the side along with a lot of figure drawing. Most of what I learned was outside of class, it was independent research, online tutorials, books and magazines, and constantly staying up late at night drawing away for hours, which I still do today.


How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?

By being aware of the current trends, like clothing, music and news. Looking at magazines, books and newspapers. I also check out numerous websites with fantastic artists, if I see an illustration I like I save it and ask myself “why makes this so appealing?”. Sometimes I print out the artwork and pin it on my wall just to remind myself what other artists are doing, and I just enjoy surrounding my self with great art, it keeps me motivated and thinking creatively.

What are some of your current projects?

Currently working on building and polishing up my portfolio, my last portfolio was stolen not so long ago. Doing humorous illustrations, character design and layout design, I want to start working in the field of animation, and I need a full time job, I’m creating versatile designs to show that I can adapt to any style; however as an illustrator I have a specific style. I’m also working on an 8x10, 40 page book of mine that will be completed early next year. Also, I was just asked to do some drawings for a movie.


Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?

I’m proud of each piece in my portfolio, because I take pride and time on each piece.


Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?

I haven’t tried oil paints; I also want to get into the video game industry. I’ll give any medium a try.


Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?

I am not new to design, however I’m fairly new to the industry, and I will share some advice that was given to me by several instructors, have an open mind and be prepared for criticism and rejection. As far as my own advice, love what you do and your work will show it. Have a sketchbook with you at all times and draw what you see. Just like anything it takes about 4 years to get “good” at something, whether you practice martial arts, painting or bow hunting, it takes 4 years just to get “good”, so as a beginner designer it will be stressful and it will be tempting to skip a few steps with out first learning the fundamentals of design. I see this with artists that are just starting out.

Art is an iterative process so be patient, it takes a lot of practice. Learn beyond the classroom, draw every were you go and your drawings will improve, work hard at it on a daily basis. I will end using Bert Dodson words, "Anyone who can hold a pencil can learn to draw with some degree of proficiency."


What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?

Taking advantage of all the design elements, whether it’s a character design or a corporate identity package it must have emphasis, unity and balance.


What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?

Well, what keeps me motivated are the vast online communities of artist that display their work on forums, like Concept Art, CG talk and the Drawing Board. I also keep an artblog that I update daily, the positive feedback, and comments of other artist encourage me and motivate me to keep updating every day. Check it out at http://heri26.blogspot.com/ and to avoid burn-out, go out sometimes and have fun, go dance, go play, go laugh!

And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?

Nothing, but on Monday, August 21 the new Season of Prison Break will begin! So everyone grab your popcorn and sit down to watch it, don’t miss it! I sure won’t! It’s the best show on earth! And I have a front roll seat!


Related Links:

www.image26.com

http://heri26.blogspot.com/


Recent Work:

STUART IMMONEN

Stuart Immonen, while primarily known as an illustrator in the comic book field, has rolled up his sleeves in many areas of publishing and new media over the last twenty years. Sometime writer, editor, publisher, designer; everyday bon vivant, Stuart has provided product, character and concept design services for a variety of international clients including Warner Bros. Entertainment, Galafilm, Nickelodeon, The Walt Disney Company, The Upper Deck Company and Kenner Products. His illustrations have graced the covers of countless comics for Marvel, DC and others, and have been on exhibit on three continents, and his comic work has been translated into a half-dozen languages. He lives in Ontario, Canada.

www.immonen.ca



When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?

I've always drawn, and assumed that I would pursue it in some form as a career. However, I never truly realized the wealth of potential applications for an artist until I was well into adulthood. Apart from my experience with art teachers in a high school setting, I didn't know anyone who drew for a living. For the longest time, it never dawned on me that human beings created magazine illustrations, advertising or comics, and once I did, I didn't understand the mechanism for actually getting this kind of work. There was me, in a rural high school, and the commercial work I consumed in magazines and what have you, and a vast grey chasm in between.

In the 80s, there were lots of black and white comics being produced, and some by small publishers in Toronto, where I was attending university. Once I had this local, personal reference point, the pieces started to come together, but even then, I ended up doing things the hard way; self-publishing at first, and then crawling up the comics freelancing hierarchy to eventually work for DC Comics.

I knew I wanted to draw, and had found an avenue in which to make it a job, but looking back, it's a blurry continuum of simply being a warm body available for work at the right place and time. This isn't the whole story, but it is how it feels.



Who or what inspires you?

Oh, lots of things! Too innumerable to catalogue, but I have a steel file cabinet of photos and magazine clippings going back 25 years or so, as well as a few inspiration folders on my hard drive. I read Computer Arts and Print and a few other design/ illustration periodicals, and pick up comics from all over on my travels. Kunokuniya is a Japanese book store which always has something of interest. It's always a painful credit card bill after I visit. I carry a Canon Powershot G2 and grab photos of interesting (mostly urban) patterns, which either get used directly in my work, or inspire something else. Music on constant random play helps enormously during working hours.

Anything and everything... that's the short answer.



Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?

I attended York University in the Fine Arts program, and felt so discouraged by the direction in which I felt I was being pushed, that I quit after my first year. It just wasn't a good fit, but up until then, I had no ambition other than possibly teaching. Once I started exploring comics, I've felt it necessary to keep up to date with both technology and technique. I'm frequently dissatisfied with my level of craft, and try to reinvigorate myself, well, it seems, about every six months. It's not planned, but I can tell when I feel that I've plateaued using a certain style or a certain digital tool or brush. I hate to repeat myself, but as a result, I don't feel like I have a definitive, recognizable style.



How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?

Simply, by looking outside it. I'm not trying to reinvent the business by any means, but for me, the world outside comics is so much more diverse, and therefore interesting. I like to experiment. Sometimes that means taking on different tasks, say inking and colouring as well as illustrating; at other times, it's a sea change in approach, rebuilding my drawing style from the ground up.

I also relish the opportunity to work outside comics whenever it comes up. Doing a spot illustration or some design work really blows the cobwebs out, and allows me to come back to comics with a new eye.



What are some of your current projects?

I'm drawing interiors and designing and illustrating covers for Marvel's Nextwave series, written by Warren Ellis. In 2007, I'll be writing and drawing something for the relaunched Marvel Comics Presents anthology. I'm also doing some feature animation character design, and trading card illustrations here and there.

Never As Bad As You Think, the ongoing webcomic I co-create with Kathryn Immonen, will continue into the new year as well.



Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?

I'm very self-critical, and it's rare that any affection I have for something on the drawing board, or recently published, lasts very long. I'm proud of certain aspects of the collection of comic strips I recently self-published, "50 Reasons To Stop Sketching At Conventions", but it falls down in other areas; I like some of the Nextwave covers I've recently done.... this is a difficult question for me. I prefer to let the art speak for itself. If other people like it, I've done my job well. It doesn't matter so much if I continue to like it. I prefer to look to the next job instead.



Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?

Oh, I expect so. I'd like to find the time to paint, either with traditional materials or digitally, but I have very little spare time these days. What I really see myself doing in the years following my current contract with Marvel, is to pursue some personal -- that is to say, non-commercial-- comic projects. I'd like to take a year or two and get these ideas out of my system, and then return to mainstream work... or not. After nearly twenty years of superhero work, I strongly feel like a change. The film and other illustration work helps in this regard, but I still love comics, and feel like it's a medium worth my time.



Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?

Go to trade school-- university was a big step backwards for me, and if I'd been on the ball, I would have switched gears and enrolled in an applied art course somewhere else. As it was, I kind of fell into freelance work for smaller publishers and clients; this was my apprenticeship, but there are much easier ways.



What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?

Clarity of design and illustration, simplicity, unity. All those plastic elements they tell you about, but don't tell you how to use.



What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?

I step away from work and walk the dog.



And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?

I don't watch a lot of TV, honestly. We don't have cable, so we only get six or seven channels. I do like "House" when I catch it, but I mostly rent or buy DVDs.



Related Links:

www.immonen.ca


Recent Work:

BLAKE HUNTER

Hi, thank you for taking the time to read my interview. I was born and raised in Rapid City, SD (if you have ever been to Mount Rushmore your were in the area). I moved to Minneapolis to attend classes at the University of Minnesota. I graduated in 1996 and wondered around for about a year before deciding that Minneapolis was were I would settle. The past six years I have been working at the Arts Instruction School. I have recently decided to spend more time developing my freelance career, and I’m in the first year of my five year plan to survive totally on my artistic abilities. Wish me luck!



When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?

I have always been drawing so it’s more of a career that choose me. I decided to spend more time and energy on my illustration career more recently after wasting a lot of effort explaining to management my value as an artist. Today’s meeting was especially motivating. HAHA! For the most part I love my job, I get to help people who are interested in art develop their skills. At times it is very fulfilling, and I have improved as an artist immensely because I am forced to draw and comment on the basics of illustration everyday, whether I’m in the mood or not. Yet, it’s a business and I don’t vision myself giving them my peak years of creativity. I’m taking it slow to minimize my fright. If anyone has a suggestions, opinions, or a good story I’m all ears and eyes so feel free to contact me through my blog or flickr account.


Who or what inspires you?

I’m lucky that I have a great family. My wife, Kristen, loves to experiment with crafts. It’s great to see her struggle with something and become so happy when a problem is solved. She has a great sense of humor and keeps me honest. Both of my brothers and their families live here, and it’s nice to have them near so I can visit my nephews. All my nieces and nephews are awe inspiring. As far as art goes I work with a couple of great artists. Almost everyday I get a post-it note that almost makes me wet myself. Mitch Hein, Roger Luteyn, Dana Mongoven, Sasha Streeter, Melissa Proulx, Dawn Turner, Duc Nguyen and Matt Eng have helped me learn and grow as an artist. The internet is great. I love the fact that I get exposed to such great art. Right now I love looking at Alina Chau blog because her work is so playful. Tommy Kane’s journal pieces are great. I like Michael Cho’s use of blacks and monotone colors. I am amazed at Ward Jenkins’ passion and dedication to the “Retro Kid” flickr site. Willie Baronet's blog is alot of fun. This is great time in many ways to be an art lover because so much great work it out there for viewing. I love how the art community has taken to blog’s and flickr. I could go on and on, between my flickr site and my blog it is impossible not to be inspired.
In college I had a great friend, Jeff, who was extremely thoughtful and challenge me to have higher expectations for myself and my art. Even though I lost contact with him, our time spent together is still inspiring ten years later.


Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?

I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA in studio arts, with an emphasis in painting. It was great experience, and I learned so much from other students.
The term “self-taught” bugs me. I know when artists use it they are showing that they picked up a skill through hard work and their own interest, but I think it helps devalue our profession in society. If lawyers and doctors referred to themselves as “self taught” they would be considered flacky as a group also. The term undercuts the work you put into learning how to be a better artist, and gives other people the ability to not value your skills. I think the term also disrespects the people you learned from, whether it’s the person who wrote the manual to the program you learned, your friends that spent time with drawing, or the artists whose work you copied to mimic techniques. For me the nature/nurture debate is almost 50/50 for most creative skills. That being said, I know why most artists feel they are self taught. The secondary education available isn’t great. It seems like for every good professor I had in college, two weren’t helpful. It seems to if a school graduates three different students, three different years, and they all draw the same style of eye for every illustration they draw (both human and animal) that instructor wouldn’t be working.

I love a good art rant!


How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?

Taking a puff of Albuterol from my inhaler, HAHA! Keeping an open mind and seeing what other people are doing. Almost everyday I see something, whether it’s students, a post-it note, or something off the internet that makes me glad I’m an artist. It really is a lot of fun! My co-workers have a passion for their work that is nice to see. We are always bring in new magazines to look at. Right now I like reading “How” magazine. Danny Gregory’s article is worth reading. I also like participating in group blogs, like this, SugarFrostedGoodness, ThreeThumbsUp, and Illustration Friday (what a profoundly great concept that site is). I will be having sinus surgery to help me with some fresher breathing.


What are some of your current projects?

I’m working on some pages for a children’s book. I have some mini-comics that if people want they can shoot me an e-mail. Most of my free time is spent developing ideas and illustrations for my portfolio, because I’ll be sending postcards to art directors by the end of the year. That and full-time job with an 1½ bus trip both ways, in Minneapolis where everyday is winter and we have 18’ of snow, leaves me with a full plate.


Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?

The children’s book is a lot of fun, it’s top secret so I can’t talk too much about. I recently did some artwork for people to use on their myspace accounts which was an unexpected blast. I have been doing a regular sketch of people I see downtown on my ride to and from work which I am really proud of, only because I have been able to keep at it for a decent amount of time and still enjoy it. Recently I started using my bus transfers and like the results. I love people watching. I can’t believe how varied people are, and I am embarrassed that I used to try so hard to stand out and look like and individual.


Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?

Almost everything HAHA! I would like to do a comic book cover for one of the major companies someday. I need to get better at some of the digital programs, because I like some of the results I am getting when I goof around with photoshop elements 3.0 (don’t worry, I plan on graduating to CS2 soon). As far as more traditional techniques I want to get better at water colors. I have always been experimental and like working in a zone of discomfort. The challenge of mark making with different materials really gives me boost of energy.


Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?

Take the time and draw everyday. It’s your craft, so spend the time developing yourself. I can’t stress how important being willing to experiment is. You need to stay playful and curious, because artists who have the attitude that they everything will only regress. If you aren’t willing to learn, don’t bother.

The field is highly competitive and do your best not be jealous if people you know get work you wanted, don’t let the competition get in the way a developing friendships. Realize that people who offer you constructive criticism , believe in you and want to help you get better.

Be patient. It’s not the worse thing in the world if you don’t get a lot of work out of school. I worked as a delivery driver for a bookstore for three years and value the experience because I was exposed to a world that I would have never had seen otherwise. The gap between my education and professional career has giving me a fuller life that I can draw upon today for ideas and inspiration. Oh, and most artists are prima donnas who need to get over themselves after school.

Use the internet. Use it to sell yourself, Use it to seek out new artwork. Use it to have a dialogue with other artists. Beware! Sarcasm doesn’t travel via e-mail!


It’s okay to stop working a project if you aren’t getting along with a client. It’s not good for either of you if you aren’t getting along. I have had to stop work in the past, and handled it professionally enough that I was able to work with that client again at a later date.


It’s ok to start a piece over, some mistakes aren’t fixable. Be honest with yourself. You aren’t as great as think and you aren’t as bad you feel. Do your best to enjoy your work.


Don’t pay attention to how your instructor’s told you how to draw eyes!


What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?

All the creative fields are subjective. Concept, how the concept is carried out, and composition seem like fair elements for design and illustration. I know, for myself, I like looking at images that seem like they were a lot of fun to work on. I know that pieces I find boring will cause me to skip articles in magazines.


What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?

I’m pretty disciplined and stay motivated to work on my own stuff for longer stretches now that I’m getting older and hitting a creative peak. It seems like am more comfortable in my own skin and have an easier time working with clients. I am more reciprocal to theirs ideas and needs and do a better job of explaining my ideas. If I could avoid meetings that would help me stay more motivated at work. Having friends and an interest in what they are doing helps a lot.


And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?

Well it’s summer so nothing is new. I like “Spaced” which recently started showing on BBC America. “Venture Brothers” is good. I am currently in a stage where I like Pro Wrestling, but that comes and goes. I can’t wait for new episodes of “Lost”….but apparently you already know about that show.

I would like to thank Jeff for this opportunity, it meant a lot to me!


Related Links:

http://trophiogrande.blogspot.com/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/trophiogrande/


Recent Work: