Some artists thrive in a well established studio setting, others long for independence and developing their own projects and initiatives. However, as wonderful as artistic freedom is, it can also feel quite daunting with the artists having to manage and grow their own business, with all the logistics involved into finding projects, managing clients, promoting the outcomes etc. This Convoloot panel will discuss some of the challenges in the process as well as providing tips and insights for those tackling the paths of independent work.
Among the guests in the panel is Even Mehl Amundsen, a Norwegian illustrator and concept artist widely recognized for his fantasy based character designs and monsters. Even published TEGN a book containing 366 of his sketches and stories done in the course of a year. He travels a lot, teaching what he has learned in workshops and giving advice to newcomers. He is also teaching his process and approach through YouTube videos, his Patreon account and livestreams on Twitch.
Also joining is Djamila Knopf an independent artist and Schoolism instructor, based in Leipzig, Germany. The work of Djamila transports you in a world where fantasy blends with reality. It’s a feeling of home while you’re on a trip. She finds her inspiration from the summers she has spent strolling around the woods and fields around her grandparents’ garden.
The panel will be completed by Dominik Mayer, an illustrator who focuses on dark fantasy art. He has a unique art style with vibrant colors, dynamic compositions combined with geometric shapes. Dominik works for clients worldwide, among them Wizards of the Coast, Axis Animation, Netflix, Blizzard, Tencent and Riot Games.
The discussion is going to be moderated by longtime Playgrounds friend, creative consultant, art book designer and publisher Spiridon Giannakis. He has been working in print media since 2006. Starting in 2017 he has helped artists, like Even Mehl Amundsen, Abigail Larson, Björn Hurri, Bastien Deharme, and many more, to publish their artbooks managing their crowdfunding campaigns. His latest project is Convoloot, a platform entirely focused on conversations and interviews with industry professionals and community leaders.
