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Q1: Let’s start with the common question, if you can kindly introduce yourself.
I’m an illustrator/artist living in the Seattle area. I’ve done commercial artwork for such clients as Apple/MacIntosh, Holland America Lines, McDonalds and Motorola. Early in my art career I did an extensive amount of pen and ink drawings of new construction homes for various builders. In addition I’ve produced book cover art and have done commissioned portraits.
Q2: How did you get into the field of your work?
It was a fairly natural progression as I’ve always enjoyed being creative. I moved to Seattle after graduating from High School in Eugene, Oregonand attended Cornish Institute (a college for the arts in Seattle,Washington)
Q3: Do you have any current favourite artists, comic artists, photographers who may have influenced you to become the artist that you are?
Norman Rockwell and Frank Frazetta were early influences. I’m also a fan of John Singer Sargent and many of the Impressionists. One of the most influential artists during my four years at Cornish is a local illustrator, James Dietz, who spoke at an illustration class and brought in samples of his work.
I currently enjoy finding inspiration and network with other artists online.
Q4: What are the main tools of your trade?
I primarily work with acrylic paint on illustration board. I use a combination of airbrush and standard brushes. I’m frequently asked if my work is digitally produced but it is not. I like the fact that I create original art that can be framed and displayed on a wall..
Q5: How was it for you to learn the process of that? Did you teach yourself, take classes or learn from other existing artist’s tutorial?
As I mentioned before I attended Cornish Institute and have a BA in Graphic Design. Instructors can help point you into the direction that you want to go, but most progress in technique comes from trial and error, doing the work. College was a great place to take chances and attempt to emulate the techniques of accomplished artists. I don’t think that there are any shortcuts, it’s a matter of doing the work and building on small breakthroughs.
I don’t think you ever finish evolving or growing as an artist. It’s part of what keeps the process interesting and fresh.
Q6: Do you think its possible for you to describe the process of your art style, what are the dos and don’ts, the important aspects you set yourself to achieve your style of design?
I layer paint for the most part from dark to light in value. I try to mix most colors from a limited palette. Color choices tend to set the tone of the piece and create the illusion of depth. The airbrush is a tool that I employ but my technique is probably somewhat unique.
Q7: What are the biggest struggles you encounter as an artist?
Time, or the lack of it is probably the source for the most frustration. Meeting deadlines can be stressful but many times bring out the best in me.
Q8: Do you have any other future plans that don’t involve creative art?
Not really. I’m working on a collection of paintings which will be published in a book of my work. The truth is that most of my dreams revolve around goals involving art. For me the future is now.
Q9: Do you have any personal mottos, quotes or existing quotes that motivates you to do what you love doing? Can you share it with us or provide words of wisdom from your experiences for those who look up to you?
We are what we think.
All that we are arises
with our thoughts.
With our thoughts,
we make our world.
- the Buddha
Believe in yourself and be relentless in your pursuit of excellence in whatever it is that you love doing. Enjoy the process and the personal victories along the way.
To me there is nothing more satisfying than creating something that you are proud of. It’s worth the time and work it takes to get there. Amaze yourself and there should be an audience that will respond.
It all starts in your head. Convincing yourself that you can do something is essential.
Q10: What do you think the future will hold for all artists from all backgrounds from now?
Technology brings new tools and trends, but with all of the changes coming, the foundation of what makes successful art won’t change. Concept, color theory, composition, draftsmanship… it all matters no matter what tools are used to create art. I think that things seem to change more than they actually do. But the internet has made the world a smaller place and has greatly expanded opportunities.
Q11: To round off the last question, where can your fans and new fans find updated news and progress from you, - Where can we find you?
http://www.facebook.com/easley.martin
www.modelmayhem.com/martineasley
