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IA : What's the steampunk monkey series about?

CP : This was an extension of the first set. It explores a similar world of Victoriana, but with a science fiction twist including outlandish uniforms, weapons and machinery associated with Steampunk culture. This time I expanded the set to 20 cards and had them printed on sturdier cover stock. To date, both sets have received wonderful press and have sold very successfully through my on-line Etsy shop.

IA : Is there a work or series you're most proud of/ happy with? Why?

CP : The card sets are the most appealing to me at the moment, and their popularity has inspired me to explore future sets along those lines. Also, I'm very pleased with the work I did for Warner Brothers and Harry Potter a few years back. I created 75+ illustrations for the style guide that were distributed to merchandisers prior to the release of the first movie. Without the use of film stills to promote mugs, shirts, games etc., my work was used heavily in a variety of retail items at that time. I was even honored with some direct feedback from J.K. Rowling regarding the look and feel of one image.

IA : What's a typical creative day for Chet?

CP : A typical day in the studio starts with answering emails and fulfilling orders from my Etsy shop. Once orders are out the door, I concentrate on my current commercial projects first. I use any remaining time for personal work, self-promotion and marketing. Since the studio comprises one half of a duplex with my home on the other side, it's very easy to continue working well into the evening without the distraction of a office commute.

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IA : What the most important point you're trying to focus when you create
an illustration?

CP : The point is to interpret my intention or meaning behind the visuals so that it is as appealing to look at as possible. Also, I want to impart a sense of either humor or mystery — depending on what I'm doing — in my composition and execution, so as to make the viewer take a second look.

IA : Who're the other artists who have influenced your art ( traditional / digital)?

CP : The list could go on and on, but among those that stand out in my mind are René Magritte, Edgar Degas,Rockwall Kent and N.C. Wyeth. More recently, a lot of comic artists have shaped my view of the world and led me into a life of art. Harvey Kurtzman, Wally Wood, Basil Wolverton, Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, to name a few.

IA : If you had to define your art, what would you say?

CP : I move between creating an interpretive, dream-like world of mystery and a lighter side, a cartoon illustration version. In both cases I would generally label my work as a sort of hybrid of pop surrealism and lowbrow art.

IA : What is your own definition of art and why can you say you're producing art?

CP : Visual art is something that moves people, causes a reaction and creates some form of emotion from viewing it. I strive for that, but will leave it to others to determine whether what I do succeeds as art.




Links

Chet Phillips' Website

Chet Phillips' Etsy Shopp