Under The Influence
To rip-off, or not to rip-off, that is the question.When it comes to the basics of drawing, you can learn from just about anything. There are literally hundreds of books dealing with anatomy, foreshortening, perspective, etc. You can apply for any number of life-drawing classes.
But what about style?
There's something that will probably come from comics. Nothing wrong with that, artists can't help but be influenced by their idols. Certainly, you can still see a tiny bit of Art Adams in J. Scott Campbell; a little part of Alan Davis in Bryan Hitch; some John Buscema in Marc Silvestri.
But how far does one take it?
Lately, that's the question I've been dealing with. Earlier this year, I had made up my mind to combine the styles of three of the more popular comic artists out there: Bryan Hitch, Greg Land, and John Cassaday. Check out the Youngblood art in the Pin-ups section of my website, you'll see their influences there.
While I was pleased with the results, I slowly began to realize that drawing had become a somewhat shallower experience for me. I felt like I was taking a shortcut. The pros have been doing this a lot longer than me, and they all had long journeys to get to whatever distinct style that they have today. Look at Cassaday's older stuff-- its pretty bad. Land's indy work was only so-so. Hitch's Marvel UK material was good, but a bit too heavy on the Davis influence.
Honestly, I felt like I was cheating myself by denying myself the chance to develop and grow.
Since then, I'e made the conscious effort to tone down the influences from the aforementioned artists. Right now, I'm trying different things. Looking at some of Tomm Coker's stuff. Terry Dodson's work. Steve McNiven's. Silvestri's. Many more. I'm just letting all the accumulated knowledge that these artists have speak to me, without getting too close to any particular style.
I'm bouncing around, so to speak.
Of course, that's not to say that I'm some sort of saint. I still rip-off certain artists, once in awhile. Or at least, I try to. They don't always tun out the same-- which is a good thing! I'm looking for a creative shove in the right direction... who knows what I can stumble on?
That's also not to say that I'm right. There are many artists who rip-off others, and have become successful, leaving the growth stage for later in their careers, Barry Windsor-Smith being a very good example. Nothing wrong with that, either.
Maybe I'll change my mind in a few month's time, who knows. But for now, I feel a bit guilty whenever I consciously rip-off someone... and I'm thankful for it.
posted by butch @ 6/01/2005
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