albinjohnson.biz – Page 4

Star Wars Artist Month – Scott Rorie

Star Wars is carried in the hearts of all the fans. Today’s feature artist for SWAM is no exception. A perennial favorite at conventions throughout the Southeast, Scott underscores his wide array of works with a personal connection to fandom itself. His muses are the fans and their favorites, tapping him into a kaleidoscope of figures from our memories. You’ll see everything in his collection from old black-and-white movies to shows from the seventies and eighties all the way up to modern series like Game of Thrones. Nothing is off limits to this man with an eye for capturing heroes and villains at their very best.

Scott Rorie is a free-lance artist currently living in the Atlanta Metro area. Learning to draw at an early age, Scott won his first art show at 11 years old, when he won a school wide art show. After studying art all through high school, he attended Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC majoring in Advertising Design. Although Scott works in many different media, his mainstay is the airbrush, which he taught himself to use. Like many airbrush artists, Scott started out painting T-shirts, but eventually moved on to canvas and illustration board. Scott’s work can be found in homes from Maine to California, as well as Germany. Some of Scott’s past clients include: Kane Hodder (Jason from Friday the 13th), Gunnar Hanson (Leatherface from Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Vernon Wells (Wez from Road Warrior), Elizabeth Grayson (from TV’s Highlander), Barbara Leigh (Vampirella cover model) and Barbie Blake (Penthouse model).

In 2009 Scott began working on sketch/art cards. He has worked with 5FINITY Productions on art/sketch card series such as, “Zombies vs. Cheerleaders”, “Moonstone Maximum”, “Voltron”, “P’Ups”, “The Pro”, “Honey West”, “Hack/Slash”, ” Lady Death” and “Sheena”. He is a Marvel approved artist working for Rittenhouse Archives creating cards for “Marvel’s 70th Anniversary”, “Marvel’s Heroes and Villains”, “ Marvels Dangerous Divas”, “Marvel Universe 2011” ,“ Marvel’s 2012 Greatest Heroes”, “Marvels Bronze Age” and 2013s “Marvel’s Greatest Battles” card sets as well as a number of Star Trek sets. He is a LUCASFILM approved artist working for Topps on the “Star Wars Galaxy 5”, “Empire Strikes Back 30th Anniversary Widevision “, “Star Wars Galaxy 6”, “Star Wars Galaxy 7” and “Galactic Files” card sets. Scott has also created sketch cards for Breygent Marketing’s “Woodstock Generation”, “Classic and Vintage Sci-Fi and Horror Movie Posters” ,“Vampirella”, “Warlord of Mars” and Joseph Michael Linsner’s “Dawn: New Horizons”; Versacolor Production’s “Bettie Page Series1 & 2” cards and Bad Axe Studios’ “Dungeon Dolls” and “Bombshells” as well as “The Walking Dead” and Tarzan 100th Anniversary cards for Cryptozoic Entertainment. Scott has added “Unpleasant Dreams”, “ Leaf Entertainment”, “Cult Stuff”, “Asylum Studios” and “Upper Deck” to the card companies he’s worked for.

He has been published in Cavewoman from Basement Comics, Didymous from Iron Horse Comics, “Night” from Jester Press, Con-Tour Magazine, Architectural Digest and a Lady Death pin-up book.

Scott lives in Avondale Estates, GA with his wife Ann and their three cats “Stitch”, “Mickey” and “Tigger”. He can usually be found in his studio working on a painting of a movie scene or a sketch card set. Look for his fan page, “Scott Rorie Art and Illustration” on Facebook.

Scott’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Artist/Scott-Rorie-Art-and-Illustration

Scott’s Etsy page: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ScottRorieArt

Many thanks to our partners at Jedi News, Fantha Tracks, Rebel Scum, Force.Net, and Bantha Bricks for supporting SWAM 2020 and sharing our posts. What a great way to share the magic of the art community! Check them out and see just how big the galaxy really is!

http://www.banthabricks.com/

Star Wars Artist Month – Tom Hodges

Star Wars Artist Month wouldn’t be of much value if we didn’t tickle your senses with stellar artwork from artists with a real heart for their craft. But we feature the best and brightest, and also the biggest hearts! No one has a bigger heart than Tom Hodges, who pours his thoughts and feelings right into the page. Those who’ve met him know he’s just like any Star Wars fan and engages everyone in conversations that convince you he’s very informed on the subject. So we are proud to feature Tom Hodges today!

Best known for his work in a Galaxy far, far away… Tom was the lead Artist on the star wars.com’s Clone Wars web comic series for three seasons. Tom will be bringing the fourth, unreleased story online soon. He is also responsible for the “Star Wars Universe Dream Park” map for SWCV in Orlando in 2010, two years before Disney purchased Lucasfilm. He has been working in the industry for over 20 years, contributing to such other properties a Lord of the Rings, Transformers, Halo, The Simpson’s and, as we mentioned at earlier, Star Wars.

Tom has also provided the art for the band RUSH’s 2012 5.1 surround sound remaster of their landmark album “2112”, in which Tom brought the album to life in Graphic Novel form that was the centerpiece of the box set and used to create a motion comic.

Currently, amongst small projects, Tom continues to develop his own Comic Universe (Antiis Comics), and hopes to bring it to an online service in 2020.

Tom resides in Southern California with his wife, Terri and their Four Furkids.

For Commission inquiries: hodgesart@me.com

To follow Tom’s art: Instagram: hodgesart, Facebook: Facebook.com/Hodgesart

http://www.banthabricks.com/

Star Wars Artist Month – Russell Walks

Star Wars Artist Month canvasses the entire galaxy for the brightest and most creative. Sometimes that search takes us into the professional realm, sometimes into the fan realm, and sometimes BOTH!

Russell Walks has soared with this masterful works but he’s always been close to the fan community. In 2002 I was at Celebration II and he walked up to the 501st table and presented me with a gorgeous original of a Stormtrooper with the simple slogan of “501” beneath it. He said “I respect what you guys do and it inspired me. Please add this to your archives.” I was blown away. Who does this?! Amazing and so gracious. Bu that’s Russell. He’s so nice and so cool you wonder if he knows just how elite his work is? Well, we’re here to say it: his work is elite. And we are so thankful for him and what he’s given us.

BIO:
Although his original career goals included both becoming bionic and joining Starfleet, Russell Walks eventually decided that his destiny lay along another path, and chose art school over adventure.
Since beginning his career as a professional illustrator, Walks has created art based on licensed properties for clients including Lucasfilm, Paramount, Marvel and DC, while his award-winning children’s themed work has appeared in a variety of books and magazines.
Walks is also a successful painter; his personal work has won both regional and national acclaim, and hangs in private collections throughout the world.
Currently living in Montana, Walks spends his days drawing, painting and counting himself lucky that he actually gets paid for doing what he loves.

Why Star Wars:
Because for me, Star Wars is about more than laser blasts and lightsabers. It’s about friendship and honor and nobility. It’s about doing the right thing, even when it’s hard, for no other reason than because it is the right thing. It’s about following one’s bliss, and finding the one thing you’re made to do, and then putting in the work necessary to do it well.
And ultimately – for me – Star Wars is about the idea that it is never too late – That there is always an opportunity for redemption.

My Favorite Pieces:
It’s hard for me to pick favorites – Each finished piece is special to me, and I try to love them for what they are, flaws and all. That said, I really, really love working in the classic Star Wars universe. I guess the original movies speak to me the loudest, and working with those characters is like spending time with old friends.

http://russellwalks.com/for-sale

Inquiries for pieces that do not appear on the for-sale site: http://russellwalks.com/contact

http://www.banthabricks.com/

Star Wars Artist Month – Brian Miller

The lights fade, the credits roll, and the memories live on in our minds of star ships and droids and laser swords. And that’s about it, until we watch the movies again or look at a photo. But artists take those images, cook ’em up in their creative engines, and craft up images never before seen! Like new bits of the story seen through a wholly different light! This is the magic. And today’s wizard in Star Wars Artist Month is none other than the master of the Oktopolis: Brian Miller!

Best known for his pop culture propaganda artwork Brian currently illustrates images for Star Wars, Doctor Who, The X-Files, Rick & Morty, Archer, and The Simpsons as well as other popular characters from graphic novels, movies, and video games. Brian’s illustrations can be found featured at major events like Star Wars Celebration, San Diego Comic-Con International, and Disney’s D23 Expo. Brian finds inspiration all round him at Walt Disney World and Epcot, where each World Showcase pavilion brings blends tradition with creativity. Brian also has a strong commitment to art-education. Working hand-in-hand with organizations like Maastricht Institute of Entrepreneurship, London Business School, and ASU Center for Science and the Imagination.

How do you say your name?
Oktopolis is a mash-up of octopus and metropolis
aak • taa • puh • luhs

What drew you to illustrating Star Wars as a subject?

“Like every 80’s kid Star Wars has been my whole world forever. The Star Wars mythos runs deep and connects so many of us together. My career as an artist has given me the privilege to work on projects including popular superhero comic books, toys, games, and collectable fine-art. Through it all Star Wars has remained my favorite subjects to illustrate. One of the major reasons is the incredible Star Wars fans and collectors. Their love for Star Wars and the positivity behind groups like the 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, and others makes me feel like part of a much larger Star Wars family.“

What are some of your favorite pieces?

“I feel like most Star Wars fans know me for my Star Wars propaganda artwork including a series of Imperial Propaganda and Rebel Enlistment illustrations based around the original trilogy. I also created an Imperial propaganda illustration for Star Wars Celebration Anaheim featuring Darth Vader titled, Remember the Death Star that seemed to make a big impression. It was a real honor to contribute to the the book, Star Wars Propaganda: A History of Persuasive Art in the Galaxy, where my Wings for Victory artwork was featured within the book and included as one of the collectible posters.”

“One of my passions is creating travel artwork and for Star Wars Celebration Chicago I made and illustration that tells the story of the Original Trilogy through a series of travel tags for some of the planets and locations from the films. I really thought this idea was too crazy for Lucasfilm since it does not feature any characters or ships but to my surprise they loved it and so did fans. It’s always nice to have the opportunity to think outside the box and then have those ideas championed by Lucasfilm. They are great to work with!”

“And I was thrilled when Mattel asked me to collaborate with them on a collection of Star Wars Hot Wheels. It was a multi-year process between Lucasfilm, Mattel, and myself to get all the pieces in place. In the end we were able to modify and transform the artwork so that it could work with the packaging and on the vehicles. The results are truly amazing. The collection of 5 vehicles sold out very quickly and are quite hard to come by now. Hopefully that means there will be more in the future.“

“As far as non-Star Wars artwork I have been very lucky to have been asked to create collectible artwork for film and television shows over the years. It is always an honor to be invited to make illustrations for some of my favorites like The X-Files, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, 20,000 Leagues, Frankenstein, and many more!”

Where can fans find more of Brian:

Oktopolis: The Art of Brian Miller — rare artist proofs and more
https://oktopolis.com

Dark Ink Art — officially licensed limited editions:
https://www.darkinkart.com/collections/brian-miller

Brian Miller :: Oktopolis

brianmiller@oktopolis.com

Instagram @oktopolis
facebook.com/Oktopolis
behance.net/oktopolis
twitter @OktopolisArt
twitch.tv/oktopolis
YouTube: Oktopolis

http://www.banthabricks.com/

Star Wars Artist Month – Michael Leo Ramirez

Star Wars Artist Month hunts down all the cool artists, established and new ones, to help you find all the goodness creative minds have to offer from that galaxy far, far away. Today we introduce you to Michael Ramirez!

Aloha! My name is Michael Leo Ramirez and my Artist Name is “MRAM” I was born in the City Of Angels in the late 1960s, raised on Beatles and Elvis music.

As you can see by the pics, I definitely have a signature style. I can use all art mediums, but my specialty is the use of Pen & Ink and Markers. That is what makes my creations stand out. It has that comic book ‘feel’ without making it look too ‘cartoonish’.

My biggest inspirations are my love of Charlie Brown & Snoopy (Peanuts), Star Wars, Sci-Fi / Fantasy movies and my ever-growing comic collection.
I just feel lucky to be able to do what I do to make an honest living. My gift has turned out to be what motivates me take on each new day. Expect nothing and appreciate everything.

What drew you to illustrating Star Wars as a subject:

STAR WARS is a big part of my life. From being blown away by the concept art from the 1977 movie when I was a kid to the way my art studio is decorated today. I’m definitely a lifelong fan.

The fact that I am part of a costumed charity group (The 501st Legion) that visits Children’s Hospitals, Schools and Public Fund Raising Events gives me the chance to inspire and bring smiles to people in a different way.

Contact Info:

Email: MRAMVFX@hotmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbymram/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtbyMRAM/

Star Wars Artist Month – Spencer Brinkerhoff

We are half way through Star Wars Artist Month and it just keeps getting better! Today we feature an artist every fan can’t help but love – his style is as expressive as it is quirky, his stylings playful and carefree, and the depictions render some Star Wars characters cooler than they deserve. Show me a funnier R2-D2! So here’s to Spencer Brinkerhoff, poking fun at Star Wars while simultaneously making it look hip. Crazy!

“I started drawing and making art at an early age and never stopped. After graduating with a Fine Arts Degree from Arizona State University, I wasn’t sure how to find “real” work so I kicked around a bunch of different jobs. I’ve sculpted some of the horses for the PF Chang’s restaurants, animated an educational game for the World Health Organization, created and starred in a video that helped me Burt Reynolds’ Trans Am, but one of my greatest accomplishments is to be an officially licensed Star Wars artist. OH! And a husband and Father! WHEW! I dodged a bullet there. I am a full-time creative, a part-time Star Wars artist, and hold down a day job as a curriculum designer and trainer.“

Star Wars as a Subject
“Star Wars, to me, has always represented the spirit of imagination. It’s a world of possibilities and hope. I was an active spectator but I never thought that I would be able to contribute to this great big creative family.”

Featured Art
“I was first invited to be part of the Star Wars art show for Celebration Japan in 2008. I didn’t even know what celebration was, but there was NO WAY that I was turning down a chance to make OFFICIAL Star Wars art. So I did some research and looked over the art that had been created for past Celebrations. There weren’t really any guidelines or restrictions on what to illustrate so I figured that I would recreate an iconic Star Wars scene as an animated film but make it look like it had a real cinematic depth of field to it. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Wars opening in Japan I illustrated Han shooting Greedo in the cantina and titled the piece “Sorry about the mess”. This limited edition print is all sold out, but I have continued this same style with 5 other prints. One of my personal favorites being, “Don’t make me destroy you.” from Celebration Europe in 2013.”

Where to Find the art
“After each of the Celebration events, I have the opportunity to buy-back all of the remaining limited-edition artwork from Lucasfilm. With the licensing fees secured I am able to make the Celebration exclusive art for sale at www.StudiosB3.Storenvy.com
One of the most recent art pieces that you’ll find there is a Star Wars Celebration FIRST. For Celebration Chicago I created a limited edition LED backlit paper-cut ShadowBox of Yoda. Check it out and see if you can find all 11 hidden images in the swamps of Dagobah!“

You can follow my adventures @StudiosB3
Website : http://www.studiosb3.com/

http://www.banthabricks.com/

Star Wars Artist Month – Angel Acosta

Every day we celebrate another artist in the Star Wars fan community. Who else lets us see beyond the movies into greater vistas of imagination? Hard working, talented adventurers who ply their trade in a mixture of mediums, tortured by the desire to capture that magic in their minds and share it with us. Let’s hear for our artists – unsung heroes who keep our imaginations alive! Today we shine the light on Angel Acosta, an artist from Mexico who has delighted fans with his vibrant colors and sense of hopeful exploration.

Angel Acosta is a Graphic Designer, Illustrator and Photographer in Sonora, México and member of the 501st Legion. But most of all he is a dreamer and he has loved to create cartoon characters since he was 6 years old. His influences include Charles Schultz (Peanuts), Jim Davis (Garfield), Peyo(Smurfs) and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

“The most important day in my life as a graphic artist was in 2004 when I met the Director, Producer and Animator Bill Melendez known for his work with Walt Disney and Charles M. Schultz (Charlie Brown). He was born in my hometown Sonora, México and a few weeks after our meeting he wrote me a letter with some encourage words about my work, ilustrations and toons.”

“I will never forget this words he wrote to me: ‘As a person who was once in the same place as you, you are very talented and just need to wait for the right opportunity'”.

“In 2015 I went to my first Star Wars Celebration and found the extraordinary and inspiring story or Katie Johnson and the R2KT droid. A couple of years later I decided to start painting in my free time more “Star Wars” than other themes; especially I love to paint helmets and put lot of bright colors in my art.”

“In 2017 I had the opportunity to give a set of my prints to Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian). In 2018 I showed my artwork to my friend Stephen Stanton, Voice Actor (General Raddus, Tarkin) and he gave me an important space in his Twitter to show my work to his followers.”

“In 2019 I began to search for a real inspiration in my artwork; you know, there are many talented artists that inspire me like Randy Martinez. I don’t have his extraordinary skills for painting and as a graphic artist so I started to feel the need to contribute with something different and special to the Star Wars community.”

“An internal voice told me to make “something” for the R2KT fans; that´s when I realize that my cartoonist skills they could work to make Katie Johnson toon character. I was so motivated about the idea to pay tribute to the brave little girl that thousands of people admires specially in the 501st Legion family.”

“A whole Katie story came to my head and I decided to create an imaginary comic book cover telling a story inside the Star Wars timeline, so I decided to introduce her living in Cloud City in a parallel story in the middle of The Empire Strikes Back.”

“I started to search for pictures of Katie to get my final version of her and a comic book cover art… Katie; in the Comic Book just like in the real life will teach us lessons of Hope, Trust, Adventure, Happiness, Leadership, Compassion in company of her droid R2-KT.”

“Last month I created a second concept art for the imaginary comic book Issue 2: “The Adventures of R2KT: Katie´s Army of Hope” dedicated to the Heroes on the First Front of the Pandemic.”

“I know my artwork and the cartoon character can be use to raise funds and reach thousands of hearts of Star Wars and R2KT fans. It would be an honor if Lucasfilm were to take this project using my version of Katie.”

“My next project will be to make an entire illustrated comic book or story book and want to make something real big to raise funds in collaboration with R2KT.com”

“Most of all I am a Dreamer and we only have one life to make dreams come true and inspire others.”

Online Store: www.aacreativestudio.com/online-store

email: infoaacreativestudio@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/foreveryourangel
Facebook Fan Page: Sonora Trooper

http://www.banthabricks.com/

Star Wars Artist Month – Jason Christman

The Star Wars franchise has offered us so many mind-blowing scenes, images locked into our minds for a lifetime. And yet, it is the artists that expand our imagination even more – unlocking new scenes or reinventing favorite scenes in all new styles and interpretations. What a dizzying array of beauty we are treated to, all thanks to these hard working and vastly talented people. So Star Wars Artist Month celebrates one each day. And today is all about Jason Christman!

Jason W Christman has a minimalist and vintage style that is inspired by a number of searingly sci-fi, unapologetically geeky pop-culture touchstones from Metropolis to Star Wars.

Born in 1971 he was raised in Oregon, and like most kids around his age his Dad took his to go see Star Wars. Since then it has set the tone for his long creative career. In the late 80′s moved to Southern California to become a photographer and darkroom guru who realized the potential of the digital world when Photoshop came to be. In the 90′s he was mentored by LightWorks Productions founder Richard Mclean. In 1998 Jason set off to become a successful freelancing Creative Director getting gigs with some of the west coast’s best advertising agencies, publications and companies. At the same time he opened a gallery in the Pomona Arts Colony where he could share some of his favorite art, music and movies with everyone he could.

In 2005 he moved back to Oregon to raise a family. His love of Star Wars never faded and when his son was born in 2009 he promptly named him Kaiden Skywalker. Around that time he started creating some minimalist designs of his favorite sci-fi memories, from Star Wars, Firefly, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Dr Who and more.

After years of digging, research and rejection he eventually found the right door to get his work licensed. In 2011 Lucasfilm approved his minimalist ship quote series and since then he has had over 30 licensed limited edition prints including being one of the artists selected to have an exclusive print the last 4 Star Wars Celebrations.

“I specifically design my pieces with the hope to inspire others. Just a few words, recognizable shapes, a pleasing color palette, light and a touch of texture can set a tone and feeling for people who are not even big Star Wars fans.” Says Jason… “For different reasons, I hear from people all the time telling me how this was the first sci-fi print they were able to hang in their entry way or living room and not just in their geek cave.”

“Family is everything. My son and I are building an R-series astromech together and he is becoming quite a great artist/designer himself with his own youtube channel. It makes me a very proud father! Having both my son and father with me at Celebration in Chicago last year was one of the best moments in my life and career. They got to feel the love that Star Wars fans and their communities can give. It is incredibly inspiring and has sparked something in all of us to do more for others. Every chance I have to support someone or a group like the 501 I jump on it. The Cloud City Garrison has recently made me an honorary member, but the honor is all mine. I hope we are able to have many more moments like these again soon.”

My official store and website : www.jasonwchristman.com
Instagram @starwarsartist https://www.instagram.com/starwarsartist
YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/kaidenskywalker

Announcing: Free Shipping on all orders! Just use Code: R2KT

Star Wars Artist Month : Kirk “Leezard” Hardtle

The Star Wars Artist Month is here to shine a light on our hard working and talented artists! Today we shine that light on an artist who channels a wild creative energy to bring Star Wars into focus in a bold new light!

A long time ago, in a hospital far, far away was born John Kirk Hardtle – Artist, Cartoonist, Illustrator and all-around Broken Toy …. too far back?

“Okay, my artistic career began in the early 90’s as a piece work artist creating various artworks for Dungeons and Dragons, White Wolf, and other gaming companies. During this time, I also earned my BFA and MFA in Illustration and Printmaking (engraving) at the University of Toledo. Eventually, I relocated to New Orleans doing tattoo work, Mardi Gras float painting and the odd gaming commission. A major reset in my life and I ended up in Columbus, Ohio. After losing everything to the hurricane, I decided to reinvent myself as an artist and started creating independently for various comic companies, piece work for The Walking Dead and creating my own style of cartoons under the studio name, Broken Toy Creations.”

“Now I live in Hotlanta creating my own series, “Poke*Zom” (Pokemon Zombie Parodies), the “100 Aker Zombieland” (Winnie the Pooh and friend Zombie Parodies), occasionally freelance pieces of Disney themes under a limited license and various independent commissions. Everything I create is old school (cuz I am an old dude): pen, pencil, paint and inks.”

What drew you to illustrating Star Wars as a subject?

“In 1977, my friend worked at a local movie theatre and raved about “this really cool space movie”. He snuck me into the theatre three times for me to see “the cool space movie”. My imagination was entranced with the visuals, the timeless battle of good versus evil and the possibilities of the Force. Fast forward to 2005, Location:GenCon. It was here that I was introduced to the 501st Legion by members of the Bloodfin Garrison and my love for all things Star Wars was rekindled.
By 2008 , I had become a Star Wars “action figure” in the 501st, had done some art works for a couple garrisons for their Droid Hunts, creating a special artwork for a fellow Legionnaire’s ailing cousin, saw Steve Sansweet win a framed print of mine (he still has it in his office) and acquired a copy of “Heart of an Empire” DVD. After watching the DVD, I found a new passion for Star Wars and a specific subject for my artistic creations: R2KT. As long as I can put pen to paper, there will be art from me sharing the love and beauty of R2KT …. promise not to let the Poke*Zom near her.“

preferred website / links to where fans can buy Kirk’s products legitimately
https://www.facebook.com/BrokenToyCreations/
https://www.instagram.com/brokentoycreations/

Personal Email: liquidleezard@gmail.com
Studio Email: brokentoycreations@yahoo.com

Star Wars Artist Month : Lee Kohse

June is Star Wars Artist Month, where we appreciate the magic that artists bring into our lives. You’ve seen the movies and the scenes are ingrained in our minds. But these maestros take those images and transform them into all new interpretations and let us see that galaxy far, far away with new eyes. Each day we will cover a new artist and learn more about their works and their craft.

Today we learn all about Lee Kohse! Lee Kohse was born to a family of chupacabra herders in California and as a child learned to draw in the dirt while mining dust for spaghetti western films. While serving in the Marine Corps, he started doing art for underground comics and indie rock magazines. After being medically discharged due to injuries, he decided he preferred drawing instead of getting shot at as a way to pay the bills.

Lee works as a freelance artist providing art for clients including Lucasfilm, DreamWorks, Marvel, Disney, and has served as Creative Director of Speed Racer. Currently, Lee is working on his silly Webcomic, Kindergoth, as well as painting a horror graphic novel called Nocturnity, written by Michael Plumides. You can find Lee creating art, telling stories, and giving tips about the art industry, several times a week on his live art stream at www.twitch.tv/kohseart.

About Star Wars, he says “I was always drawn to Star Wars as a subject matter because it looked real and used, sometimes barely functional. The hero ship is even referred to as ‘A hunk of junk’. Star Trek, in comparison, everything was always perfect and shiny. Star Wars also had an amazing range of subject matters. Monsters, aliens, high tech spaceships, back alleys, the fringes of society, epic cities that cover entire planets, iconic villains, strong female characters, and swashbuckling heroes. Beyond just the visual appeal and story, George Lucas had a love of Narrative Art and allowed artists to flex their creativity in ways most companies never would. We got to treat Star Wars like we were illustrating classic mythology, not just a licensed product. I think that freedom is what made much of the art from Star Wars just as at home on the walls of a fancy art gallery as it was sitting in on a shelf in a comic shop.”

“I grew up on Star Wars. Working on it is like a dream come true. It’s like having your mom stick your artwork on the front door of the most epic refrigerator ever. Every project I do for Lucasfilm, I turn into a little kid again. Star Wars has reached mythic levels and to be able to say I had a part in it, however small it may be, is an honor.”

“The biggest highlights for me so far are having George Lucas buying my original paintings and being able to deliver them to Skywalker Ranch. Other than doing it again, I don’t think anything can top that. But second, would be when Episode IX came out, suddenly my Apprentice Leia painting from Star Wars Celebration Anaheim was being used everywhere concerning Leia training as a Jedi. I don’t think its my best piece but it was very special to me and it was nice to see it being used so much by fans and media.”

Check out more on Lee and his works and where to buy them legitimately:

www.kohse.com
twitch.tv/kohseart
instagram.com/leekohse
www.facebook.com/leekohseart
twitter.com/kindergoth
kohse.storenvy.com/