By Terri Hodges
1. The question that everyone wants to know, how did you become a Lucasfilm-approved artist?
I tried to get work from Dark Horse on Star Wars comics, but they decided that Lucasfilm wouldn't like my work and never bothered showing it. I eventually became "approved" on the Episode I children's book I illustrated, called "Darth Maul's Revenge." Lucasfilm has kept me pretty busy ever since.
2. Where do you hail from? How did you end up where you are?
I mostly grew up in Michigan. Spent my college years in Los Angeles, CA. Now I live in central North Carolina because I like it.
3. Tell me about your family... Do you have siblings? Are you married, single or otherwise? Kids? Pets?
Married with two young kids, two cats, and a dog.
4. Is anyone else in your family artistic in any way?
Yes, they are all into drawing, painting, dance, music, writing, etc.
5. What or who was your biggest influence?
Beyond crazy stuff in this life, I guess my wife and my teachers and friends.
6. Did you go to art school (and where) or are you self taught?
I studied film and illustration at The Art Center College of Design.
7. When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
Can't remember. Always knew.
8. On what Lucasfilm (in particular) and other projects have you worked in the past?
My Star Wars work includes stuff like "The New Essential Chronology" book, "Obi-Wan's Foe," "Anakin Apprentice," "Darth Maul's Revenge," several covers for the RPG books, the Episode III film style-guide, comic covers, SW Insider, SW Gamer, and a few other things I'm forgetting right now. Other work of mine includes illustrations for movies like Harry Potter, Batman Begins, and Superman Returns. Some of my comics work include titles like "The Question," "Batman," "Daredevil," "Disavowed," and "Zombie World."
9. If your home caught on fire, what would you grab while running out the door?
The kids.
10. Do you have any other talents you would like to share?
I play the trumpet, I can juggle, and I'm good at shooting people during paintball games.
11. What was your first job? What was your first professional art job?
My first job as a kid was probably in landscaping. My first professional art jobs came while I was in high school and did some commissions and taught little kids. As a "grown-up," some of my first jobs were working as a storyboard artist and drawing some really crappy comics.
12. What projects are you currently working on?
Right now I'm illustrating a miniseries for Marvel called "Bullet Points," two "Superman Returns" children's books, a painting for "AlienWare," a book cover for Random House, and my own comic called "Teddy Grant." I'm also doing storyboards and concept art on a movie called The Heaven Project.
13. What is your favorite person or thing that you like to draw?
Real people.
Least favorite?
Superheroes.
14. If you were trapped on a desert island, name 3 people that you would want to have with you?
My family.
15. If you could do any other job, what would it be?
Music composer.
16. Here is your chance to name drop: Have you met any of your heroes? Anyone else of note?
Yes, I've met many people whose work I love, like Bruce Campbell, Robert McGuinness, Bryan Singer, Drew Struzan, Harry Carmean, Miguel Ferrer, Moebius, John Woo, Jordan Cronenweth, Burne Hogarth, etc.
17. If you could live in any time in history, what would it be and why?
Geez, I don't know. Here and now I guess. I wouldn't want to go too far back, due to limitations of science and medicine. I wouldn't want to go too far forward and risk major disappointment. Kind of boring - Sorry!
18. What turns you into a big fanboy or fangirl?
Placing film music and movie lines.
19. Do you have any collections (geeky or otherwise)?
Godzilla.
20. What is your proudest moment?
When my son was born.
21. And finally.. Tell us something about yourself no one would expect.
I cry during the 2004 live-action Peter Pan movie.
Thanks for reading!
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