We recently connected with Matt Harris and have shared our conversation below.

Matt, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Since I was young I’ve been driven by my imagination and passion to tell stories through art. This passion for artwork and story telling has led me on my journey to make a living creating illustrations for a variety of science fiction and fantasy books, games and other media. Along with my commissioned work, I am also writing and Illustrating my own book. The story is set in a post apocalyptic ancient fantasy world where new civilizations are rising from the ruins left in the wake of a great era of cataclysms. My mission is to create images that tell stories in a compelling way that hook the viewer’s attention and draw them in to the narrative of each piece.

Matt, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a freelance Illustrator and concept artist. I graduated college in 2017 and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and Illustration from Lyme Academy of Fine Arts of the University of New Haven, Since graduating I have been creating artwork for a variety of Books, and games for companies such as Hit Point Press, Mongoose Publishing, and Metalhead Games. I mainly focus on realistic work that is heavily influenced by classical art as well as great fantasy illustrators like Frank Frazetta. My attention to detail and classical training help me to create pieces with a more timeless feel that make my work a great fit for fantasy illustration projects. My favorite subject matter to work on is character designs and Illustrations involving characters but I work in a variety of categories such as weapon/prop design, landscape design/illustration and costume design. I usually work digitally, painting using either my iPad or Cintiq Tablet and computer but create pieces utilizing traditional paints and drawing techniques as well.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist to me is being able to visually see my skills improving with each illustration I complete. My professors in college always told me ” You’re always going to be better at drawing/painting when you finish a piece versus when you start it.” When I’m approaching the point where I feel good about finishing a piece and moving on to the next one I make a point to review the work and make notes on what I’ve improved on and areas where I still need to improve. Art really is about enjoying the journey and not only the end destination. Each piece is just a step on the road to achieving my ultimate vision and reaching where I strive to be in terms of my technique and artistic style.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

I usually attract the most clients through posting my artwork on social media and my website. Along with my commissions, I am always working on personal artworks and daily studies in my sketchbook. By posting work in genres and subject matters that I enjoy, I attract like-minded clients who enjoy my work and artistic style. Staying true to your authentic self is key to producing artwork that satisfies you as the artist and will put you in the right mindset to produce the best work possible for clients that want to work with you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mattharrisart.com/
• Instagram: @mattharrisart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Theartofmattharris/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-harris-859b3b128

Image Credits
Matt Harris