XXLART Featured Artist | Adam Jackson

"I've always felt this strong compulsion to draw, whether I was any good at it or not."   Adam Jackson

What was the earliest form of art that you experienced?

One of the first things I can remember wanting to draw, and did draw, was dinosaurs. I was really stoked on dinosaurs and just kind of instinctively started drawing my own. The it was Ultraman. Then I can remember specifically being really impressed by the promotion posters for the street fighter games I would see up and around all the arcades. I spent a great deal of time hanging out at these mega arcades in Japan. Art in advertisement has a profound effect on me, so I guess that was kind of the real first form of art I experienced, the kind use to advertise and promote something.

Was there anything that influenced you to be the type of artist you are today, in terms of style?

Well, I have always been fascinated with tattoo art. I also simple love black and white illustration. When you get a lot of good feedback on something and people want more of it, you create more... at least until you get sick of it! Then you try to move on. So I guess tattoo culture and it's popularity has been somewhat of a determining factor. I am much more concerned with being authentic than I am with being original.

Did you always want to become an artist or did it just happen?

I dreamed of working for Disney as a kid, I wanted work in animation as early as I can remember. After so much stuff went to CGI, most of the romance was gone, I felt disconnected from the flashy digital stuff everywhere. I still enjoyed the movies, but didn't feel the same pull to get involved. I felt I wasn't qualified and already old fashioned. I just wanted to draw! In college I really realized I wanted to be an illustrator, and going into Graphic Design was the answer for me, it addressed my interests very well and helped give me direction. All I was really worried about at that point though was getting a job, any job! It wasn't until a year or so after college I realized that my day job and regular design work was never going to satisfy me. I needed more! So I just started drawing like a mad man, studying anatomy all over again, devouring design books, sketching in my free time, etc. I was determined to get better.

How long have you been illustrating?

I would say I've been illustrating professionally for a little over two years. So much has happen in that little time! It's been very exciting, and stressful. And very challenging too.

Was becoming an artist the first thing you wanted to do or did you have any other "hidden talents"?

I have lot's of other interest and fascinations, I'm not sure about any real hidden talents though. I like to think I would have worked out well as a comedy writer. Or a fashion designer. Maybe I'll get to do both someday. It's all a form of art anyway, but specifically illustration has been the one thing that has persisted throughout my life. I've always felt this strong compulsion to draw, whether I was any good at it or not.

What are some of your career goals, being as young an artist as you are?

There are always going to be a number of clients or people I would love to work with, but really my goal is to gain more personal satisfaction in my work, and have more time to sell my work independently.

What would you consider your highest accomplishment thus far in your career?

The day I realized my work was really providing for my family. Nothing can top that.

Is there any one specific illustration you've done that you'd consider your favorite?

There are a few that I like, but I am incredibly critical of my own work. I have a very hard time hanging anything of my own up around my house. My wife might put something up that I'll agree to from time to time. I like "Runaway", it's very simple and it conveys the emotion and mood I was after very well.

Do you have any favorite artist?

Favorite's would include Alphonse Mucha, Richard Corben, Charles Burns, Thomas Hart Benton, Enoch Bolles, Jeff Jones, Paul Pope, and Frank Frazetta.

Website | www.adamants.wordpress.com
Contact | www.adamants.wordpress.com/contact-info