Interview : Alain Brion Part 2    

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IA: Do you think that your techniques and that your own artistic work is influenced by the different commercial works that you work on for others?

AB: It is sad to say but I haven’t worked on anything for myself for the past five years, since I started working on comics in fact. With all the work I have my imagination is kind of saturated. But when I think about it, there is no difference for me between personal artwork and commercial artwork. I put a lot of myself in the work I do for others and that keeps me from being frustrated.

IA: How do you see the past and the future of your job?

AB: I honestly think that the digitalization has totally changed the profession in no time, almost everybody has started using the new technologies and they are right to do so. It would be ridiculous to ignore the simplicity and comfort that digital arts brings to the profession, on an artistic level as well as on a professional level. A new generation of illustrators appeared with great talent, they are the core of the video games industry and they have created what used to be “impossible” universes. I think that the future seems dim to all that is on paper. The books are threatened with fewer readers by the day. As for European comics, they are being eaten alive by the Manga…this is of course my opinion. Only the future will tell.

IA: Is there any subject or theme that you wish to work on but never got the opportunity to?

AB: I love heroic fantasy and fortunately I’m fulfilling this passion with my comics and some covers for books. Other than that there is nothing really in particular; I am still waiting for the jobs to surprise me.

IA: You talked earlier about this new generation of digital artists, don’t you think that there is a risk that they might be abusing art by using those simple tools and bypassing lots of lessons about the basics of drawing?

AB: I used to think that, but not much anymore. The new tools automatically lead to new techniques and new ways of expressing yourself and true talent will be recognized and will be discernable from the flock.

IA: What would be your advice to a person that wishes to start an illustrator career?

AB: First, I would advise this person to visit the forums where he can find professional illustrators to learn from them about the profession, the rates and the way it goes in the different sectors. This will help the newcomer to get familiar with the market.
From an artistic point of view, there are more directions than there are illustrators so I can’t say much here, each will find its way.
One last thing, do not forget that you are doing this for pleasure. If you don’t find pleasure doing this job just forget about it.

IA: Where do you get your inspiration from?

AB: I get inspired by movies a lot, but at the same time anything can inspire me. It is hard to know where exactly inspiration comes from.

IA: How would you define art? And how artistic do you think your work is?

AB: I think that art is a word that has lost its substance as much as people tried to define it. I don’t really have an answer for this question. As for my work, I know one thing: I’m doing what I like doing most. I try my best to keep creating new things that surprises me and give me pleasure. Is it art? I don’t really care…





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Links

Alain Brion's CG Gallery Portfolio