Here is the funny and talented Matt Haley...
Artists Allied: Spotlight on Matt Haley
1. The question that everyone wants to know, how did you become a Lucasfilm-approved artist?
I once said something unfair to former Labor Secretary Robert Reich at O'Hare, and did the same thing in a much funnier way to Kato Kaelin, right after the OJ trial.
By Terri HodgesI was already working on storyboards and package art for the Star Wars: Episode III XBOX game and commercials when I was asked to do the cards. My AD submitted my work and I was approved, I don't know any more than that.
2. Where do you hail from? How did you end up where you are?
Houston, TX by way of Albuquerque, NM. I moved to OR to work for Dark Horse back in the day.
3. Tell me about your family... Do you have siblings? Are you married, single or otherwise? Kids? Pets?
Only if you tell me something similarly personal. ;)
4. Is anyone else in your family artistic in any way?
Me mum was a portrait artist back in the day. She never taught me anything, but I do recall reading comics and comparing the art to hers, and wanting my comics to look like her portraits.
5. What or who was your biggest influence?
The fear of poverty. Oh, and Al Williamson.
6. Did you go to art school (and where) or are you self taught?
Self-taught, couldn't afford art school. That just means I have to learn things over and over...
7. When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
When did you know you wanted to be an interviewer?
8. On what Lucasfilm (in particular) and other projects have you worked in the past?
Just the sketchcards, the aforementioned XBOX game commercials, and one card for Star Wars Galaxies II.
9. If your home caught on fire, what would you grab while running out the door?
My laptop, everything else can run on its own.
10. Do you have any other talents you would like to share?
I have done voice talent in the past and would enjoy getting back to that soon, but the only other talent I have is for understatement.
11. What was your first job? What was your first professional art job?
My first job was at a comic book shop in Houston called Third Planet Books and Records. My first professional art gig was drawing "Star Trek: The Next Generation" for DC/Paramount. Hey, they didn't have Star Wars comics at the time!
12. What projects are you currently working on?
My own comic, "G.I. SPY," the movie adaptation of "Superman Returns," and a how-to-draw book aimed at female art fans from Impact Books.
13. What is your favorite person or thing that you like to draw?
Well, I love drawing the human figure; it's my stock in trade, really.
Least favorite?
Least favorite thing to draw is cars, I suck at drawing cars.
14. If you were trapped on a desert island, name 3 people that you would want to have with you?
An 18-year old, and two 25-year-olds. Bottles of Scotch, I mean.
15. If you could do any other job, what would it be?
Interviewing. Or storm chasing for the Severe Weather Center in Norman, OK.
16. Here is your chance to name drop: Have you met any of your heroes? Anyone else of note?
Stan Lee, when I worked with him on his "Who Wants to Be a Superhero" TV pilot. Archie Goodwin, before he left us. Steve Rude, several times, heck of a nice guy.
17. If you could live in any time in history, what would it be and why?
About 500 years from now. Why? It's the future, it has to be better than this place.
18. What turns you into a big fanboy or fangirl?
The new "Galactica" TV show. "Twin Peaks." Anything to do with my favorite bands.
19. Do you have any collections (geeky or otherwise)?
I have a small collection of sci-fi prop replicas, and a larger collection of ulcers.
20. What is your proudest moment?
Giving this interview. That, and having Harlan Ellison tell me once, "Well, I can't get Alex Raymond to draw it because he's dead, so I want you to draw it."
21. And finally.. Tell us something about yourself no one would expect.
I love to be interviewed; it makes me feel special, like winning a high school popularity contest.
as well as www.gispyonline.com
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