Tim Probert, the author and illustrator of the fantasy graphic novel series Lightfall, has finally found his artistic voice. In this interview, Probert reflects on his journey from a painting student at Boston University to a successful illustrator and art director at Nathan Love animation studio. He shares his influences, the impact of his animation work on his illustration, and the process of creating the Lightfall series.
Probert's journey began with a lack of direction after graduating from art school. He struggled to find his niche, trying to emulate different styles and artists. However, he found his calling when he discovered the art-of books from Pixar movies and started teaching himself Photoshop. His first real job was on the scratch-and-sniff book New York, Phew York, which helped him gain recognition and land a book illustration job at Macmillan Publishers.
His influences include Hayao Miyazaki, whose unique storytelling and detailed drawings inspired him, and Kazu Kibuishi's Amulet, which introduced him to the world of serialized fantasy stories in comics. Probert also credits Jeff Smith's Bone with showing him the potential for epic storytelling in comics.
Probert's work in animation, particularly at Nathan Love, has greatly influenced his illustration. He learned to storyboard, design characters, and work on environments, which has improved his illustration skills. His role as art director also taught him to draw quickly, clearly, and efficiently, which is crucial when illustrating a 250+ page book.
The Lightfall series, which Probert is currently working on, is a blend of his painting and illustration skills. He has a guiding aesthetic that he has finally learned to lean into, which is a result of his early struggles to find his artistic voice. Probert's goal is to create a series that will appeal to a wide range of readers, and he is constantly refining his process to achieve this.
In conclusion, Tim Probert's journey from a painting student to a successful illustrator and art director is an inspiring tale of perseverance and self-discovery. His influences, animation work, and guiding aesthetic have shaped his unique artistic voice, and his Lightfall series is a testament to his talent and dedication. As he continues to refine his process and create new works, Probert is sure to leave a lasting impact on the world of illustration and fantasy storytelling.
