Interview Stephen Silver
You are an artist. Who are your main influences?
My main influences were the artists of MAD magazine. Along with them there were Al Hirschfeld, Norman Rockwell, J.C Leyendecker, Frank Frazetta and Uderzo the artist behind Asterix and Obelix.
What are the most important aspects of designing a character?
The most important aspect I feel is finding the personality and feeling of the character. What's the story? Once you have determined that then capturing a gesture, creating a design and understanding the construction are key.
You also draw caricatures. Do you feel part of a tradition, or are your caricatures different in any sense?
Caricatures have played a major role in my character designs. I handle them different from most because I treat them as if the could be animated, so I don't put in as much detail.
Craft can be taught, but can creativity?
Creativity can be taught too with the right instructor. I personally teach my students to think outside the box. It is important to explore and discover variety through your exploration. Eventually with enough persistence, the creativity will come out.
Which question should I have asked and what is your answer to that question?
What is the best way for artists to find work and get discovered?
I feel it is vital to keep putting yourself out here, not just through social media, but face to face. By doing so you increase your exposure and you will be discovered. Then it is important to learn the business of art, value your art and not get taken advantage of. Content is king and people need artists.
See also: Interview-Scotland-Barnes
