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10 Questions with Shane Hillman
Traditionally, I use blue pencil, 0.3 mechanical pencil and staedtler pigment liners to create most illustrations. Other tools like brush, gauche and such will make their way into the mix as seen fit but I mostly stick to some basic tools. I'm pretty big on using lightboxes and such as well, doing multiple passes to get a nice, clean, final product. Nowadays, I do almost all of my work in photoshop using custom set brushes. I work almost exactly as I do traditionally, using blue pencil brush sets and such, building up layers until I have a polished, final piece.
2.... can you describe your creative process when making art?
A lot of my creative process is letting my hand just flow. I usually keep all initial sketches extremely rough and I just work away until something feels right. After that, it's all about tightening composition and building a tightened scene. Really, it's all about finding that quick burst of inspiration within a sketch that just drives the piece until it's done. I'm always looking for that exciting moment.
There are quite a few things that burst my creativity. It might sound cheap, but anything that is related to an expressive medium inspires me. This ranges from video games, to movies, to comics, to fine arts. Really, anything that is creative helps push my creativity. Most of the time, it is looking at fellow comic artists and illustrators. Tumblr has been a great source for this. Being an 80's child, 80's film/toys have always been a big inspiration on me as well.
4.... what helps you maintain focus and motivation when creating?
Most of the time, once I get started on something, I just go until it is finished. I can get almost obsessive about finishing a piece once I have found that burst of inspiration. There are always distractions, life distractions, whatever, that might get in the way but I try to keep those minimal once I have found that inspired sketch.
5.... what is the secret to creating a great piece of art?
The secret...Hmm.. That's tricky to answer. It's really a bit of everything. Time, composition, quality, style, design, colors. Everything does come into play. It's like trying cook a 12 course meal and have the quality be the same across the board. It really comes down to practice and balance.
6.... do you feel its important to follow your passion in your career?
Absolutely. There have been times where I have thought of pathing to a more traditional job set but I always come back to creating.
7.... how and when do you get your best ideas?
I usually get most of my best ideas in the early morning, or when I am traveling. Usually, when I am completely alone and left to wonder, stuff will just pop up. There is a flip-side to it where I collaborate with others and ideas just keep bursting out.
8.... who are your favorite artists?
Fabien Mense, Kris Anka, Mark Facey, Mike Mignola, James Stokoe. Those are a few off the top of my head, at the moment.
9.... do you offer workshops for artists?
I do not offer workshops at the moment. I've never explored that aspect but I'd be open to it in the future.
Okay, I'm going to give a few bits of advice. Some of these bits are cliche but they have helped me along my path. 1. Keep drawing. Finish pieces and start new ones. Keep pushing your limits and never be satisfied. 2. If you're having a hard time getting into a workflow, start working for at least 30 minutes. Normally after this period, things will click and you'll be in a steady groove. This helps me a lot when I can't break into it. 3. Explore new mediums. Try to not tie yourself down to any one. Feel free to explore! This is what art is all about! Enjoy it!
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