You've probably seen his art before (it's pretty hard to miss!), especially if you're a gamer. Illustrator/designer Christopher Lee has a fun and vivid flat style with HEAPS of character and humour bouncing right back at you. Check out The Beast is Back for his quirky take on our beloved characters.
Today, Chris has kindly put aside some time to answer a few questions from me so read on to grab some tips and learn about the artist himself!
1) What are 3 words that describe your art style?
Retro, fun, colorful
2) What are your favourite things or types of characters to draw?
I really enjoy my fan art related projects because I am such a huge toy collector and pop culture nerd. When I’m drawing my own stuff, anything goes really. I particularly love drawing monsters and creatures.
3) Nostalgia seems to play a big role in your art. Would you say this is true?
Definitely. I had so many great experiences as a kid. It’s really easy to draw on those feelings of growing up.
4) In your success, what have you discovered about what people like or gravitate towards?
That’s hard to say. I feel like people enjoy my interpretation and execution. I’m sure part of that reaction is from my style and partially because I’m drawing on topics and themes they can relate to.
5) How do you keep motivated? How do you deal with blocks?
I keep a running list with nuggets of ideas to revisit later. If I’m in a block, I just refer to that list and find something I want to work on.
6) What game's art style do you particularly love? (eg. I love Professor Layton's art!)
I don’t play enough games these days, but I really love all the “new” games that still use pixel art (like Bro Force).
7) As an artist, what is something you wish to improve on or grasp?
I’d like to learn to paint traditionally.
8) How did you come up with the name 'The Beast is Back'?
I came up with that moniker while in college over 10 years ago. I wanted a name that was mysterious and ambiguous.
9) In my observation, there seem to be two types of artists - those who more emotional and splash their 'brush' around to get the right atmosphere and overall feel...and those who are more analytical and like to focus on the smaller details and getting those 'right' before moving on. Which one are you?
It depends on the project at hand. I always tell people I’m a horrible doodler. I like drawing with purpose so I always need a prompt. I need a reason to be drawing. I think this type of thinking is why I enjoy working in the commercial field so much. I can get loose when I need to and precise when I need to. It’s not either or for me.
10) And FINALLY, what are some professional tips you would have given yourself, say, 10 years ago?
Don’t invest in printing t-shirts.
Note taken!
See more of Christopher's work at The Beast is Back.
