Key Takeaways:
– Dave O’Flanagan is a London-based artist who focuses on capturing quiet moments in pop culture.
– Despite a legal background, O’Flanagan pursued his real passion, drawing and painting.
– He credits digital painting for his breakthrough into the art world.
– He’s worked for huge names like Lucasfilm, Warner Bros., Marvel, Legendary, and Amblin.
– He draws inspiration from various artists, from classic film poster creators to modern Instagram talents.
We’re pulling back the curtain on some of the world’s most amazing artists and today’s spotlight shines brightly on a truly gifted illustrator, Dave O’Flanagan. Born in Ireland, but now making waves in London, O’Flanagan has carved his own distinctive niche in the art world, using familiar scenes from pop culture to reflect his unique vision.
Unconventional Beginnings: Dave O’Flanagan’s Artistic Journey
O’Flanagan didn’t take the usual route to art fame. His love for drawing was never dampened even though the educational system in his homeland was more focused on academics than arts. Despite qualifying as a lawyer in 2010, he kept his passion for art alive through sketches and casual art on everyday items like Post-Its and notepads.
His eureka moment came around 2015 when he discovered digital painting, a medium that perfectly blended his passion for art with his fascination for technology. Countless YouTube videos on painting, colour theory, and digital art later, he was ready to bring his creativity to the world.
Influence: The Artists Who Shaped His Vision
A big fan of Drew Struzan, the man behind many of the iconic movie posters of the ’80s, O’Flanagan was also inspired by classic artists such as Bob Peak, Roger Kastell, John Alvin, and Tom Jung. Not just international figures, Dave also drew inspiration closer to home, crediting James Barry, a reputed Cork-based artist, for his love of oil painting.
Today, his Instagram follows include a mix of contemporary influencers ranging from Matt Taylor to Tony Stella, each providing him with daily doses of inspiration.
Advice: Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Artists
For O’Flanagan, being confident in promoting your work and handling rejections are vital for budding artists. He underscores the importance of being surrounded by supportive people, drawing inspiration from various sources, and taking time out to relax and rejuvenate. He credits his wife Kaitlin for being his biggest critic and his friends Cameron Lowe and Kevin Wilson for their continuous guidance.
Coming Attractions: O’Flanagan’s Future Projects
Fans of O’Flanagan’s work have exciting things to look forward to in the future. He’s currently juggling several intriguing projects, including a Dune Part One poster for the Bottleneck Gallery, a Big Lebowski poster for Vice Press gallery, and a special project for the Moor-Art Gallery. He’s also hinted at a top-secret ‘bucket list’ project that is sure to create excitement among his followers.
Favourites: O’Flanagan’s Inspirations From Movies and TV Shows
Like many of us, O’Flanagan draws inspiration from his favorites in movies and TV. Top on his list is ‘Jaws’, followed by ‘Alien’, ‘Fargo’, ‘ET’, ‘Blade Runner’, and ‘The Princess Bride’. In terms of TV shows, ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Mad Men’ take the top slots, sparking repeat viewings and fuelling his creativity.
As we continue to celebrate the works of awesome artists like Dave O’Flanagan, remember to stay tuned to his journey through the art world by following his website and social media handles. Happy art exploration!
