Nathan Jurevicius is one of the industry’s hardest working illustrators and artists specializing in a variety of fields. He creates interesting computer games full of adventures, he makes beautiful book illustrations, animations and even toys designs. His works are known both in Australia and overseas, and his inspiration is almost inexhaustible.
In his exclusive interview for WP Daddy, Nathan speaks on his latest graphic novel, the things that influenced his interest in design and illustration, his best clients and latest projects, and much more exciting facts on his creative life.
So let’s have a chat with Nathan.
1. Will you please say a couple of words about yourself and your scope of activities?
I’m a multi-disciplined artist creating work in a variety of fields including toys design, animation, computer games, book illustration, and fine art.
2. What made you get into design? And what influenced your interest in illustration?
I’ve always wanted to do something artistic ever since I was a little kid. My father is an artist/potter and influenced my direction a lot. Growing up we were given access to a wide range of art/craft supplies and encouraged to explore and make things as much as possible.
3. Will you please say a few words on what job you can call the start of your design career?
I was fortunate to get a few small paid projects throughout high-school and University. Most of these were illustrations for textbooks and educational kids books. This probably was the stepping stone to doing editorial work. My first major job outside of Australia in the mid – late 1990’s was a double page spread for a Mac Magazine in the US (received a lot of exposure).
4. I’ve heard a lot about your designs, and I know they include even designer toys, animation, graphic novels and online games. What are the latest projects you would probably like to showcase to our readers?
I’m working on multiple projects right now including 2 large painting commissions for some art collectors in the Philippines. There’s also some new toy designs in the works and I recently released a graphic novel published by Koyama Press called BIRTHMARK (and creating an animated short based on the story). There’s also the ongoing film development work for Scarygirl (now called Arkie).
5. Your Scarygirl game is known for already more than 8 years, and I’ve also recently tried to play it choosing “I just want pretty pictures”. Are there any other ones that our readers couldn’t probably have the chance to know about? How will you explain the popularity of such small games in the online community?
The free online Scarygirl game was and still is very popular (over 1.5 million people have played it so far). A few years later we were approached to make a new reimagined version of the game in 3D for Xbox Arcade, Playstation and Steam. This came out in 2012. I’d love to make more games and have some ideas for new concepts.
I think the popularity of the Scarygirl online game possibly came about with the rich universe that was created, the variety of game play and the art design.
6. Is there a word or phrase that describes your style of illustrations and designs the best?
Hmm…it evolves so much so hard to lock it down. I’d say much of my work is character based with lots of backstory.
7. How would you describe the process of creating an illustration or any other creative project? Where do you get inspiration?
I don’t find it hard to get inspired by things as everywhere you look there’s something to breathe in. The key is to work out what bits of inspiration to hold onto and develop into something more. It’s about looking at all the elements you gather together and reinterpreting them visually to make new stories. I’m fortunate to travel a lot and new surroundings help influence new ideas – but it can also be as simple as looking at a mundane object and imagining something fantastic around that thing.
8. Are there any newest or your favorite designs or illustrations you wish to showcase?
I really love the redesigned version of Scarygirl we are developing for the feature film (Arkie)
9. Are there any specific clients you were really proud to work with?
Annie Koyama (owner/publisher) of Koyama Press has been amazing to work with. I’ve created two books with her (JUNCTION and BIRTHMARK). A very generous, creative person who’s a huge supporter of the arts.
10. What is your current activity? Is there any news you can share?
Right now I spend a majority of the time working at my studio space painting…but I’m juggling some animation projects too.
11. Will you please give a piece of advice to current designers starting their career?
Draw everyday without the computer – even just for 5 minutes. It’s a great exercise in getting the mind flowing.
We would like to say thanks to Nathan for sharing exclusive information concerning his current activity and creative projects. Hope you like this interview and hope it will inspire you.
