Interview with Illustrator David Habben
Escape From Illustration Island is collaborating with Dripbook to produce a series of interviews with some of their featured Illustrators, beginning with the following discussion with artist David Habben.
1. Color plays an important roll in your illustrations, what is your approach to color? Do you follow a color scheme or just follow your instincts?
I’m rarely satisfied with my initial instincts on color. More often than not, I’ll experiment with the color in my work, develop several options and then start over again. I tend to create versions at opposite ends of the spectrum, i.e. either too garish or too plain, and then end up finding a balance somewhere in the middle.
2. To what do you attribute the inclusion of your work in such a wide variety of media (Illustration, comics, posters)?
I’ve been truly fortunate to have been friends with some great people in my life who have given me a wide variety of opportunities. That, and the truth that I enjoy trying new things has led to some unique uses of my work.
3. What is your process on a typical project? How much of it is digital vs. analog?
A large portion of my work is digital. I use a Wacom tablet and Photoshop to recreate the same processes I would have previously done with paper and pen. Sketches are created digitally and sent to the clients for approval in the same manner as if I’d scanned in my sketchbook. Their refined and new layers are created for line work, color, etc. all fully editable along the way. This allows for quicker turnaround with my clients and less expense and waste on my end.
4. There are a wide variety of themes in your work. What do you attribute this to and where do you find your inspiration?
I’ve never enjoyed sitting still and I think my work reflects that same restlessness of thought. I draw inspiration from a wide variety of experiences, including my faith, my friends, music, world events, etc. I’ve never felt my personal work as an artist was to focus solely on one aspect of life, rather to reflect my view of all the life around me.
5. What do you think inspires Art Directors to hire you for their projects?
I hope its a combination of them enjoying my work and confidence in my ability to offer them unique solutions. I try to show a variety of projects in my portfolio that demonstrate skill in a diverse applications. I also believe that once you’re hired for a job, you stick to it until you’ve fulfilled your end of the agreement, which in illustration means you’ve given the client exactly what they’re looking for, on time. I’ve stuck to that throughout my short career and its served me well.
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Special thanks to Dabid Habben and Dripbook for making this interview possible. You can view more of David’s Illustration work here, and you can learn more about Dripbook’s promotional tools for creatives here.
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Really nice interview, and nice work from David. We’ve always been a big fan…