Cette petite interview de Travis Smith a été envoyé le 23 mars 2007 et à cause sans doute, du planning chargé du célèbre illustrateur, je n'ai eu les réponses que fin septembre... Ce qui explique cette conclusion ;) Un grand merci à Travis Smith pour avoir tout de même répondu à mes questions.
1. Hi Travis! It's really kind to accord us some time because you must be very busy... So let's go! I think that a lot of our readers knows your name and your work for the metal sphere. Can you tell us more about you and how you've began in graphic design?
I've been doing artwork in one form or another for almost forever. I began doing simple things for local bands and the like in the late 80's, which developed into my current process and more professional avenues around 1995.
2. When did you began to live with your illustrations?
I began doing them professionally in 1995.
3. Is there any artists that have influenced your work through the years (and perhaps today yet)?
Yes, lots. In addition to numerous cd covers that inspired me along the way, some favorite artists remain Dave McKean, Stephen Gammel, Necrolord, Niklas Sundin, and many I cannot name. Quite a large list.
4. So we all know that you create beautiful illustrations for metal albums. Is it something that you really enjoy, something in what you can express yourself?
Well the focus is to express the vision of the band, but there always seems to be a place in it to put in some of my own vision, as sometimes, the idea is inspired by something that is meaningful to me personally, or that I can relate to that way, as well.
5. I suppose that the metal is not your only one occupation. Can we see your name anywhere else that in booklets of metal albums?
That is what I mostly do. I have been involved in a few other things, but not to the same extent. I've done a few comics and movie posters. And I have a nother part time job where I do graphics, but it is more behind the scenes.
6. For metal covers for example, how spends the processus of creating? Do you work alone or in listening to the album or with the band itself? Where does your inspiration come from?
It really varies with each thing. The first part is trying to find the best idea, and then, the best way to bring it to life. They are usually involved in one way or another, of course. Whether it be to provide a specific idea, or to approve or give input to any ideas I come up with on my own. I will usually listen to the band's music as I am creating for them, just to get me in the right mood.
7. How long does it take to realize an artwork in general? I suppose that it must be very variable but it's just to have an idea about that.
No solid answer. Anywhere from 30 minutes to a month.
8. Are you very in demand for your skills? Do you have to refuse any jobs because of a lack of time or because you feel that you won't be able to deliver what the person want?
It's off and on. Sometimes I don't have enough to do, and a lot of times, too much comes at once and I have to turn away things for the sake of time.
9. For bands such as Opeth or Katatonia (I think there are many more), your services are required for a long time now (8-9 years...), it's almost as if you were a part of their music and their atmosphere. Does this trust help you to bring your style further, to try some new things?
Actually, yes it does. in addition to them being my favorite artists, I have always had a strong connection to them when we worked together. I always seemed to know exactly what they were trying to say, and their music is always an inspiring force to me. The same with Anathema.
10. Is there any artworks that you are particularly proud of?
My main favorites will always be my works for Katatonia, Opeth, Devin Townsend, and Anathema. Also the new Solitude Aeturnus, and King Diamond's Abigail II.
11. What are you working on today? A little scoop for Thrashocore?
Just finished The live Opeth CD, and am finish up new Novembre.
12. And to finish, something that everybody wants to know : what are you listening to? Do you listen to metal music or is it just a legend?
I listen to metal. Right now I'm listening to Devin Townsend's Ziltoid.
13. Thank you for the interview and I wish you the best for the future. The last words are yours!
Thank you. Sorry for the wait on this!
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