Interview With Philip Straub

P.S. - Improve my skills! Outside of that…oh, I have tons. Currently, I’m finishing multiple book projects and would love to see them on the market over the next few years. With the Concept group I’m working with, I’d like to create collectively the number one Concept development studio in the world. I’d like to develop one of my book ideas into an original IP that ultimately is made into a feature film or game….and the list goes on.

 I.A. - Could you let me know a little more about your book projects?

P.S. - One is the based on the Utherworlds Concept - which without giving too much away is an Art book that illustrates visual metaphors for human experiences. This book primarily focuses on my fantasy and science fiction work. The next is more of a teaching vehicle which is an extension of the Workshop I teach. It covers many of the aspects of fundamental illustration techniques along with modern digital techniques added as support. This will also have a descent gallery of my work.

I.A. -You’re teaching in workshops. I’m wondering what is in your opinion the main thing a student must have learnt when he’s leaving one of your lessons.

P.S. - The goal of the Workshop is to teach students all of the basic fundamentals necessary to create illustration, fine art, or Concept Art. The weekly lessons are structured in such a way that they build on each other, eventually revealing a potential workflow for the students to build upon. In my opinion, every artist develops a process or a way of working that allows them to get to the result they desire. Sometimes applying all the fundamental properties like perspective, color theory, composition, and anatomy can be overwhelming for a student, in the beginning. The class structure allows them to tackle one challenge or piece of the puzzle at a time. 

P.S. - Personally, I love teaching and sharing new ideas and concepts with others. My role at EA as Concept Director and then Studio Art Director allowed me to mentor many budding Concept Artists or increase the illustration and painting skills of the AD's. It's extremely rewarding to be part of the growth of an artist and to watch their excitement as the "light" switches on when they finally understand a concept fully and create a piece of art they are proud of.