ohmgee

Illustrator and TIME art director Martin Gee creates vector-based digital illustrations inspired by video games and nerd culture. He recently did a piece for us about a community college professor who uses student data to help boost student performance and keep his students on track. 

What do you do when you can’t think of any good ideas or are feeling down about your art?

I hate this question because both of these happen all the damn time! I used to say go outside, take a walk or go to the museum but who really has time for that? Deadlines! I just plow through. Keep going. Cry a little bit. Keep drawing. Bad ideas lead to better ideas.

I always feel down about my work! One day, I’ll focus on some random technical aspect. Another, I’ll ask how is this contributing to the common good or changing the world? Ultimately, I try to have fun. I know I’m on the right track when I make myself laugh and hopefully the viewer will to. After this story published, I got a kind email about the illustration and the pencil sword. Someone taking the time to Google you and reach out makes it all worth it, right?

Who/what are some of your favorite artists/inspirations?

Wow, how much time do you have? Uh, everything and everyone? =)

All-time favorite: Dave McKean, a true Renaissance man.

Early influences: Richard Scarry (especially ‘What Do People Do All Day’), Ed Emberley, John Byrne, Jim Lee

Some favorites: Marcos Chin, Victo Ngai, Phil Noto, Harry Campbell, Loulou and Tummie, Keith Negley, Stanley Chow, Gizem Vural, Jackie Ferrentino, Kali Ciesemier, Richie Pope, Rebecca Mock, Robert Valley, Jim Mahfood, Iain McCaig… you and your killer staff! I can go on and on forever! The amount of talent out there is so overwhelming.

Inspiration: Lego inspires me because of its perfect design / math and infinite possibilities. My wife made the observation that I illustrate the same way I build. So true! This is probably why I love vector art so much and can’t change styles.

I also try to spend as much time at the Met as I can because it’s my happy and quiet place. I do believe everything is inspiring!

Martin Gee is a Senior Art Director at TIME and freelance illustrator based in New York. His path of destruction includes The Huffington Post, The Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune and House of Blues. Recent clients include Entertainment Weekly, NPR, AARP, Variety, The Village Voice, Nautilus, Family Circle and The Washington Post.

He has won an Emmy, awards from a few acronyms (SOI, SPD and SND) and a fondue set for presentation karaoke / improv. He enjoys everything Star Wars, building Lego robots and living the dream.