Key Takeaways:
* Barret Chapman is a skilled art director and part-time illustrator based in Vancouver, Canada.
* He studied classical animation at Capilano University and then moved into the concept art industry.
* Chapman started creating movie posters out of love for art and started taking up commissions for low-budget films and alternative movie posters.
* His dad was his initial inspiration and this helped him develop his artistry by watching and depicting popular movie characters.
* Chapman advises budding artists to create art for themselves first before succumbing to likes and follows.
Are you a fan of art and artists? If yes, you are in for a treat. Get ready to meet this remarkable artist, Barret Chapman, whose work will leave you in awe.
Who is Barret Chapman?
Barret Chapman is not your ordinary artist. He’s part-time illustrator and a full-time art director. He hails from Vancouver, Canada, where he cohabits happily with his family.
Budding from Classical Animation studies at Capilano University, Chapman transgressed into the animation industry. However, he didn’t stop there. His friends saw undeniable talent in him and suggested he become a concept artist for Next Level Games. He successfully climbed the creative ladder and landed the spot as the studio’s art director.
Chapman’s Artistic Journey
An artist’s touch never fades. When Chapman got busier with his art director role, his hands itched for more artwork. To stay in touch with his artistic roots, he started making movie posters just for fun. His work did wonders and gathered attention. This led him to create pieces for the Bottleneck Gallery’s “It Came from 1984” show.
His work did not stop there. Barrett’s creativity and passion led him to work on commissions for alternative film posters and low-budget movies. His artwork was so good that he caught the eye of Hero Complex Gallery. They asked him to create a screen-print for the film Leon in 2016. This began an ongoing collaboration that is still alive and thriving today.
Inside Chapman’s Head
Chapman was not a born artist. His journey began as a kid with his father teaching him how to draw. Aside from that, he was also a movie fanatic. His upbringing in the ‘80s allowed him to witness a variety of films. One of his earliest inspirations was Conan the Barbarian, which led to his first lesson in figure drawing.
What intrigues him the most in art? He has a penchant for doing portraits. No wonder, he was majorly inspired by Drew Struzan for his ability to capture likeness in his works.
His creative journey also got influenced by renowned artists like Drew Struzan, Richard Amsel, John Alvin, and Roger Kastel. Slowly, his obsession with movies guided him into the world of art and the works of artists such as Bernie Wrightson, Mike Mignola, Frank Frazetta, and Michael Whelan fascinated him.
Words of Wisdom from Chapman to Budding Artists
Chapman advises young artists to prioritize their love for art. He believes their first aim should be self-satisfaction. Chasing likes or follows should not be their primary goal. He counsels that if an artist can make something they feel proud of, they will always be motivated to keep creating.
What’s Next for Chapman?
He hinted that he has an upcoming project with Sideshow and revealed a new The Shawshank Redemption print with Hero Complex Gallery. He also mentioned that he is a fan of Raiders of the Lost Ark. But the most exciting part? Chapman and the Hero Complex Gallery are partnering with JoBlo to give away six fantastic prints of Barret’s Shawshank Redemption piece. Lucky winners will get the chance to lay their hands on this piece of art.
In conclusion, Barret Chapman proves what determination and passion can accomplish when combined. His story is not just about creating art but about loving what you do. It teaches us that we can always find time for our passions, no matter how busy we are. Chapman’s impressive artwork is a testimony to his immense talent and love for art. Regardless if you’re an aspiring artist or a lover of great artwork, Barret’s journey is undoubtedly inspiring.
