Have you done any traveling in Europe? What are your thoughts on the historical art in that part of the world?I have not had the chance to go back to Europe since leaving in 1992. My wife and I plan to set up shop there soon and live that life. There are just so many inspiring cultures and lifestyle in that part of the world (any part of the world for that matter) to pass up.
When did you figure out you could make a living doing your art? Was there a certain moment or feeling? 
There was never an exact moment. I just kept working and producing and sending my portfolio to everyone I wanted to work with. Slowly, very slowly jobs came in, and I repeated that process over and over again. I do my best not to think about money (which is hard because making a living kind of depends on it) as it can be a very negative distraction. I focus on the art.
Many artists say they see the world as a vast collection of things they can incorporate in to their art. Is that true for you?
Yes, everything I see I try to log in my brain for future reference. The world really is a library for inspiration and reference. I am always amazed at the beauty of everything in the world from the biggest mountains to the smallest insects. For example once I was on a walk with my wife and dog, we past by a bunch of pine cones on the ground. I picked one up and realized it was a perfect design for a spaceship...I pocketed it and now it is sitting on my shelf waiting to be drawn.
You have an amazing grip on the science fiction and fantasy styles. Has it always been that way? Was it something you had to work on or does it come naturally?
Science fiction and fantasy are two genres that I have always loved so I picked up on them naturally. I wasn’t great when I first started, but because I loved the genres so much that is where I stuck. And all the practice in that world really helped to develop my style.
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Have you ever thought about doing movie boards or character creation for films?
Most definitely! Concept art for feature films is my first love and it is my ultimate career goal. My specialty is character and creature creation.
What is your favorite film and why?
So many to choose from, but to name a few:
Le pacte des loups (English title: Brotherhood of the Wolf): for it’s great mix of history and fantasy.
The Matrix: this movie blew my mind The Dark Knight: Batman and The Joker done right.
Aliens: it showed me for the first time that space can be a very, very scary place.
How about music? What’s your favorite style and why? I love rock! I listen to everything from classic rock to heavy metal, something I suppose I picked up from my father who always listened to rock. And as a complete turnaround I also really enjoy classical music, as I find it extremely calming and inspiring...something I need from time to time. 
Given the opportunity would you ever want to do your own graphic novel. What would it be like?
I would welcome the opportunity to create my own graphic novel. Actually my wife and I have put together a concept, something we’ve been tinkering with for a couple of years. My wife has written a short story and I’ve put together a couple pages of artwork that we’d like to keep developing as we shop it around to publishers. The working title is Uncharted: The World of Viridis, it is a science fiction piece that plays on the excitement of exploration and mystery of charting unknown lands.
It would be easy to see your stuff as a video game environment, have you ever done anything like that? If so with whom?
I have done concept work with some small game companies. I've worked with Clear Crown Studios, NFP Games, Exato Game Studios and Wizards of the Coast. |
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What is the hardest part of the business?
Competition. There are so many amazing artists out there so you really have to be passionate about your art. There is definitely no room for slackers in this industry.
What is the one thing you would tell a young artist just breaking in?
 It’s hard to say just one thing. Some of the most important things are to follow what makes you happy, immerse yourself in the work you want to do: reading books or comics, watching films or theatre, playing video games, going to museums and galleries, never stop learning and never stop trying. It’s a tough slog with a lot of competition. But if you find your niche and practice, practice, practice it will always work out...just not the way you plan (keep that in mind). Also on a practical note: be easy to work with, don’t let your ego get the better of you, listen to your clients needs and don’t miss deadlines! 
Who is the person you would most like to hang out with for an hour? Why?
Filmmaker James Cameron. He is an amazing and inspiring filmmaker plus he just seems like a cool guy who I could chat with. Also, I suppose I could slip him my portfolio!! (LOL).
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