Interview of Pablo Fernandez Angulo

WSG – Pablo Fernandez - aka TheBastardSon in deviantArt – thank you for this interview. You're a young comic book and concept artist from Spain ; and also author of "Valkyrie", recently elected "Warrior of the Season" by the members of the Warrior Spirit group. How do you usually describe yourself as a person ?

PF - Hi Xavier. First of all thanks to all the people there in your group that voted for Valkyrie.  Im not really sure how to describe myself but I would say im a normal guy that loves to draw and go out to party and drink some beer and wishkey  (laughs). I think my close friends would describe me better than myself but I rather not ask them (laughs).


WSG – About "Valkyrie", how did you come up with such a kickass piece ?

PF - To tell you the truth, it wasn't my idea. The idea for this piece was of the commissioner. He told me he wanted a Valkyrie, described the background and few details more and as a Norse mythology fan that I am, I was more than comfortable with the commission so i think that was the clue for it. If you have to draw something that you would make even for free, just for fun, and its also a paid commission you are more than inspired. Its always easier if you have to draw something that belongs to "your own terrain".


WSG – We're travelling in time : tell us about your very first steps in art as a kid !

PF - Well I've been drawing all my life. I guess my first steps were like the steps of every kid cause when we are children everyone loves to draw. It was at the age of 8 or 10 when I started to highlight from the rest. I think I've always known I wanted to work as illustrator and concept artist.


WSG – During that time, what were funniest, weirdest (you name it) experience in art – and what did you learn about it ?

PF - Not sure about that (laughs). But I remember when I was like 5 or something, that I draw a huge worm-snake thing on the wall all over the corridor. My parents went mad. And well, I learned that I should draw on paper instead of on the walls (laughs).


WSG - You seem to have an appetite for epic fantasy and especially (quote) "big swords, half-naked girls and huge reptiles" – what do you like in these subjects ?

PF - Not sure about why, when I was a kid my favourites movies and books was stuff like "The Princess Bride", "The Dark Crystal", "Lord of the Rings" so I guess I became a fan of that kind of things 'til now. It's also maybe because I find fantasy more adequate to what I like to talk about. Its not only about epicness, battles and huge monsters and warriors. Fantasy acts like a backdrop, my intention, not always but sometimes, its to talk about my own life, feelings, love, hate, etc. Fantasy has something special to tell stories, something deep and beautiful from a time that has never existed, I think that makes it feel like something really melancholic, and I like that. I got to admit that sometimes I just draw to have fun or to loose my self, not always I put that deep feelings into my artwork.


WSG - As a freelancer, how you approach work for a comic book and a trading card game ?

PF - Well it totally differs. For a comic book, I first write a story (if it's a personal project), then I draw sketches of the characters and the environment. I imagine the scenes in my mind over and over again until I have them clear and then i finally start doing a storyboard, sketched like, that later on will become more detailed comic pages... For the trading card games and other stuff like that like online games, I usually just read a description of what the client wants, I talk to him and once I have in mind what suits better his concept I make a black and white sketch. If the client is fine with it I add details and color and, unless he wanna make final corrections or changes, it's done. It also differs a bit if you work directly with the boss or you have an art director that guides you.


WSG – As a seasoned and dedicated speedpainter, do you have useful tips to share with the other members in case they'll want to give it a try ?

PF - Well, I just would say what I always recommend to everyone. Try to loose your hand, make quick concepts and sketches in black and white. Don't be afraid to change what you have in front of you even if its hours of work. I always start in black and white, its easier to control the contrast and shadows-light this way, then I add colors and more details applying color directly. I don't know, im not good teaching or giving advices ha,ha.


WSG – You've been featured in "Exotique 7" – a word about it ?

PF - I was really glad when they told me 2 of my works was going to be included in Exotique 7. My first thought when I sent them was "Mmm, im not gonna make it" (laughs). It has been an honor to be featured among with other artist all around the world in "Exotique", what can I say? And now they contacted me to participate in the upcoming Expose 10 (I think) from Ballistic publishing also, so im really glad.


WSG – Now the dreaded question : how / where do you find inspiration ? Who are your favorites authors – or preferred art pieces?

PF - I find inspiration everywhere to tell you truth, it's a mistery to me. I get ideas when im watching the tv, listening to music or all of a sudden when im drinking a wishkey with my friends in a bar. But to be honest, watching art and other wonderful pieces from other artist is what inspires me the most.


WSG – A word about your comic book project "Bounty Hunter" ?

PF - Ah, it was a personal project. When contracts and commissions reached my mail I had to leave it apart. Ill keep working on it when I have more free time...


WSG - Thanks Pablo for your time, and rendez-vous for the next Warrior of the Week !

PF - Thanks to you for this interview and sorry for my disastrous English (english).

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Links
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- Pablo Fernandez / TheBastardSon gallery : thebastardson.deviantart.com/g…
- "Valkyrie" deviation : thebastardson.deviantart.com/a…
- Warrior Spirit Group : warrior-spirit-group.deviantar…
- Exotique 7 : www.ballisticpublishing.com/bo…