ART
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Von Glitschka
www.vonglitschka.com
www.vonster.com
When did you really get into art?
I've always drawn. When I was really young I use to try and re-create the
characters I saw on the old Batman TV show, Speed Racer, Star Blazers a lot of
the old Japanese cartoon art captivated me. Then I discovered MAD magazine at
the local drug store and that really exposed me to funky cool art.
Growing up I use to get in trouble at school because I would draw all over my desk in class. One day I was creating a whole space age battle scene when the teacher came up to me from behind and said "Very nice. Tell you what, as long as you clean the desk when the battle is all over you can keep drawing on the desk." From that point on my friend in another period would draw his battle response and then when I got to the class I would launch my artistic counter attack. This went on for a few months before we ever cleaned the desk and then started over.
The fact I can remember that teachers comment 27 years later shows how much of an impact some one can have on a young artistic kid. Because of that when the teachers for my daughter commented that she draws on her papers I couldn't help but laugh.
How did you come to the realization that you should try
your luck at art on a more serious level?
I guess I always knew when I was younger that I'd do something with my art but
the whole idea of being a 'Graphic Designer' and 'Illustrator' didn't really gel
until I was already in art school.
To be completely honest though I didn't really take my career seriously until around 1994. I had what I'd call a personal design revolution. I made a distinct conscious choice not to settle for marginal but to push myself all the time to keep exploring and growing and taking risks creatively. I think the later is the most important. Too many creative types find a niche or comfortable style and then just never progress further. Sure I have my favorite styles to work in but I also thrive on tying new things and failure is all part of game. And as it has been said, the more you fail the more chance you'll succeed.
How did you discover the particular style that you have?
One style I work in I refer to as 'Segmented'. It's multi-colored and one
creative director described it as racially neutral. This style was heavily
influenced by the work of Jim Flora an artist for RCA Records in the late 50's.
I use to study the LP's my parents owned growing up that had his art on it.
Incredible artist, way ahead of his time too.
My 'styles' are all over the map. I tend to gravitate towards an appropriate style for any given project. For example the whole linear line style (Continuous line or gesture) is very popular now. So I've worked in that style for the past few years for various clients, one of which was Kleenex.
I like the fact I am versatile because it allows me to work on a wider range of projects that holding to one style would prevent.
How would you describe your style?
Versatile Illustrative design. The two disciplines overlap so much in my work
it's hard to really separate them as individuals. My illustrative eye tends to
influence my design approach and my designer eye tends to refine and balance my
illustrative solutions. Because of this i use the title of 'Illustrative
Designer' now.
Who or what influences your art?
The work created by: Paul Howalt, Dr. Aldrete, Keith Bowman, Chris Parks, Jon
Flaming and Rob Schwager.
My influences change on a moment to moment basis. I am always being distracted by cool art or what I think is interesting or cool, it's a constant flux for me. So much that most wouldn't consider inspirational inspires me. I am always in a state of observance. If I am out I am looking at book covers, wine labels, shadows, patterns in clothes, music, my kids doodles, strange dreams, words and I am taking digital pictures of cool textures too.
How often do you create a new piece?
I doodle every day. So in that respect it's every day. But on personal and
business projects it's at least a few times a week. Sometimes a lot more
sometimes a little less.
What kind of success have you had with your art?
I started my business in 2002 after 15 years of working for other people. My
business has grown at least 20% each year since. When I started I did anything
that came along. Now I have the luxury of picking and choosing what I want to
do.
This year I've been able to do work for:
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame / Poster
- All State Insurance / Icons
- Microsoft / Messenger Background illustrations
- Pepsi / New Drink Branding
- Orbit Gum / New Packaging Illustration
- Stuff Magazine / Icons
- Proctor & Gamble / Logo Branding
- Banai Japan / Avatar Icons
- Hasbro / Packaging
Most of the art I do is for other agencies. I more of a hired creative gun.
What would be the ultimate goal for you and your art?
Develop a character and license it to a company like Nickelodeon or Disney. That
said I am working on 3D character development now. This mainly because my kids
could then enjoy it while they are still young enough to be impressed. Other
then that I wouldn't mind doing a children's book. I do have a concept for a
story called 'Cumber the Fickle Pickle' but haven't taken the time to flesh it
all out.
What do you see as an accomplishment in the way of art?
Commercially speaking when it's successful for the client. On a personal level I
just enjoy it when others find my art interesting. That is the pay off for me. I
enjoy sharing how I create my art too. So much so I created
http://www.illustrationclass.com The comments I have received from
those who have downloaded my tutorials and tried them has been so rewarding.
What kind of message, if any, do you try to convey
through your art?
Life is too short for bad art. Have fun and pursue excellence with your art.
Sometimes my messages are complex but most are straight forward. Enjoy the life
God has given you and do your best to honor him with your talent.
Sum up your art in one word.
Spaz-o-rific!
Any additional comments?
Doodle every day. It's like physical exercise, you'll get stronger and you'll be
far healthier creatively speaking.
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