Meet Mark Klein (@officialartmark)
Ohio concept illustrator Mark Klein @officialartmark discusses inspirations for his inky, gothic manga style, his favorite Bee Paper product, and urges artists to open their eyes and "draw, draw and draw" in his interview for the latest Bee Paper blog.
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
As early as I can remember, I was always drawing. I was fascinated with the artwork I saw in my comic books. I would spend hours sitting at my mother's kitchen table drawing super heroes and Star Wars starfighters.
You tell us you are a concept artist. Can you explain to us what concept art is, in comparison to other types of illustration?
As a concept artist, I take someone's idea and develop that idea into a drawing. Examples of concept art would be character design, costume concepts, and set pieces for film, or other print media.
You have a very inky, gothic comic illustration style. Do you have any artists that have inspired your work?
I love working in black ink, which is why it appears to have that look. I prefer ink, because it challenges me with its permanence; you just cannot press delete and start over with ink. I have a large recycling bin filled with deletions. I was always and still inspired by comic artists like Jack Kirby and Darwyn Cooke.
You tell us that you have always been a fan of Marvel and DC Comics. Where do you draw your inspiration from the most these days?
Literally everywhere. I always tell younger artists to just sit down somewhere and open your eyes. There is art in everything.
Favorite Bee Paper product and why?
I am a huge fan of the Super Deluxe Mixed Media paper. It works amazing with everything from pencils to black sumi ink, and the ink doesn't bleed through.
What are your favorite subjects to draw and why?
I enjoy drawing anything from monsters to random people in a cafe or pub.
Did you have any experiences that have pushed you to improve as an artist?
Yes! I once had a commission for an elephant. I had never drawn an elephant before and I had little references or ideas. I really had to do my homework and find references and even YouTube videos to see how they moved.
What has been the most challenging part of your artistic journey and how did you overcome it?
Every artist goes through artist's block, it's a real thing. The method I use to get over it, ironically enough, is just to draw, draw, and draw.
Do you find it easier to create commissioned art or to make your own art?
With commissioned art, you are set on a specific direction or idea, which gives you a foundation, making it a bit easier. When doing your own art, you are entirely running on your own magic.
We can see you sell your art printed on many different types of merchandise online. Do you have any advice for artists wanting to sell their work?
Take advantage of the online companies out there, like Society 6 and Etsy.
Follow Mark!
Instagram: @officialartmark Twitter: @OfficialArtMark Shop: Society6.com/officialartmark