5 Questions: Andy Howell -
So you want to be a skate graphics artist?
Interview by Amorone
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"5 Questions" is a new feature of AoS. We ask 5, and only 5, questions on one particular
subject related to skateboarding that we think folks would like to know from the people
who have the knowledge to share. Think of it as a mini-mini interview.
Our first interview is
with Andy Howell, well-known artist who got his early recognition with the graffiti-style graphics
and original characters he created for New Deal, which set that company apart at the time and
created their distinct image. Since then, Andy has gone on to start up many companies of his own,
freelance and more, but he had some time to share with us and answer 5 questions....
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ideas for graphics come from? The skater? The artist? or some coporate suit?
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It's been different with all the companies I have owned or worked with.
Many have really tight graphic teams which come up with graphics and the skaters
just see them and give approval. Having been one of the skaters I like a balance of
ideas between the graphic artists and the skaters. The best graphics are the ones that have
a connection with the personality of the skater. I also like the humorous ones alot. I've always
liked Flip, Girl, Workshop, Chocolate, and the World graphics are usually pretty good.
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(2) Can you describe the process of creating a graphic from the idea to placing it on the deck?
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The artist usually draws on paper (or
in the computer using a Wacom tablet), then scans and streamlines
in order to color it (for screen printing). Separations are done if
necessary, then sent to film and burned onto screens, which are then
used with wood friendly screening inks to apply to the board in layers
of color. It dries, gets distributed and then you buy it and ride
it. In the case of transfer paper applications, photoshop is usually
used to enhance full color artwork that has been photographed or scanned
straight from a flatbed scanner. Colors are enhanced and then a printing
process usually involving a special paper which is impregnated with
heat sensitive gases for the color. A heat transfer sort of like a
hi-tech iron on is used which actually sinks the color down into the
wood is used to transfer the graphic and then the graphic usually
even lasts a little bit longer. This proces is the funnest for artists,
because you get a little more color and variable tone to work with
in making the graphic. I think they'll last through a few more frontside
lips too. |
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(3) What tools/mediums should any perspective artist master in order to create graphics?
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Painting / Illustration if you are going to actually create the original image.
Then scanning, photoshop, streamline, illustrator or freehand, and take some lessons from
a silkscreener in color seps if you are going to sep the stuff yourself.
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(4) How does someone get a job doing artwork for a skate company ? |
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Mostly knowing someone is a good way, a friend of a friend. If your shit is tight you can
make some jpgs of illustrations or previous board graphics and post them on your own web page somewhere,
then send an email with a simple 3-4 sentence description of what you can offer with a link to a few jpgs (5-10)
that you feel are you best work. End your email with something to the effect of "please give me any feedback you
can as to how I can make my graphics better" and most importantly "thanks for your time". Then respect the
person's privacy and time by letting them decide what they will do. A lot of people have sent me graphics over
the years and then called me every day for a month until I talked to them. That won't get you any play.
Some people won't even write back right away, they may bookmark your page and bring it up in a meeting in 3
months or something when new graphics are in the works. The best you can do is make your offering tight and
short and to the point. These guys are running skate companies, are very busy normally, but if you have good
work you'll get an email back.
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(5) What is your own advice based on your experience to anyone looking to get into that field?
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See #4, also don't let anyone tell you you can't do it, be persistent, and if it doesn't work
the first time try harder the second third and fourth. Peace.
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Please check out Andy's web site (www.AndyHowell.com)
to see what he is up too, examples of some of his work and more. Also visit
his other sites.... www.ImageWerks.com
or www.ImageWerks.org ! |
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( AoS would like to thank Andy Howell for taking the time to answer a few questions and share his knowledge
with our visitors. Think you have a good set of 5 questions? Send us your ideas! )
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