I have always liked 'llIustration' and tend to produce it either as Cover Art or Sequential imagery. The former is probably the more challenging because of the balance that needs to be struck between form and content, decoration and narrative. Cover Art, like the short story, gets a limited shot at indicating what lies beneath the cover. My current preoccupation has been described, and I think aptly, as 'nostalgic sci fi and pulp'. And someone also suggested that it might be a little too late to revive the 'adventure genre'.
Stylistically, I'm keen on the commercial illustration of the mid 20th Century that was made to promote 'mass' publication (especially children's annuals, pulp magazines and comics). There is so much creativity and artistic competence to found on the covers and within the pages of even the most mundane examples.
It is over the last 7 years that I have started to use, and like, digital media. My working methods are still a little too intuitive and involve the usual squinting and standing back that one associates with traditional media, but I am enjoying making imagery more than ever and would now like to explore the possibilities of illustrating written stories (preferably by working with an author).
Interests: Commercial illustration and sequential imagery of the mid 20th Century that was made to promote 'mass' publications (especially children's annuals, pulp magazines and comics).
I am here for: Artistic interests. www.mikefyles.co.uk
Mike.
Comments (8)
gwhite2
Like the painted look.
lookoo
Mike, this is getting better and better ;) Great poses and colorwork as always! Seems I have to cancel that claim on my artist page now that I am the only one featuring NA woman warriors ;) Hope to see more!
Dotthy
excellent book cover design!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Traligill
love this! and agree with Dotthy, excellent!
duo
Yes! Your work is getting ever better! EXCELLENT! As you I'm a great Sci-Fi fan and I love especially the classic Sci-Fi, with rockets, bug eyed monsters, things from outer space and stuff like that. As you can see in my gallery (and also in my store) there are many "retrofuturistic" works and stuff. I had made also some "fake" Sci-Fi pulp covers as you, but I've ever find them still "too 3D". After that I've find some days ago your works, I see that you had achieved the effect that I ever want to find, and inspire me how to make "realistic" pulp covers. I will be onored and glad if you will take a look to my last posted artwork, and leave me your techical opinion.
deci6el
Squaws with rifles! The men would need to be brave. While Westerns aren't my fave-genre, I still find this picture very appealing. It forces me to ask "Where am I? and "What's going on?" because it breaks some stereotypes that might make me glance over the pic. Squaws instead of Braves. They're in a forest instead of a desert. And because you choose to give it the "this was published in 1935 look" it gives it a closer connection to the time the story is set in. Meaning, there were a lot more people in 1935 who could relate to stories of the Wild West and it was not quite the distant memory that it is now. At least I know that it was to my grandfather. Well done.
zboyi
Excellent scene and characters ;)
LillianaSapphire
You are doing very well. You are developing a style of your own which is great.