An Interview with Scott Altmann
http://www.scottaltmann.com/
Scott Altmann is an illustrator from Long Island, New York. His fantastic illustrations can be seen on his website, Magic: The Gathering cards, and book covers.
Fantasy Is Love: How do you describe your art work to people you've just met who have never seen it?
Scott Altmann: Always a tough question to answer. I usually reply with some incoherent answer that goes something like this : "representational personal symbolism with a touch of the surreal"
Fantasy Is Love: What draws you to your fantasy work in particular?
Scott Altmann: It's definitely the opportunity to tap into all the things I loved as a child. I was really into fantasy movies when I was a kid. To be asked to tap into that imaginative child's realm is not a bad way to make some money or more importantly, spend your time.
Fantasy Is Love: I read that you are a father. What do you think your son thinks about Daddy being an artist?
Scott Altmann: Well, because he is only 3 years old, I don't think he thinks much of it, truthfully! Since he has grown up around art ,painting and drawing he just accepts it as very normal, everyday life. I think he's pretty unimpressed- but I will try harder!
Fantasy Is Love: On average, how much do you use the computer with your artwork and how much is just painting with traditional tools?
Scott Altmann: I don't do all my jobs digitally, but when I discovered the speed and flexibility of the digital medium I incorporated it into my work. I don't believe I won't do any personal works on the computer, and will stick to my traditional medium for that, but you never know. So I guess I average about 70% of the illustration work is digital while 0% of the personal work is. Tough to answer, because many times I'll start with a traditional base- a pencil drawing, an underpainting, or even a fairly finished painting and then proceed to work digitally on top of that. I'm always trying new techniques- keeps it interesting.
Fantasy Is Love: I saw that you recently had your work featured on a number of Magic: The Gathering cards in the Shadowmoor series. How did you get involved with that? Did you create your work specifically for the cards, did they find your portfolio and ask you about these particular pieces?
Scott Altmann: Wizards of the Coast have a portfolio drop-off email, which I believe is artdrop at wizards.com . It's a great way to introduce your work to them. They must have liked what they saw and they gave me a shot on the Future Site set. I don't believe they accept pre-existing work for cards. Everything is commissioned exclusively for the game.
Fantasy Is Love: Do you play CCGs yourself?
Scott Altmann: I don't . If you talk to most freelance illustrators you'll find they debunk the myth of "lazy. slacker, artist-hippie" immediately. I dedicate most of my time to my work and family, which leaves little time for anything else. I do know people who play and I like to watch, but I don't even get the opportunity to play video games anymore.
Fantasy Is Love: What can we expect to see from you in the next year or so?
Scott Altmann: Book covers! I have recently picked up a few book cover jobs, and to be perfectly honest, that is the work I love to do the most. I love doing the card art, but I feel much more at home illustrating for books. The narrative and in-depth characters are really something I love to dig into with books, which you don't always get the chance to do with card art. So hopefully you will get to see more book covers from me.
Fantasy Is Love: Anything else you'd like to add that you think people should know about you and/or your artwork?
Scott Altmann: Most importantly, thank you for taking the time to view my artwork. If you read this whole interview -thank you and I hope I didn't bore your brains to sleep. I suppose I should say that I feel I still have endless amounts to learn as an artist, and I feel very lucky to have gotten this far already. I will continue to work like a dog and do my best to create powerful images. Thank you ! I really hope to have more personal work to show as well. It's been so busy that I haven't had alot of time to pursue my own art endeavors, but I am really going to try and find time in the future. I have a bunch of ideas that I need to get out of my system.
The artwork featured throughout this interview, and more beautiful pieces, can be found at scottaltmann.com. You can also find him on his blog.
credit: Fast Ships, Black Sails / Night Shade Books
credit: The Mysterious Mr. Spines : WINGS / Grosset & Dunlap, Penguin Group USA
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