I have always liked 'llIustration' and tend to produce it either as Cover Art or Sequential imagery. The former is probably the more challenging because of the balance that needs to be struck between form and content, decoration and narrative. Cover Art, like the short story, gets a limited shot at indicating what lies beneath the cover. My current preoccupation has been described, and I think aptly, as 'nostalgic sci fi and pulp'. And someone also suggested that it might be a little too late to revive the 'adventure genre'.
Stylistically, I'm keen on the commercial illustration of the mid 20th Century that was made to promote 'mass' publication (especially children's annuals, pulp magazines and comics). There is so much creativity and artistic competence to found on the covers and within the pages of even the most mundane examples.
It is over the last 7 years that I have started to use, and like, digital media. My working methods are still a little too intuitive and involve the usual squinting and standing back that one associates with traditional media, but I am enjoying making imagery more than ever and would now like to explore the possibilities of illustrating written stories (preferably by working with an author).
Interests: Commercial illustration and sequential imagery of the mid 20th Century that was made to promote 'mass' publications (especially children's annuals, pulp magazines and comics).
I am here for: Artistic interests. www.mikefyles.co.uk
Mike.
Comments (14)
Rorsdors
Still funny and much more modest;)
meselfr
nice one :)
MarkHirst
Still has the effect of the original. I feel it always has more impact when it's suggested rather than shown :-)
chippwalters
Works for me. Really a great cover.
Tracesl
excellent!
Shaylea
One lucky diver eh? Excellent cover!
Danceswithroos
The way you capture the old style is just outstanding. Awesome work!
DavidEMartin
A brilliant pastiche!
Balaenanun
Excellent! I love her expression :)
mmitchell_houston
I suppose the other cover was the international edition? :-) As with the others, I prefer this "modest" version of the cover. It seems to fit your chosen time period and, as such, seems more unified in both theme and execution. The frontal nudity on the other cover was just jarring and served only to distract us from another mini-masterpiece. The composition, as usual, is very strong. But then, it's hard to go astray with such a classic (and romantic) pose. I also LOVE IT that you did her "fishy parts" in red! The temptation to go green must have been very strong (or at least it would have been in me), but this is absolutely the perfect choice. The splash of subtle (and believable) red absolutely MAKES the image for me. The red, coupled with the mustard color of his suit, brings much needed warmth to what could have been an icy cold underwater scene. As it is, the warmth brings humanity to scene, which enhances both the romance and the subtle humor. Speaking of humor, I wonder how the image would work if you put a playful little red lipstick kiss on the side of his helmet? I really can't predict how that would work -- it could either make it or break it. Also, I know the suit is inflated, but the guy looks a bit fat sitting there. I wonder if it might not be a bit more romantic if you trimmed him up a bit by shaving a little bit off his chest and stomach areas? Just a thought. And, while I'm nitpicking (as I'm wont to do), I wonder if slightly longer hair might help create a little more "Lady Godiva" romanticism. Anyway, I'm babbling again. I really like it a lot and thanks SO MUCH for sharing it with us.
ragouc
Great work. Very good pose and composition. Cool postwork.
chrispoole
Fine update and of course in keeping with the time period, beautifully done.
Mikeall
Thanks everyone for the comments - very helpful and much appreciated!
PhilW
Great "pulp" feel!