Interview with Rudy Jan Faber | graphic design & art 27/08/2012
Hello Rudy! It's a great honor to talk with you! I'm pretty sure that your unique style inspire a
lot of people out there. You seem to be very dedicated and
passionate artist. In the very beginning, let's start with some
basic info about you.
Well my name is Rudy-Jan Faber. I was born and raised in a small
town in
the Netherlands. Nowadays I live in the beautiful historical city of
Leeuwarden, still quite close to my hometown.
I'm a freelance illustrator. I like to paint as a hobby. I'm a music
geek,
tattoo enthusiast and a collector of toys and oddities.
Q: What made you to become an artist?
A:
Just like any kid I loved to draw. I enjoyed it that much, that I
never stopped. That's pretty much the only reason.
Q: What was the most inspiring (thing or person) for you in the
beginning?
A:
I used to flip through graphic novels even before I could read, in
particular the Flemish series called 'Suske & Wiske'. Later on I
discovered 'Asterix' and even later 'Franka', a Dutch series which
is
still one of my favorite illustrated graphic novels. Apart from that
I was
a huge Dinosaur geek. I could actually name countless of species
long
before Jurassic Park hit the theaters haha. My parents got me this
huge
encyclopedia about prehistoric life on my 7th-something birthday
(from
early marine life up until modern humans) which was beautifully
illustrated. I must have drawn (copied) every Dinosaur from that
book, but
only the Dinosaurs because they were the awesome haha.
Q: What kind of art interested you the most at the time?
A: I guess the typical European comic style like 'Asterix', 'Tin Tin',
'Lucky
Luke' and the beautifully rendered style of animals in biology
books, like
the Dinosaurs I mentioned above. And Snorks, I loved Snorks and drew
them
all the time (you must be a 70s, early 80s child to know what I'm
talkingabout haha)
Q: How did you learn the drawing skills? Did you attend fine art
school?
A:
My earliest memory is my dad showing me some tricks. It's funny
because he
actually denies this. My dad is quite skilled in drawing, but he
never
pursued a career as an artist. I remember drawing crappy like any
kid,
until someday my dad showed me how to draw animals from, yup, books
about
biology/flora & fauna. I can honestly say that was the biggest
progress in
the shortest time I've ever made. I just seemed to get it in one go
and I
was hooked.
I did attend some sort of art school, but I wouldn't call it
anything
close to a fine art education. I didn't really learn anything from
teachers or my peers. When people ask I usually tell them I'm self
taught, which is pretty much the truth.
Q: Do you remember your first creation?
A:
A small fish from the book I mentioned in the previous answer. I
actually
remember it quite clearly (must be about 25 years ago). My dad
showed me
how to mimic the shape and colors using colored pencils and markers.
I'm
sure that experience was the trigger that eventually brought me to
where
I'm at right now.
Q: Art takes discipline and as an artist you should follow
some steps... How much time was necessary for you to develop your
skills?
A:
Well let's say I was about 6 years old when my passion for drawing
truly
developed, so that would be 25 years now haha.
It's an ongoing journey.
Q: How would you describe your style in a few words?
A:
Uhm pin-up, realism with a hint of cartoony or just the other way
around,
burlesque, victoriana, sur-realism, lowbrow...? haha I really don't
know.
I know my art history, but I wouldn't know how to place my work into
any
of the known disciplines, yet I don't think my work is that
original.
Q: Talking about your paintings... Your color use is really amazing.
What kind of supplies do you use?
A:
Well mostly my trusty Wacom tablet and Photoshop, some touches in
Corel
Painter. As for traditional I use acrylics, oils and whatever junk I
have laying
around that could use some paint, like heaps of cardboard boxes or
old
battered skate decks (I'm not a skater myself, but I got a stack of
cast always from a friend).
Q: Many of your compositions features tattoo and some dark motives.
What is their significance? Is there any message? Btw, they look
awesome!
A:
No it's merely because I like it. I love ghost stories, the macabre
and
occult, but I don't really know why. It's not something I'm involved
with,
nor do I have much knowledge on the subject. I'm certainly not
religious
or a believer in the paranormal. It's just something that fascinates
me,
but more in the sense of dark fairytales or folklore I guess.
As for tattoos, I love it! I'm obsessed with tattoos. Right now I
only
have ¾ of one arm covered (not even the inside yet, it's a work in
progress). I've wanted to get tattooed for as long as I can
remember, but
somehow I didn't get anything (apart from an ugly ink blob when I
was 18,
it's covered up now) until quite recently. In hindsight I'm really
glad to
have waited because now I have way more knowledge on tattoos and who
the
great artists are. Gonna be covered eventually haha.
Anyway, if there's something I feel passionate about I tend to show
it in
my work. Tattoos therefore are a natural recurring theme in my work.
As
well as vintage/victorian, circus, burlesque themes.
Q: Do you get caught up in the meaning of your artworks, or you keep
that separate?
A:
No my artwork generally doesn't have some deep underlying meaning. I
just
want to create an appealing image.
I always tend to laugh at these so called art critics who analyze
the shit
out of some painting. I'd like to hear their thoughts on my work for
a
good laugh haha.
I can understand people might find some meaning in my work. For
instance
my illustration called 'Cirque du Mort' who features a crucified
tattooed
dead guy, who obviously translates as a depiction of Jesus Christ.
Of
course this was something I expected, but mostly it was a
composition
choice. I had this really vague idea of a woman in the front and
some
tattooed male figure behind her spreading his arms. I don't know
why, but
that was an initial composition that just hit me. When I visited the
Amsterdam Tattoo Museum I saw an awesome wooden tattooed Christ
hanging
over a staircase, which sparked that idea. In my illustration it
doesn't
have to necessarily mean Christ, but yes of course I meant for
people to
read it that way. Some people will get offended by it, but honestly
I can
only take that as a compliment. It's partly feeling rebellious or
criticize a certain dogma, which isn't something I usually seek in
my
work. I definitely appreciate this in other people's work, like
Banksy's
critical view on society for instance.
Q: Bright colors, deep shadows and brilliant highlights almost in
every painting. Can you make a comparison between your painting
style and your personality?
A:
Haha my personality probably shifts between emotions as much as my
painting style does. Bright to dark, happy to sad and angry. I can
be very
optimistic or be a huge pessimist, but I actually never wondered how
this
influences my work.
Q: What is the most captivating thing that viewers should see?
A:
Do you mean in my work or in general? In my work, well just whatever
you
want. In general, if you're ever in Amsterdam go visit the tattoo
museum!
Seriously, it's an awesome cabinet of curiosities and a brilliant
collection of tattoo history the same.
Q: Can you tell us about the making process? Do you have a
sketchbook?
A:
A lot of the time I just start somewhere and see where it goes. Most
of my
personal work that you'll find online are just some pieces that
pretty
much developed along the way without having a complete picture in
mind.
Using traditional media this is slightly more difficult, but in the
essence I do the same.
As for hired work I do a lot of preliminary sketches, get it
approved, do
detailed lines, get it approved and start painting, get it approved
once
more and finish up :P
And yes I do have a sketchbook.
Q: To be a multi-talented person, must
be a blast! You work on many art mediums such as oil, some digital
works, even skate decks - awesome. Which medium you like the most?
Which medium gives you creative freedom the
most?
A:
Well digital still gives me the most artistic freedom at the moment.
Apart
from pencils I don't have much previous traditional media experience
unlike the old school guys & gals. Painting, so to speak, I pretty
much
learned digitally, which allowed me the use of some nifty tricks
that are
not available in traditional media. Also, mistakes are so much
easier to
correct. I do think my method of working digitally resembles more of
a traditional approach and to me creating something cool in actual
traditional media is much more rewarding. I'm getting the hang of
using
oils, which I'm learning by myself, and I love it!
Q: Let's say a few words about your toy creations. When did you find
that medium as an interesting tool to express your creativity? What
was the basic idea etc?
A:
I'm supposed to be a grown man, but I'm still a child at heart. I
think my
love for toys as a child just stuck with me. In, I believe 2003, I
discovered the phenomena called designer toys or urban vinyl. A
super
fresh, graffiti style toy of a Gorilla wearing a hockey Jersey,
visor cap
and holding a spray can was the most awesome figurine I've ever
seen
(DAAPE by Tim Tsui, first edition) and I needed that thing bad! I
bought
it, got addicted, spent a small fortune and filled an entire
cabinet.
Anyway, it was through this new found addiction for urban vinyl I
learned
about so called blanc Do It Yourself toys (they weren't actually
around
yet when I started collecting) Bought my first blanc DIY Munny in
Santa
Monica LA. Nowadays I like to draw/paint on whatever stuff I have
laying
around. Also, my mom keeps bringing me these porcelain cat statues
she
finds on her treasure hunts in second hand shops and flee markets.
They
make an excellent canvas!
A while ago I bought some Super Sculpey polymer clay to have a go at
sculpting myself. I want to try doing some resin or vinyl casts from
it so
I can make a series of blank figurines/toys to paint on.
Q: What would be the sickest or most mind boggling art piece you
would like to work on? No matter the medium. Is there any piece that
is still undone? :)
A:
Haha I don't know really. I always wanted to illustrate a graphic
novel.
Actually do an entire graphic novel by myself, but my story writing
skills
are terrible.
I'd like to do some awesome collabos with artists I admire. Maybe
get an
international crew together in a city like Rio de Janeiro or San
Francisco
and do a massive mural. Just hang out, party and paint.
Q: Do you still enjoy painting as much now, or do you feel jaded at
all, do you still have the enthusiasm?
A:
I think I enjoy it more than ever because I feel like I reached a
certain
level in which I'm able to create the things I want and not get so
frustrated anymore because of the lack in skill. Well most of the
time
that is. I still experience that artist's block sometimes or I have
an
idea and it just doesn't work. I think everybody experiences this
from
time to time.
Q: Since your style is well-defined, have you ever thought to
change it and start doing something different? Maybe working as a
graphic designer etc?
A:
I was seriously thinking of pursuing a career as a tattoo artist for
a
while. Even bought a cheap kit on ebay and tried to get an
apprenticeship
at a local tattoo artist's shop (at Rinto, who actually happens to
be one
of the greatest artists in this country, Europe even). Me being a
total
tattoo rookie, yet an enormous tattoo enthusiast, I did not entirely
underestimate the learning curve involved, but figured I had a major
headstart with my experience as an artist. This was in a period I
just
lost my full-time job as concept artist and I didn't get any
illustration
projects at the time. Just talking to Rinto made me wonder if I
wanted to
give up illustration to fully commit myself to tattooing, which
would take
me up to 10 years at least to become good. I decided to stick to
what I
know and soon after I actually got some great gigs.
Tattoos are part of my work and I'm happy to get to know and hang
out with
awesome tattoo artists. That's my contribution to the world of
tattoos,
although I still would like to learn the craft.
Apart from that, I don't want to stick to one specific style. People
say
it's better for an artist to stick to one style, but I don't care
for
that. I just want to do what I like whether it's cartoony or
realistic,
happy and colorful or dark and ominous.
Q: Art could be a great influence on someone's personality. What is
the best lesson that you've learned from your art journey?
A:
Wow, uhm that's a tough one. You know, I don't know who I would've
been
without this. I don't know any better, but I don't think it has
taught me
some wise life lessons I would've missed otherwise. Thankfully my
parents
have always supported and encouraged me. Apart from a few harsh
years,
which actually steered me to the path of freelance illustration, I
never
really experienced the hard knock artist's life. I've learned some
tricks
dealing with clients, but honestly I'm still a newbie at this game.
I
think my big lesson to learn is yet to come.
Q: Are there any particular goals you'd like to achieve in your
career?
A:
Well it would be kind of nice if I could just create stuff that
sells
itself you know. Just produce something because you like to and some
person buys it for a ridiculous price so I can eat and pay bills for
months to come haha. But in all seriousness, I don't think there's
some
huge goal I'm striving for. I'm glad I can earn a living creating
illustrations and art and get recognition for it. The latter being
something of great value, especially from colleagues you admire
greatly.
Really, the biggest compliments on your work you can get come from
those
who you admire and know what it takes.
Q: Being an artist is a real joy, right? What is your major
excitement, challenge in this job?
A:
Hm I guess the real joy for me is knowing something I'm working on
is
going to look great. That moment you see it heading the right way,
especially when it's something you've never done before.
The biggest challenge lies in work for clients. I did some great
projects
that I thoroughly enjoyed, but also some that I really didn't like.
Even
when I just don't have a good connection with the subject I'm
supposed to
illustrate, I always strive to give it the best of my abilities and
make
an appealing image. It's not always a joy haha.
Q:
What's your best motivational lesson
for the new artists?
A:
Just do what you want to do. Study and learn from everything. Never
give
up on your dreams, but don't put all your money on it just yet. Have
a
back up just in case. If it doesn't work out, you'll have a great
hobby
and who knows maybe later on in life, you'll get there. You don't
have to
be a successful artist at 21, 31, 41... Take criticism well, but
don't
ever let it get you down. Instead learn from it. Ignore the haters,
they're not worth your time. And whatever you accomplish in life,
stay
humble and kind. You'll never be the greatest artist alive, no-one
ever
will. Success doesn't equal a huge ego. Talent is overrated. Just
practice
and work hard, but don't force yourself, just enjoy it!
Yeah that's it I guess.
Please feel free to share your website.
http://www.rudyfaber.com
tel.: +31641832049
http://www.facebook.com/rudyjanfaber