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Born in 1970, Scott's childhood was heavily influenced by comic books, Sci-Fi movies, and Fantasy novels.
Although he always loved to draw, he never considered a career in art
until he started college. After receiving his BFA in Illustration from
Northern Illinois University in 1993, he immediately began working as a
freelance artist in the Fantasy/Sci-Fi gaming industry. In a market
where artists are often categorized by genre, Scott's ability to
illustrate various subjects has earned him a reputation of versatility.
His work has been commissioned by numerous publishers, including Marvel
Comics, Wizards of the Coast, Games Workshop, Dragon Magazine, Palladium Books, White Wolf
Publishing, TSR, FASA, and others. In addition to fantasy illustration, he has also done commercial work such as package design, website design, product illustration, and concept design for
toys. Scott currently works from his home office in the Chicago area, where he lives with his wife Lisa and their son Eric.
General Questions
Q: What kind of art schooling did you have?
A: Very little on the High School level, because back then I was planning on being a writer. I applied to Columbia College in Chicago for their writing program, but on registration day decided to pursue an Art major instead. After two years I decided I hated the downtown commute so I transferred to
NIU, where they had a couple of teachers in the Illustration program doing comics and games. That was a stroke of luck.
Q: Where do you get your ideas from?
A: Anywhere I can get them- movies, books, magazines, comics, real life...anything that sparks my imagination. I'm constantly searching for new elements to incorporate into my art that I haven't tried before.
Q: Who are your influences?
A: I'm constantly studying other artists and trying to learn new things. But if I had to pick a few that I've studied the most I'd say Frank
Frazetta, Michael Whelan, Keith Parkinson, Larry Elmore, Brom, and Berni
Wrightson.
Q: What kind of music do you listen to while you work?
A: Often the mood of the music I listen to reflects the mood of the artwork. Generally speaking though, I tend to like fast-paced music. I'll listen to hard rock, classical, movie scores, and anything else that has a dramatic feel to it. Currently I'm listening to bands like Linkin Park,
Nickleback, and Staind, but old favorites include Metallica, Van Halen, and AC/DC.
Q: Will you draw my RPG character?
A: I'm sorry, but I rarely have the time for small private commissions. My freelance schedule is extremely busy.
About Digital Illustration
Q: Your computer art doesn't look like computer art. Why?
A: I don't use 3D modeling programs, and rarely use photographic elements or automatic special effect filters. I apply traditional illustration techniques. I just happen to "paint" on a computer instead of using oils or acrylics.
Q: Is digital superior to paint?
A: That would be like asking if pencil is superior to pen & ink, or if acrylics is superior to oils. All mediums have their own pros and cons, and digital is no exception. So although I love some of the advantages that digital has over paint, I hate some of the disadvantages.
Q: What are some of the pros and cons of digital illustration?
A: The biggest advantage of digital is easy revision. If I make a mistake, I can undo it with a tap of a button. If I'm experimenting and I
don't like how something turns out, I can go back to a previously saved
version and start that section again. Or if the publisher wants me to change a color, it's usually an easy fix. Those are powerful advantages, but the disadvantages are big, too. The hardware and software is very expensive. When you start out it can take a lot of time to get your monitor to match the printed version. And it may take a long time and a lot of money to find an inkjet or laser printer that will give you accurate color proofs. Also, when you're done with your illustration you don't have an
original painting that you can hang on your wall, give away as a gift, or sell for extra money. All you have is a computer disk... that's no fun.
Q: What type of software do you use?
A: Adobe Photoshop. I've heard a lot of good things about Corel Painter as well, so I may try to experiment with that If I ever get the chance.
Q: Do you use a pen tablet?
A: Yes, it would be impossible to do my style of digital painting without one. I use a 9x12 inch Wacom Intuos2 tablet.
Q: Do you use Mac or Windows?
A: It used to be that Mac was the only way to go, but that's not the case anymore. These days Photoshop, like most programs, is virtually identical on either platform. Even though I prefer the Mac OS, I now work in Windows because buying a powerful new Dell was a lot cheaper than buying a Power Mac G4.
Q: Do you do your work 100% on the computer?
A: I start out by drawing a pencil sketch. Then I scan that into the computer and use it as a template for my illustration.
Q: Do you use photo references?
A: Yes, especially when illustrating people. Often I just have to make stuff up from my mind, though. It's really hard to find good robots and monsters willing to pose for the camera.
Q: How long does it take you to do a digital illustration?
A: It depends on the piece. A simple trading card could
take 2 or 3 days, but a complex book cover could take 2 or 3 weeks.
About Pencil and Ink illustration
Q: What tools do you use when you pencil? Lead holder? Drawing pencil? Mechanical pencil?
A: I'll sometimes use drawing pencils, but usually I use a lead holder.
Q: What kind of paper or board do you draw on?
A: Usually smooth surface Bristol. It's a great surface for inking.
Q: What's your approach for going from sketch to finished drawing?
A: I'll usually start out with a few thumbnail sketches. After I choose a concept I'll sketch in non-photo blue pencil, then I'll tighten up the drawing with an HB pencil. Then I'll ink over the pencils.
Q: Do you ever use a lightbox?
A: Not for inking, but if I happen to do a sketch on tracing paper or something else I'll transfer it to the Bristol with a
lightbox.
Q: What tools do you use for inking?
A: A combination of Rapidograph tech pens, a #102 quill pen, and a Winsor & Newton Series 7 #2 brush. It all depends on what I'm inking. If I'm drawing clean straight edges I'll use the tech pens. If I'm doing delicate line work but I need some line variation I'll use the quill pen. If I'm doing organic shapes that require fluid lines with varied thickness I'll use the brush. Sometimes I'll use all three on the same drawing.
Q: How long does it take you to do an ink illustration?
A: It varies with the size and complexity of the piece. Usually it takes about a day to pencil a full page, and another day to ink it.
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