ImagineFX Inside The Artist's Studio Ed2 2022

Brett Parson

In autumn 2019 I started
doing these random
little ink portraits

to have fun and warm
up in the morning. I’ve
kept on making them

when I can, and
hopefully they’ll soon
be collected in a book.

I use my artist’s taboret to store tools and paints. I got
this when I was a kid and I’ve used it my whole life.

In the past few years I’ve become addicted
to inking with a sable brush. My favourites

are the Raphael 8404 #2 and Raphael 8408
#3 Kolinsky Sables. The Tombow and

Kuretake brush pens are great for details.

I hate drawing cars or
vehicles, but most comics
I’ve done have required me
to draw cars so I started
collecting these die-cast
models to use as reference.

Art books and comics are my weakness. I have stacks all over the
place, split between my studio and my home office. I’ve had that
gorilla mask forever – my daughter Neko used to be terrified of it!

51

Medusa

Dollmaker

Making room This artist works from
her home in the Spanish countryside
while dealing with inquisitive cats

xxxxxxxxx

The first thing my Being one of the artists It accommodates my digital and
husband and I did after asked to create an traditional work, storage for my
moving to our new album cover for my shop, and my husband’s area for
home was to tear down favourite singer, Mónica work and painting miniatures
the wall that divided Naranjo, was a dream
two tiny rooms, to create our studio. come true. I took
At a stroke, we established a space inspiration from
that suits multitasking and co-working. Mucha’s Four Seasons.
It accommodates my digital and
traditional work, storage for my shop I need a versatile setting
(a friend helps to manage my online to create my traditional
store), and my husband’s area for work
and painting miniatures. The latter and digital work. I use
looks much more like an artist’s area some storage tricks to
than mine! There’s enough room for at
least three people, and cats of course. make it work.
We’ve been living here since 2018,
and our studio is still a work-in-

52

Medusa Dollmaker

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I love to assemble my own We store a lot of wood to paint and
sketchbooks from scratch, by craft stuff with. Each piece is unique –
embroidering the covers and it gives a special texture and warmth
sewing the pages together. to any artwork.

54 My husband maintains his
own work zone and a
miniature painting area with
all these cool tools and
miniatures stored in shelves.
We get creative here!

Hans Christian
Andersen’s The Little
Mermaid is one of
my all-time favourite
folk tales.

I’m so fond of this plush.
It was a gift from my
mum. I’m a Leo, I love

unicorns and I’m a weird
ass – and she knows it.
The perfect mix.

Shout out to one of Medusa Dollmaker
my favourite art prints:
Absinthe Robette by This is a repurposed bathroom shelf that I use to
Art Nouveau artist store my small sketchbooks (there’s no such
Henri Privat-Livemont. thing as too many sketchbooks!), tools and
things that I want to keep within easy reach.

I take photos and videos of
my creative process, so I use
this adjustable arm attached
to the laptop shelf. It also
helps me to take phone calls
while I’m working.

This beast cuts and engraves wood and other stuff like magic. A favourite combination of mine: my iPad Pro running Part of my digital setup: a 14-inch MSI Prestige laptop with a
I love our CO2 laser machine, but to be honest this corner is Procreate. I’ve never been a fan of the Apple brand, but this wireless keyboard. It’s attached to a Huion Kamvas Pro 16 pen
just asking for a “thinking sofa” for tired artists… kit is awesome and gives me a lot of flexibility for work. display and a cheap USB fan, so I don’t melt in the summer.

I can spend hours
overanalysing art books
with a passion.
Paintings, illustrations
and old engravings help
me to bring a vintage
vibe into my work.

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Carts are a cool way to I keep art books everywhere in the
organise art tools, ready to house – they’re vital for helping me stay
move around the house to inspired. I love folk tales and John Bauer
work anywhere. Magnetic
hooks are handy, too. is one of my favourite illustrators.

progress. At first I struggled to and those that are on show are either Our workspace has a just have to store it folded up. My art
make it a cosy space. White walls small or practical. specific area to prepare table is used to create both digital and
make the most of the natural light, orders from my online traditional art. I have a wooden shelf to
while being surrounded by natural Because we had to set aside space shops. It’s also the place put my laptop on, so I can store my
materials such as wood and plants in the studio to store all my materials where I create artisan Huion monitor tablet and my iPad
help to make this workplace feel more and tools, including a huge CO2 laser stuff because underneath while I work on my
like home. engraving machine, we’ve invested in a multitasking is my thing. traditional art. Other storage solutions
lot of storage solutions. It’s one of the we use include a chest of drawers,
However, it’s also a place that can first things you learn when you live in shelves and a couple of utility carts
easily become cluttered and so I try a small space. – all from Ikea. The carts enable me to
my best to keep the space organised. move the workplace around the house.
This helps with my anxiety, so I don’t AN ADAPTABLE TABLE This makes any room suitable for work
end up thumping my keyboard and – even the kitchen.
throwing eggs at people when I I had to get rid of my beautiful jointed
become stressed. That’s why I only drawing table as soon as we moved in. The storage item we’re most proud
keep a few ornaments in the studio, I replaced it with a foldable desktop of is the custom drawer under the
drawing table that works wonders. I tables. My husband had the idea of
using two drawer runners and an Ikea
We’ve invested in a lot of storage pull-out drawer to keep our tools
solutions. It’s one of the first things you organised. It comes in handy for
learn when you live in a small space storing watercolour palettes, pencils
and more. I had to make space for an
My morning routine includes meditation, a warm LED lamp (it’s 56cm wide!) that I use
herbal drink and an organised desktop. It’s too for work, while lots of old mugs and
easy to drop a pencil into my tea mug! jars store pencils, brushes and so on.

I’m proud of what we’ve achieved in
our studio. A lack of space shouldn’t
stop you from being creative.
Medusa is an artist and artisan, mercenary,
business owner, part-time gorgon and folk
witch who loves slow living. You can explore
her work at www.medusathedollmaker.com.

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Medusa Dollmaker

I love to paint on wood and this is
my area for traditional work. This
folding drawing table is perfect for
small spaces. There’s also a custom
tool drawer hidden under the table!

These are just some Wood and greenery is the
of my favourite tools. way to go. I always keep
I usually mix techniques plants in my workspace –
in my work. Fun fact:
some of the brushes nature helps to ease both
I use are meant for my mind and mood.
miniature painting.
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Music has always played a huge role in helping me get into the zone, and
even though I enjoy streaming services, I’ll never tire of picking out just the
right CD to set the proper painting mood.

Daren Bader

Finding the function The US illustrator and art
director shows us around his wooden-floored studio,
mindful that it’s not the most practical of spaces

A few years ago, I This is a Tarzan piece I had as a
moved to Florida from sketch for years that needed to
California to join an come out after moving to Florida,
emerging tech
company called Magic where the tropical humidity
Leap as a senior art director. I left worked its way into my life.
behind over 10 years of art direction
on the Red Dead franchise at My studio isn’t nearly as
Rockstar Games, as well as a custom- functional and lived-in
built art studio that had accumulated as the average working
over 25 years of “stuff” (my wife calls artist’s space
it “hoarding”).
The move forced me to put a lot of This Florida-inspired piece used to be a cheap
things in storage, including old print of a plant of some sort, but the fake alligator
sculptures, larger framed artwork, skin frame was really calling out for something a
six-foot rolled canvases, a couple of little more appropriate!
boxes of skulls and bones, and a large
amount of action figures (that my wife
still thinks I threw away).
I mention all of this because I think
it’s important to know that my studio
isn’t nearly as functional and lived-in as
the average working artist’s space.
I don’t have the room for lots of

58

Daren Bader

More remnants from the house move: a fully functioning printer that’s I use my walls of my studio as storage for some of I have many other sculptures and skulls still boxed
been boxed now for four years, but serves as a junk table. Well, I assume my framed art, occasionally swapping them out away, but I was really happy to finally unpack a few of
it to be fully functioning, since it was when I packed it. when I get tired of looking at them. them for display on my new cabinet.

This small bank of drawers is the most useful piece of furniture in My wife hates this chair. I’ve had it for about 27 years, So much is hidden behind these brand new cabinet doors!
my studio, as it holds all my supplies and doubles as a desk while and it certainly looks like it. But for whatever reason, Old and new sketchbooks, boxes of Magic: The Gathering
I’m painting. I have sliding pads under it so I can push it to any spot I still have it. Though I’m positive there are much better artist proofs and cards, convention supplies, and more
I need while I move around the room searching for decent light. options out there these days… besides. Note the crate of things that still didn’t fit!

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This is my ‘corner of good vibes’, with my
Spectrum gold award and some original
art by a few of my biggest inspirations.
I’m particularly fond of the painting by
Chris Moeller, as it was done as a pin-up
for my Tribes of Kai book.

supplies or a suitable drawing My interpretation of the
table. It’s not as well lit as it should be. classic Mesoamerican
I don’t have enough space to work on mythology of
large canvases. I have wooden floors Quetzalcoatl. I may
that need protection every time I have to redo this piece
break out the paints. I have a glass at a larger scale to truly
desktop that doesn’t take kindly to make the impact I was
metal objects such as X-Acto knives shooting for.
or screwdrivers.
easel that can easily handle small to stuff as possible, as well as provide a
Overall, it’s kind of a delicate room medium-large canvases. I do end up proper shelf for some sculptures. This
that requires caution and calm, as having to do most of my sketching addition has been one of the final
opposed to a proper creative space while lounging on the couch in the steps in pulling together my studio into
that would enable me to throw paint front room, but that’s been my natural something that really works for me, as
around and bang out clay sculptures. sketching location since day one. well as something my spouse isn’t
embarrassed to show visitors. Which,
GETTING THE JOB DONE Until very recently (three days of course, is the goal of all artists.
before these pictures were taken, as Daren has been a video game art director for
However, I love the space I do have. It’s it turns out), I still had a few large over 25 years, and has maintained a
a haven for me with all of my reference moving boxes of essential supplies and freelance career the whole time as an outlet
and art books, sculptures, CDs and various knick-knacks camouflaged as for his digital and traditional art. You can
small original art collection. And when end tables, but I finally had a custom see his work on Instagram at @darenbader.
I finally have the time to sit down and cabinet made to hide away as much
do some work, I have my essentials to
get the job done. I’ve got a 24-inch
Wacom Cintiq Touch for all my digital
work, utilising Photoshop almost
exclusively. And I’ve got my go-to

I have wooden floors that
need protection every time
I break out the paints

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Daren Bader

I’ve always been a huge fan of The Creature from
the Black Lagoon, so when del Toro’s The Shape
of Water came out, I was inspired to create a
painting of his creature in a composition I had
been contemplating for the original Creature.

After I painted my Tribes of Kai
book cover, I felt like it would
make a good sculpture, so I
decided to sculpt it. I’m pleased
with the results and hope to
make casts of it one day.

I have a huge art book collection that overflows Whenever I get the chance, I love to paint
outside the floor-to-ceiling shelves in two dinosaurs and wildlife. This piece was done
closets, but I love opening those doors and
seeing the variety of inspiration at my fingertips. originally in acrylics, and the background
never sat right with me, so I reworked the

background in oils and created a better
composition that I was happy with.

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Ariel set me on my path as an artist. My desire to become a When you enter our office the
character designer and illustrator began with Disney’s The Little amount of art on show makes it
Mermaid, and I want to be reminded of that fact every day. clear whose workspace this is!

I recently created a Patreon
account, where I upload tutorials,
challenges, and many other
learning materials.

Peter Brockhammer My digital 3D modelling skills
aren’t all that great, which is why
Zen garden Discover why the German illustrator and character designer I make models of my character
likes to fill his customised workspace with plants and natural light… designs the old-fashioned way.

A few years ago, my out my craftsman skills. These came in need to be ambitious when it comes to
partner and I moved handy when creating my desk. All the your own requirements in life.
into a beautiful desks I looked at were too small to put
apartment in the heart my computer and graphic tablet on, RESTING YOUR EYES
of Berlin, the city of and still have extra space where I could
street art and vibrant lifestyles. A work with traditional media. That’s It’s important for me to have a
house move is a good time to rethink why I bought two desks and attached workspace in front of a window, where
the layout of a studio space, and so them using two wooden worktops that I can peer into the distance when
I wrote down my work process and I had cut in the hardware store. You I need a break for my eyes, as well as
made a list of my requirements, and benefit from natural light. Light is what
combined this with inspirational You need to be ambitious humans need to stay awake and
pictures I found online. when it comes to your own healthy. But light can also distract an
However, I soon realised that I might requirements in life artist when it reflects on a graphic
not be able to find the right type of tablet’s screen. In this case, I’m also
furniture, and that I needed to bring happy that the window is east-facing,
where I have bright sunshine in the

62

Peter Brockhammer

Plants, plants, plants! They’re located throughout our There are no curtains, blinds or shutters on this window. These are my boyfriend’s boxes. He calls them his emotion
apartment. Plants lift my spirits, and it’s always an This is a deliberate move because I want every single boxes where he keeps his memories. I‘m not allowed to have
exciting moment when I notice a new leaf growing. sunbeam to make its way into my studio. a sneak, but that’s fine – I‘m too short to reach them anyway!

Here’s my
boyfriend’s desk,
which is sometimes
a good place to find
sweets and other

confectionery.

The map of memories is one of my favourite things in the room. It’s
a collection of photos and drawings of my friends, and pictures of
my childhood that remind me of the care-free time I had growing
up. The ship’s name in the upper right photo where I’m standing
with my parents is my boyfriend’s name – a funny coincidence.

Art can be very personal. My Jean
D‘Arc is one of those pieces. One of
my boyfriend’s nieces had a
difficult start in life, but she’s
fighting to grow up as a normal kid.

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One of my aroma diffusers in
action. My boyfriend hates them,
calling them hocus pocus and a
waste of money. Nonetheless,
I believe in the power of these
devices. At the very least, they
make the apartment smell nice!

It’s important for me
to have a workspace in
front of a window

My treasure trove of 54
sketches. I got my very first
sketchbook when I was 16.
My high school art teacher
told me: “Peter, every time

I look into your eyes, I can
see how constantly creative

you are. Get yourself a
sketchbook and start
capturing everything.”

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Peter Brockhammer

I love books, especially those with lots of illustrations. While on holiday I buy
children’s picture books, even if I don’t speak the language. Most of them
are from Sweden, Norway and Great Britain. There are so many amazing
artists out there, and it’s important to be exposed to the work of other
illustrators. I like collecting books, and will soon need a new bookcase.

65

The iPad Pro is my new best friend.
I’m doing everything on it: animations
and drawings in Procreate, preparing
concepts for projects, and editing videos.

After lunch, when the sun is higher
in the sky, I can dive into my creative
work in front of my computer

morning. Even when the sun has sun is rising I do some paperwork. Some time ago I took part in an art
moved further in the sky, its reflection After lunch, when the sun is higher in campaign that aimed to help save
still hits the façade of houses on the the sky, I can dive into my creative the environment. I donated this
other side of the street, flooding the work in front of my computer. Amazonian Guardian. We’ll be able
room with a lovely warm, indirect light to plant at least 57,500 trees in
for the rest of the day. Luckily, the THE BENEFITS OF HOUSEPLANTS Mozambique and Madagascar!
lighting fits in with my daily routine
perfectly. In the morning I can start the There are days when I can barely leave
day with a cup of tea, and while the the house due to my busy workload.
On these days, I’m glad to have my
Even though I’m more Disney-inspired, Sailor Moon plants around me. They bring the
has certainly had an influence on me, too. space to life. Together with my
beloved aroma diffuser, I sit in my
environment and remain focused and
relaxed. Some people like to listen to
music or put on television shows in the
background while they work. But I
know this would prove a distraction,
which is why my Bluetooth speaker is
elsewhere in the apartment.

I’m very happy with how my Zen
garden has come together. I wouldn’t
have it any other way.
Peter is a 2D concept artist for KARAKTER
Design Studio in Berlin. You can explore his
art at www.pietmaen.com, or subscribe to
his Patreon at www.patreon.com/pietmaen.

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Peter Brockhammer

This piece from 2016 I wrote a tutorial
reminds me of my journey about using
dynamic lines in
as an artist and how my artwork for issue
style has changed. 191 of ImagineFX
– and it was the
issue’s cover!

As my digital work has
increased, I’ve cut back
on my traditional tools. But
they’re stored away neatly in
case I ever need them.

There’s a big, double-sided door
between our office and our living
room. Making myself comfortable on
the couch while drinking a nice cup of
tea and looking out the window… it’s
a little piece of heaven.

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Terry Dodson Our studio is located in a rainforest region of Oregon, so we
have plenty of natural scenery – right out of our windows!

Light room The US comic book artist and penciller
takes us around his rural studio, which he shares with

his wife Rachel Dodson, who often colours his art

This is my full-time © Marvel Comics
studio that I share with
my wife and co-worker Art Adams’ Mojoverse stories and Jim Lee’s X-Men
Rachel Dodson. I’ve run were two of my favourite works growing up, so
worked in this rural it was a treat to draw them together for a series.
location for well over a decade,
although I also have a studio in the
city of Florence, Oregon, that I use
for the occasional human contact and
tech advice. It’s always helpful to
have an answer to a tech problem…
The studio is in my home, which is
convenient for commuting and for the
cats. It’s over 300 square feet in size,
has a high ceiling, and has north- and
east-facing windows, which enables
me to watch birds nesting in the
springtime. The space itself is open
and roomy with lots of natural light.
It’s a space I enjoy being in.
The studio is on the top floor of
my house. I like it being upstairs
because I get extra exercise every

The north- and east-
facing windows means
I can watch birds nesting

I had initially used my Wacom Cintiq like my Wacom Intuos tablet for
13 years – looking at the computer monitor as I worked. But one day the
monitor failed and I had to quickly learn how to colour directly on the
Cintiq. I also had to learn how to work at a standing desk, which I had set
up just after the holidays and then had an assignment due.

68

Terry Dodson

The scarf came from a football match in London; Prelims from Dean Cornwall for a mural, Black Cauldron character designs I used this Sideshow Rogue statue to help with
the green Australian Secret Service hat was a gift. by Mike Ploog and a Maleficent line drawing from Sleeping Beauty. the Mr. and Mrs. X covers I did for Marvel.

Iron Man’s helmet is an actual cast of the film A trolley holding works in progress, my This is Chubs reclining in the leather chair. This is a pillow my brother picked up for
version that I received as a gift from someone outdoor sketchbooks, a watercolour travel Cats are a big part of our life – they are such me in Croatia, because it reminded him
working on the film’s production. kit, and recent issues of Love and Rockets. beautiful animals to study and draw. of Pinky, my recently deceased cat.

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I learned to draw standing at an easel, so I’m most
comfortable doing my professional work that way.
However, with the precision you need for comic work
you need to work sitting down. Early in my career,
I found this desk that enables me to work at an almost
90 degrees. And I can change the desk’s angle to be
between 60 and 90 degrees to suit the task in hand.

Having a real object to
look at helps me solve
problems while drawing
comics, which are
produced out of my
head. See the
dichotomy? I also get
hired to design toys
and statues, which is
great – and a little
weird – because my
reference is based on
my own drawings.

I love Bernie Fuchs’s
work, especially his
landscapes. There’s a
lot of stuff in his work
that I recognise in how
I was taught to paint

– the burnt umber
underpainting, the
impressionistic use
of colour – so it’s a
real pleasure to be
able to study from

an original work.

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Terry Dodson

Buckaroo Girl by Olivier
Vatine. Olivier is an
amazing and influential
artist and his footprint
in bandes dessinées is
still felt today. We
worked together in the
90s on a Star Wars
project for Dark Horse
and I learned so much
by looking at his work.

Oooh, the thing in the
basement. I knew this

cover was all about
the light of the flame
– and it works for the

most part – but I’m
still not happy with

the shadows.

Initially, I used this small mirror for looking at myself for expressions and reference. Then
came the digital camera and now the phone. But I still use it for reference that’s facing
the wrong direction: a left-facing face when I’m drawing a right-facing face, say.

I still use a light box – specifically this light and bright Huion LB3 LED Light Pad. I don’t © DC Comics
use it to trace, but rather to look at my work backwards and correct it. I learned this from
the comic artist Chris Sprouse at the beginning of my career and have done this ever
since. I do this all the time in Photoshop as well.

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Here, I had to figure
out Wonder Woman’s
costume and really
work to make it
a piece of art that
I was happy with.

© DC Comics

time I want to take a break: I need emails and social media as necessary. These are the same
to go down a minimum of two flights I try to limit my next session on social basic drawing
of stairs to go anywhere! I have a media until after lunch and then before instruments I’ve used
second studio in the basement, which I I work in the evening. my entire career, give or
use for painting and storage. take the odd update
I mute my phone and computer so from the manufacturer.
I’ve been working for myself for over I can’t hear messages and emails
25 years now and so my working day coming through. However, I generally I developed some
is structured and organised. I paint have some kind of sound in the repetitive stress
pretty religiously between the hours of background – mostly music, but it can
9am and 12pm. I’ll take an hour for be the radio, a podcast, a sporting problems early in my
career and one of the
I get extra exercise every time I want best ways to avoid it is
to take a break: I go down a minimum of by taking regular breaks.
two flights of stairs to go anywhere!
A timer reminds me
when to go for a walk.

Take a break – your
body will thank you!

lunch and try to get some fresh air if event that I’m interested in, a film or and I do all my digital work (scanning,
the weather is decent. It’s back to work TV show. I also like having colouring and design), emailing and
from 1pm to 4pm, then I’ll exercise commentaries from films or other web surfing at my standing desk.
outside if possible and at the gym if media playing in the background. Terry is known for his work on Harley
not. Then we prepare dinner. I’m back Quinn, Spider-Man, Star Wars, Captain
in the studio from 7pm to 9pm Up on the walls are some original Marvel, Wonder Woman and X-Men. His
Monday through Friday, and 9am to artworks from my favourite artists, wife Rachel inks his artwork. Terry created
12pm most Saturdays. which is inspiring to look at when his own graphic novel series Red One with
I need a mental break. I have a number writer Xavier Dorison and Adventureman!
I generally begin the day by of books, comic books, toys, statues with writer Matt Fraction. See his art at
responding to emails and social media dotted around the room, files for www.terrydodsonart.com.
until 9am, and then illustrate for the storing art and a leather chair to sit
remainder of the time, only tackling and relax at. I draw at a seated table

72

Terry Dodson

© Marvel Comics I chose this space in my
house to work for its
light and openness.

Indeed, I have to close
those blinds if I’m doing

computer work during
the first half of the day,
so I really try to colour

early and late.

This turned out exactly
how I saw it in my head
which is always a treat.
I drew the first story of
Captain Marvel so I
always enjoy getting
another chance to
illustrate the character.

I love books. I grew up
with them all over in my
house. I started working

before everything was
available online and so
I had to buy books that
featured the reference

I needed or the artist
who I was into.

73

My husband and I used to work in Japan and collected several favourite Because the window faces south, this room is blessed My family in South Korea threw us an engagement
uchiwa over the years. We get to sport them when we go to the Bon Odori with divine light all day. I can’t tell you how much party when we visited there years back and I kept
festival here in town once a year (thanks, Mitsuwa!), so they get some use! seeing daylight perks up my mood every day. the boochae fan that I received from them.

After seeing the plants I had on the shelves, my good friend This chair from IKEA is possibly my favourite item in This little storage unit on wheels is a life saver. When packaging up
would gift a plant to me every so often and it’s been a delight the studio other than the table (also from IKEA). It’s orders I keep clear envelopes of various sizes in it, and it’s so easy to
seeing the studio garden growing little by little. Wonder how it so comfortable, and I can easily wheel over to my reach down and quickly grab what I need. I don’t even have to look
will look a few years down the road… Jumanji, anyone? drawers and shelves. It’s just the perfect chair! anymore – thanks to muscle memory my hands know where to go.

74

Enerjax

Over the past two years I’ve collected a few art books from artists who I adore on Instagram. I have a ton
of official art books in the cabinet, but the ones up here are great to display because maybe some friends
haven’t seen these artists before, so it’s nice to spread the word.

Enerjax

Welcome sight Favourite pieces of art
cover the walls of this illustrator’s bright
studio, based in the Chicago suburbs

I usually draw characters solo,
but this year I want to step up
and try to create a connection
between people in my art.

I recently saw another artist mention how they store stickers in My studio not only is the brightest room in
this giant transparent case with mini cases inside and thought it the house, but also has a lovely view of the
would be perfect for me as well. Such a help! When I have rooftops of our neighbourhood, which
orders with stickers I can just pull the whole case down. relaxes me and feels like a little escape.
Having never experienced a studio space in
my life before, I’ve turned this room into my sanctuary.
To accommodate our growing family we moved into this
house in the suburbs from a much smaller town house.
Previously, after the little ones turned in for a nap I’d bring
the inks and paints to the dining table and paint for a bit.
When they woke up I’d have to put everything away and
clear the table. Bedtime was rinse and repeat. Every

75

In the old house I would display a few of my favourite prints in this frame. After a
while I accumulated so many prints that it felt a shame to rotate them – I wanted
to see them all together. So I began covering the walls. No regrets!

My mum is a well-respected painter and mainly works with
oil paint. She gifted this painting to my son when he was
born as a birthday present of a pond we visited together,
and yeah, I’m just holding onto it for him, for a while.

Having never experienced a studio
space in my life before, I’ve turned this
room into my sanctuary

My absolute favourite part of the
work day is when I have all of my
supplies at the ready and a cosy
drink to get going.

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Enerjax

This is the corner I frequent the most. It’s
where I access my prints stored on the shelves
for orders, get what I need from the printer,
and where I peruse paints and materials.

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day. Twice a day. Now I have a These plants used to be in the My favourite art companion is my
space to call my own, to display my townhouse kitchen (it was the room giant Pusheen plushie! This little
supplies so proudly all day. It feels like guy is not only super cuddly, but
such a relief! with the most light until we moved he’s also the perfect iPad holder.
here). Now they’ve been relocated to
My large drawing table is a must the studio and are very much at home.
with orders coming in and art projects
happening simultaneously. I mostly
work with gouache and ink, Copic
markers and digital tools. This means
I have drawings or projects in progress
out while another area of the table is
covered in flat mailers, prints and
business cards.

The table becomes covered quickly,
but having a closet to stow away the
crazy is a benefit. Juggling works-in-
progress, packaging orders, and being
at the beck and call of my children is
quite the challenge, so it’s convenient
to just close the closet door even
though the tasks are incomplete. Yeah,
that’s tomorrow Jackie’s problem…

OUT OF HARM’S WAY

The day after we painted the walls,
I installed floating shelves to be out of
reach of little fingers. Having a few tall
bookcases and wall shelves means I
can keep my prints and supplies within
reach and visible, but safe from toddler
destruction. I always loved the idea of

Sometimes
I start a piece and
I don’t even know
what materials
I want to use

a studio that resembles a shop – the I only recently discovered gouache paints. I love their milky,
shop-chic look is all the rage, right? layered nature. This peony witch was made with Copic
Walking into art supply stores is such a markers for the hair and skin, gouache for the background
motivation for me and I wanted to and petals, and coloured ink for the leaves and skirt.
bring that excitement to this studio.

Sometimes I start a piece and I don’t
even know what materials I want to
use. I look around my shelves and
think, “Well, this gouache colour is
super lonely – let’s bust it out today!”
Another huge motivation is having art
displayed with a fun, gallery feel.
I began sticking favourite prints of
other artists in the corner and from
there it kept growing. It’s nice to just sit
with my tea and look at them all, then
get back to work.
Enerjax draws and paints whatever makes
her happy – lately swords and fluff. She
wanted to bring the same soft brightness to
her studio as she does in her work, which
you can see in Instagram at @enerjax.

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Enerjax

What started out as four or five
favourite purchased prints from artists
slowly took over my north-west corner
and I’m more than okay about it. I used
to want to frame everything, but I can

look at far more prints this way.

If Final Fantasy VI has
taught me anything it’s
that Edgar and his
gadgets are a bad-ass
combination. So,
automated crossbow it
is for this character.

I love using coloured
inks. Magic happens
when you brush ink
onto wet paper. Also,
sorry kids – my inks are
staying up here. For
now, you’re sticking
with Crayola!

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My work space is
not too big and not
too small, but just
large enough to fit
my most-used
creative tools.

80

Kerby Rosanes

Kerby
Rosanes

Figuratively speaking The Manila-based
illustrator’s creative den is a fine balance
of objects for both work and play

Artworks that feature the
cosmos combined with

creatures in surreal settings is
a favourite theme of mine, like

this piece called Cumulus
about a mythical orca.

Living a creative lifestyle in a crazy busy city
like Manila is no easy task. After working for
two years as a designer in a printing
company, I became exhausted with my daily
commute and decided to quit my job in
2014 to pursue my passion in art.
I then spent a long time looking for a nice place to set up
my own little studio. Finally, I acquired this two-bedroom
apartment in 2016 and turned it into a place that houses
not only my work area, but also my growing collection of
video games, statues and toys of my favourite characters
from TV, comics and films.

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This room is where I spend most of
my downtime just doing stuff
unrelated to art, such as playing
games, catching with my favourite
Netflix shows and hanging out with
friends when they visit. It’s also a
place where my other statues and
collectibles are displayed.

Living on my own was
a challenge, but I also
saw it as an advantage
because it meant I could
configure my place in
any way I wanted to

82

Kerby Rosanes

83

My working area has direct Some international
access to my balcony with language editions of
some plants and a beautiful my colouring books
view of the city, especially that I’ve been hoarding
since 2016. I’ve
during sunset. This also published eight books
allows a lovely amount of – they were released all
natural light into the room. over the world and
some were made
available in over
40 languages.

Living on my own was a challenge, work tools. I’ve set up an area for play This is a personal piece books and drawing paper supplies, but
but I also saw it as an advantage which I call a “no work zone”, where inspired by my also to display my toy collection.
because it meant I could configure my I hang out with friends, catch up with fascination of monsters
place in any way that I wanted to. I’ve Netflix shows and play video games on and demons in I usually start my day by checking
set up my work area in the biggest my PlayStation. Japanese folklore. emails and social media while having
room because it receives a huge Taking inspiration from breakfast. I’ll then do house chores
amount of natural light, especially in My collection inspires me a lot. The mythical creatures has such as cleaning, watering plants and
the afternoon when I feel most obsession with collecting toys and been dominant in my checking laundry. I get to jump in and
creative. It also has direct access to my statues started back in 2016 when I body of work. start working at my table after lunch
balcony where I usually enjoy my purchased three small figures of Luffy, until late in the evening.
break time – having my favourite drink Ace and Sabo – characters from my
looking at a beautiful sunset view all-time favourite anime, One Piece. Most of the time, I begin work by
behind the Manila skyline. Since then, the collection has grown, drawing a personal piece in my
and now contains hundreds of figures sketchbook, warming up for around
I started designing my work area by and large statues. I’ve had to add 30 minutes to an hour, before starting
hiring local furniture makers to several custom shelves not just to keep on work pieces. I believe that
custom-build my work table, floating maintaining a balance between my
shelves and an amazing penholder. personal and commercial work is key
I don’t produce large drawings and so to keeping my creative fires burning.
there was no need for a huge work Kerby is an illustrator working with ink,
space. Mine is just large enough for a pens and markers. His art has appeared in
laptop, lightbox, sketchbooks and magazines, TV shows and books. See more of
various paper sizes ranging up to A3. his work at www.kerbyrosanes.com.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HAPPINESS

One lesson that I’ve learned about
creative spaces at home is to surround
yourself by the things you love and
make you happy. Happiness sparks
creativity and is as important as your

I’ve had to add several custom shelves
not just to keep books and paper, but
also to display my toy collection

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This cork board is where I collect various stuff like stickers As if the toys aren’t enough already, I recently started Kerby Rosanes
from friends, postcards, business cards, little drawings from collecting posters of my favourite Studio Ghibli films.
fans at events and other curiosities. It reminds me about the People who follow my work know how my art is These are some of the one-sixth scale resin statues from the
awesome time I’ve had at events and places I’ve been. inspired by Hayao Miyazaki’s aesthetic. One Piece anime series that I’ve acquired over the years.
They’re in a custom glass display case with LED lights that
also serve as an additional light source when I draw at night.

I’ve always wanted a tidy and
organised workspace, and because
I use lots of pens of different brands
and types, this custom pen holder
makes my everyday hustle easier.

My first ever work for a major brand was this illustration for I rarely work digitally, but when I do I have my 2018 iPad Pro Most of my personal works are in sketchbooks and the
Nike Singapore, way back in 2014. I had it framed because to help me. For some projects, especially client work, in-progress ones are stored at this corner. They’re always
it kinda started my professional career. It constantly reminds I usually use the iPad for the initial sketch, print it on paper, within my reach and can be easily brought out whenever
me to get things done. then use the lightbox to do the final inking on another sheet. I want to sketch somewhere else.

After I moved here in 2016, I started to spend time travelling the
world for a much-needed break in between projects and a way
for me to refuel my creativity. This cork globe is a reminder of
countries I’ve visited so far – 30 countries and counting!

A ‘Welcome Box’ that I designed for Ubisoft. It features a 360-degree continuous illustration of
some of my favourite game characters. As a console gaming fan, this was a really fun project!

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Under a wall of
collected artwork,
books, toys and
taxidermy is where
I spend most of my
time plugging away at
drawings or paintings.

A portable drawing
board makes it possible

for me to set up an
angled surface for
when I want to work
traditionally on top of

a sit-stand desk.

Dawn Carlos

Sound & vision This San Francisco concept artist’s
compact workspace enables her to sketch, synthesise
and create in her small downtown apartment

Beholders, Fenders interior to not only be a home, but a
and books, oh my! I’ve place where we can make art and
lived in a small enjoy our hobbies.
apartment in San
Francisco for years, A closet was converted into a living
starting out with a TV tray for a desk room nook, which is just a few feet
in 2009. Over time, I’ve evolved my behind my desk. A TV and a monitor
home studio into what you see today. are hooked up to our multiple gaming
I share a small, one-bedroom consoles. My instruments, Magic: The
apartment with my partner, concept Gathering cards and D&D books are
artist/illustrator John Severin Brassell. also placed in a bookshelf there in such
Space is limited, so we’ve had to get a way that we can both be hanging out
creative with how we set up the playing games together in co-op or
doing separate activities entirely.

Expanding on the lore
surrounding Heist the
Warlock, this band of
Pactbreakers were
inspired in part by
Critical Role and the
idea behind a fallen,
distorted and
corrupted warlock.

86

Dawn Carlos

I’ve lived in a small apartment in
San Francisco for years, starting out
with a TV tray for a desk in 2009

87

I’ve got some Dragon Age: Inquisition prints, Ralph McQuarrie (taken from an old sci-fi My absolute favourites from our collection. I’ve got my entire set of Toppi and Moebius books
magazine) and originals from artists such as Brynn Metheney, Andrew Mar, Benjamin Dewey, on this shelf along with well-read and worn copies of The Art of Dragon Age: Inquisition, Mass
Olympia Maxenchs and much more. I’ll rotate the pieces I have hanging from time to time. Effect, Guardians of the Galaxy, Tekkonkinkreet, James Gurney and more.

I’ve hurt my neck, back and wrists in the past, so I’ve had to make my workspace A portal into the dark abyss where all lost socks and Wacom pens go. Just kidding!
more ergonomically friendly. A sit-stand desk and an ergonomic arm for my This is where I store my papers, sketchbooks and art supplies. However, it does
Cintiq enables me to switch up my desk setup very easily. house a gnarly abyssal beast monster made of up of cords and cables.

88

Dawn Carlos

We’ve procured quite a collection of action figures and models, one of my favourites
being my Destiny Hunter figure from collectibles company 3A. Not only are the toys
rad, but they’re useful tools and make for great reference!

Over this “wall” is a similar space that’s inhabited
by my partner, complete with PC, Cintiq, a whole

lot of Warhammer 40k miniatures, and the only
living succulent in our apartment.

An early mycological character
exploration inspired by mycology,

wizards, sci-fi imagery, a dash of
psych rock and a hint of
atmospheric synthwave.

Music is one of my greatest loves in life and I find so much enjoyment and inspiration from My D&D Waterdeep: Dragon Heist campaign character! This hexblade warlock concept made
the theatrics of a live concert, to the atmosphere and soundscapes formed in a record, and way for the eventual actual mini that my friends had sculpted and printed.
the visual designs that support it.

89

These records – OCS: Live
in SF, Lightning Dust and
King Gizzard & the Lizard
Wizard – are among my
favourites from my small
vinyl collection.

The Jeweler is a character from my
Mycological Merchants Guild, a group of
characters inspired by mushrooms and other

nature-related fantasy world ideas.

I can often be found on the couch about doing outside of art – whether While having music Resonator, an Arturia MiniBrute, a
sketching away under my synthesiser’s it’s music, film, hiking, climbing, nature digitally is convenient, microKORG, a Yamaha Reface CS, and
coloured shelf lights while watching a or gaming. Music is one of my favourite I love the tangibility of a Critter & Guittari Pocket Piano. After
show or catching up on Critical Role. hobbies and so far, these are the records, from the large work, or in between drawings I’ll sit
This is also where I sit to read comics, instruments that make up my format showcasing the down to jam and play some riffs.
novels, or flip through an art book collection: a Fender Telecaster, a artwork to the relaxing
from the five bookshelves’ worth of a Fender Mustang Bass, a Gretsch experience I get picking My desk space, however, is built to
collection we’ve built up. one out to play on be my own and with versatility in mind.
Sunday morning. Taxidermy, models, books and a
LIFE BEYOND ART growing collection of prints and
It’s important to have original work are there to not only
Painting takes up a good chunk of my hobbies and activities I care personalise my space, but to inspire.
time, but I believe that’s it important to about doing outside of art I’ve got my Cintiq 22HD on an
have hobbies and activities I care ergonomic arm that I can push back to
make space for a drawing board.
The rabbit on the left Rarely do I work without music, so I
was given to us as a invested in good speakers and keep
present from Karla my record collection within reach.
Ortiz. In the terrarium
display is my turtle skull All of this enables me to create and
Toothless (because it enjoy making the artwork I love to
looks like the dragon) draw – albeit in a bit of a cluttered yet
and a fox skull. chaotically familiar fashion.
Dawn is a San Francisco concept artist and
Natural history is one illustrator working primarily in games for
of my favourite subjects the past nine years. She loves her sketchbook,
to draw inspiration from fog and fungus-lined trees in mossy wooded
whether it’s from hikes. You can see more of her paintings at
books, museum www.dawncarlosart.com.
memberships or
actual taxidermy.

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Dawn Carlos

District 9 ARC gun, the Normandy SR2 from Mass Effect, and on the far The miniature in the middle is of my Warlock I designed for a
right is my first beholder mini. The beholder is a favorite D&D monster of Waterdeep campaign. My friend and campaign DM Josiah
mine and the custom one in the glass case was given to me by my friend Martinez did a 3D sculpt of her, which then was 3D printed by
Justin Goby Fields while we were at LightBox Expo earlier this year. Jana Bergevin, and finally painted by me.

The Elkclops was one of the first creatures I drew
that inspired making a host of monsters for my
project, Monsters of the Eyebyssal Plane.

My favourite corner in the Adjacent to it is a
apartment has my guitars, bookshelf filled with
bass, synthesizers, amps, my Magic cards,
pedals and a gauntlet given to D&D books and
us by our friend Allen Williams. board games!

I’ve also got my massage
roller, foam roller and
exercise equipment that
I use with my physical
therapy routine to prevent
wrist and back injuries.

91

My Wacom Cintiq is quite big and heavy.
It’s connected to a Flex Arm on the
reverse, which makes it possible to move
the tablet around and adjust its position.

Meike
Schneider

Cozy corner The German artist gives us
a tour of her home studio, which is
white, bright and features gold highlights

My creative studio is located in my
apartment and it got a huge makeover
recently. I’m a very organised person and I
can’t work efficiently when my studio is
messy and things are all over the place.
Although my studio is quite small, the room has an
interesting L-shape with large dormer windows, which let in
lots of daylight to brighten up the room. I’ve put my work
desk right underneath the window so I don’t have any issues
with the bright sunlight hitting my monitors. Because I also
like to work with traditional tools, this is the perfect corner
to use both traditional and digital media.
I wanted my workspace to be warm, cozy and also
colourful, so I’ve chosen a soft beige colour for the walls
and white furniture. I upgraded some of my old objects by
spraying them gold to add some eye-catching highlights

This is my work setup. I use my iPad Pro
for sketches and the Cintiq for more

detailed work. A second monitor comes
in helpful when using references.

92

Meike Schneider

I’ve put my work desk
underneath the window so I
don’t have issues with bright

sunlight on my monitor

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I’m obsessed with plants and I love being
surrounded by them. You’ll find a plant in
every corner of my studio.

My bad habit is that I never drink
enough. So I drink fresh lemon or
mint tea every day to stay hydrated,
and remind me to keep on drinking!

I collect books of my favourite artists and films. Cartoon Animation by Preston Blair was one of my first book on animation and has
inspired my work significantly. This shelf also includes some of the books I’ve illustrated, including Finni & Fredo: Was kann mein Körper?

This artwork was created
with paper-cut techniques.
It was exhibited for Tom
Bancroft’s MerMay Art
Show at Gallery Nucleus in
LA earlier this year.

The company behind CAD/CAM software Alphacam printed this I use my Epson fine-art
beautiful version of my CG character called Little Mary. RebusFarm printer to create high-quality
made me Artist of the Month and the model was also featured in a prints, stickers, postcards and
magazine article, so she deserves to have this special place on my shelf. other products, which I’m
selling in my online art shop.

This sketchbook has visited
many places around the world.
The paper has warped from the
humidity of tropical locations!

Travelling is a great passion of mine. My work
includes lots of inspiration from the countries I’ve
visited. I keep this globe in my studio to mark
places I’ve been to and also to discover new places
I’d like to explore in the future.

94

Meike Schneider

I got this Disney limited-edition lithograph at FMX, a conference on animation, when I was My inspiration wall includes my own work and that of other artists, photo memories, some
talking to the Zootopia environment art director Matthias Lechner. Disney has always been a colour swatches for traditional art and a huge character reference sheet of one of my original
huge inspiration and definitely influenced my work. characters for a children’s book, The Starcatcher.

I use daily to-do lists to get
all my tasks done. I’m also
using a notebook to plan
my entire year: note down
appointments, set goals for
each month, and so on.

This roll-fronted
cupboard is handy
because it’s easy to
move around. I store all
my traditional media in
there. I can move it
wherever I paint: the
desk, easel or in any

other room.

This is one of the
children’s book
illustrations I painted
for My Best Book
Publishing and its
Christmas book last
year. I’m working on a
sequel at the moment.

95

From this angle you can spot I store all my shop
my first MerMay art book on products in my cupboard
the top shelf. There’s also my in these little clear boxes.
Inktober Sketchbook on the
right-hand side.

Tom Bancroft and his MerMay challenge got me into
mermaids! I created two MerMay art books with all
31 mermaids I painted throughout the month.

in the room. I’m obsessed with When I paint digitally I use a Wacom work. When looking through my
plants and find that they also help to Cintiq Pro 24 HD that’s connected to a Instagram feed, you can instantly tell
create a more comfortable, relaxing MacBook Pro. My secondary monitor which country I’ve visited by the art
studio space. comes in handy when working in I created at that time.
3D. Maya has a lot of extra dialog
STORAGE SPACE A-PLENTY windows and it’s really hard to fit In order to create beautiful art, it’s
them all on to one desktop. The important to me to feel inspired and
I’ve got a huge cupboard on the other secondary screen is also great when comfortable where I work. Having
side of my office, where I store all kinds working with references. another hobby, to act as a balance
of crafting tools, prints and traditional next to my art, is something that I
media as well as the packaging stuff The iPad Pro is literally my best believe is great to have. I’m the kind
for my online shop. It doesn’t look big travel companion and I bring it of person who likes to try new things,
when it’s closed, but once you open it wherever I go. Indeed, travelling is so my hobbies always change from
up you’ll soon notice how much something I enjoy, because it’s one of horse riding or dancing to running
storage space there is. the main inspiration sources of my and snowboarding.
Meike is a 3D artist, illustrator and
When looking through my Instagram instructor. Recently she’s been working on
feed, you can tell which country I’ve projects such as children’s books, character
visited by the art I created at that time design and visual development, 3D
modelling and look development. You can
explore her art at www.meikearts.com.

96

This is where I keep all Meike Schneider
my packaging stuff for
This is a small part of
shop orders, such as my inspiration wall.
ribbons and cords. I display items such as
colour swatches and
some basic colour
theory, and there are
also some works by
other artists on show.

This gorgeous, huge
cupboard literally saves
my life when it comes to

organisation! I store all
my art prints, papers,
crafting supplies and
shop packaging stuff

here. I really love having
everything in one place.

My studio looks tidier
than ever before with

this cupboard.

97

This is the editor’s portion of my office – a ridiculously These lights shine on the ceiling-mounted green
wide screen that’s perfect for editing timelines in screen, which I use for recording YouTube videos
Premiere, but annoyingly wide for anything else! and streaming with my ART School students.

This is the kids area
and/or a rendering
machine when I
need the extra
encoding power!
Lots of Minecraft has
been played on this
computer. Some
might say too much.

Marc Brunet I tend to work later in the day, which
is why I’ve put a little extra emphasis
Colours allowed The art teacher, artist, YouTuber and CEO shows on lights. I work best in warm, dim
us around his candy store, which also doubles as his work office lighting since that’s what I’ve been
used to for most of my career while
My line of work monitor right above it. The stacked I was still at Blizzard. My work
requires I spend most displays make the position of the environment affects my mood more
of my time in the mouse and keyboard a bit awkward than I’d like to admit, so it’s important
office, so it’s important (being so far apart), and so I’ve that everything is always in order.
for me to make the hooked everything up to Ergotron Clean work environment, clear mind!
place as comfortable as it is practical. arms (three in total). This enables me
I create my art on the big Wacom to pull the keyboard or any of the CREATIVE RITUAL
27QHD that I’ve have since its release, screens in and out for the ideal setup,
and edit on the 49-inch Dell ultrawide depending on whatever I’m doing. Before I start drawing, I’ll always grab
a few candies from my candy corner, a
cool/warm drink depending on the
weather and I absolutely have to put
on my noise-cancelling headphones

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These small square lights are manufactured by Nanoleaf. They add a Marc Brunet
ton of ambience to the room and they can be animated, display any
colour or even follow the beat of a song. In a word, epic. I’m sitting on a large Yogibo
bean bag that’s within reach

of all things important like
candies, art books and
ImagineFX magazines.

My son Kio who wants to Most of my art book collection is on
become a Minecraft master. the shelf above, and below are all the
The other photo on the shelf titles that shipped during my time at
is of my eldest, Emi, who’s Blizzard including some I contributed
dead set on becoming a to (StarCraft 2, Heroes of the Storm).
YouTuber when she grows up.

In case an intruder ever tries to sneak in This is Moko (it means “fluffy” in
to check out my anatomy figures, I’m Japanese). She’s our new family
warning you now that I’ve been member and a fierce golden
practising my swings! retriever puppy!

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Here’s the green screen in
“streaming” mode. I just
have to pull it down when
required, and the screen
conveniently springs back
up when I’m done.

I tend to work
later in the day,
which is why I’ve
put a little extra
emphasis on lights

Sky pirate fighters from my personal project Chroma Island.
These guys don’t belong in any of the land tribes so they live
in the skies instead.

This is the only image I have up on my office walls. It was one
of my all-time favourite shows as a kid and a big reason why
I decided to pursue art as a career.

I spent just a little under eight
years at Blizzard and each

employee receives a sword at
the five-year-mark. Here’s

mine – careful, it’s quite sharp!

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