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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

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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!

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/

Star Wars Artist Month : Eric Ehrlich

All of June we are celebrating those stellar pioneers of the visual arts, those people who help us see Star Wars through new eyes and with wildly beautiful variety! Today we shine a spotlight on Erich Ehrlich from the 501st Star Garrison in Texas. He has done SO much supporting Star Wars fan clubs, event,s campaigns, and causes with his stunning designs!

Eric considers himself to be one of the lucky ones who grew up with the original trilogy. He was seven years old when “A New Hope” came out and it has been a source of creative inspiration ever since. As a kid growing up amidst a backdrop of challenging situations, Star Wars served as way to imagine, escape, dream, and find hope. It still has that power for him. Eric studied fine art and creative communications at the Art Institute of Dallas and has spent the last 30 years as a designer, creative director and brand storyteller for many iconic brands including LEGO, Disney, VISA, Keebler, Coca-Cola, and AT&T. In 2015 Eric fulfilled a lifelong dream of being a Stormtrooper when he joined the 501st Legion and that opened a new door for new opportunities to combine his love of design with his love of Star Wars. Over the past 5 years Eric has worked with Rancho Obi-Wan, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, and The Peter Mayhew Foundation as well as the 501st Legion, Astromech Builders and Rebel Legion clubs. He is most grateful to have found an avenue that allows him to celebrate his love of Star Wars and passion for helping others. It was through the 501st Legion Eric and his husband Zylo met Albin and. Eric recently had the honor of creating the logo art for the R2-KT Global Ambassadroid Group.

In addition to designing for a galaxy far, far away, Eric enjoys creating multi-media artwork that includes watercolor, gouache, charcoal, and photography. His work has been featured in gallery shows in both Dallas and Chicago.

Eric, his husband and their two corgis, Hux and Korben, live in Dallas, Texas

Creative Links:
Website: ericehrlich.com
If anyone is interested in a commission they can email Eric directly at eehrlich70@gmail.com or check out his gallery at RedBubble:
https://www.redbubble.com/people/eguy1970/shop?asc=u&ref=acco
Social: Instagram account e1970

Star Wars Artist Month : Emma McGowan

June is Star Wars Artists Month! Celebrating our talented designers, illustrators, and visual maestros of the #StarWars Community.

June 1st was all about Emma McGowan!

I am a classically trained artist originally from France now living on the Eastern Seacoast. My art is a mixture of traditional, colorful, and expressive oil painting portraits, and my rendition of pop / sci-fi / comic book culture characters. My mediums of choice are oil paint, graphite, and ink. I love to focus my work on very expressive faces, adding my own twist and / or colors.

I am a huge geek and love to use my art, gaming and cosplay to help raise awareness for multiple charities. I cosplay with the Rebel Legion/501st/Mando Mercs to raise funds for the Jimmy Fund and Make a Wish Foundation. I am also part of the Extra Life family: gamers who raise money for Children’s Hospitals nationwide (I personally play for the Boston Children’s Hospital).

Why Star Wars?:
There are so many reasons! The characters are amazing, the stories are compelling… But my first painting of SW characters has a funny background story. Growing up in France, my mother’s maiden name’s pronunciation made it sound like Star Wars. So, as a joke, I started drawing her SW characters as little presents any time I got a chance.
Today, I just love sharing my love of SW with everyone, even my students bringing Star Wars Art week to school every year!

My websites:
www.OriginalEmmArt.com
www.facebook.com/emmart
@OriginalEmmArt on Instagram
My originals, prints and commissions can be purchased through my Etsy page:
www.etsy.com/shop/emmartist

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Star Wars Artist Month : Jair Aranda

My name is Jair Aranda (TK1875), I am a graphic designer and member of the 501st Legion Mexican Garrison since April 30, 2006, I am an amateur illustrator.

I have done a couple of R2KT patch designs, as well as being part of the R2KT-5 Crew the Mexican Pink droid, as well as being the administrator of his Facebook page Katy Cinco.

I have made several illustrations of Star Wars, as well as illustrations for several legionaries from various countries, among them I made the image of the Galactic Academy campus Costa Rica.

I like Illustrating Star Wars because it is a very special part of my life, plus it allows me to meet so many great people.

Being part of the KT5 Crew is wonderful, returning to the community a little of what life gives us is very important to me.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jair.aranda.33/

Ilustration Page: https://www.facebook.com/TKtito-Ilustraciones-732017693650710
Facebook KT5: https://www.facebook.com/katy.pink.14661/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jair.aranda.33/?hl=es-la

Twitter : @JTktito

Star Wars Artist Month : Matt Busch

Matt Busch is an entertainment illustrator that has been producing numerous illustrations for all kinds of Star Wars products for over 25 years. His art can be seen on posters, books, T shirts, trading cards, and just about anything else you can think of, the world over.

The original Star Wars films inspired Matt as a Michigan boy to follow his passion of drawing, but never in his wildest dreams did he think he would actually be producing official art for the galaxy far, far away. Busch moved to Los Angeles where he attended the Art Center College of Design to pursue a career in the entertainment arts. During that time, he got his first big break in 1994 illustrating for the Star Wars Roleplaying Game books. From there, his career exploded, working directly for Lucasfilm and many of the Star Wars Licensees.

One of Busch’s career highlights was being a featured illustrator for the book You Can Draw Star Wars, from DK Publishing. In addition to producing over 300 drawings and paintings for the book, Busch also created a series of videos to promote the book. Originally airing on StarWars.com, these videos still inspire young artists Online to follow their dreams as well, just like Matt did so many years before.

In addition to Star Wars, Matt has also produced art for many other Hollywood properties, including Indiana Jones, Lord of the Rings, and Stranger Things.

However, the real Magnum Opus that Busch has been working on for over a decade is a trilogy of live-action science fiction films called Aladdin 3477. Essentially the tale of Aladdin, but set in the future and much more epic in scope. Busch claims that Star Wars fans will love it, as the film is heavy with robots and flying vehicles, all created with practical effects. The filming on all 3 films is already complete, but Matt is currently working in post to make them look and sound amazing.

You can check out all of the official Star Wars products and more at Matt’s Online Store here: www.MattBuschStore.com

Also, be sure to follow Matt on Instagram, where he constantly share new art and inside looks at his process: www.Instagram.com/Matt_Busch_Instagram