Raychelle Writes: The Writer's Block Interviews: Gary Krejca

Friday, October 5, 2012

The Writer's Block Interviews: Gary Krejca

1) Tell us a bit about who you are, and where you live and work.

I've been an illustrator for 25 years now, grew up in Chicago and now live in Tempe, Arizona.

2) Describe your journey to becoming an illustrator.

My natural talent took me to art school, my love for art in Pop Culture inspired me to pursue the field. It's been a rocky road, but I love what I do. It's not for everyone.

3) What mediums do you prefer?

I like watercolor with pencil or pen and ink, I also love pastels and chalk pencils. But creating vector art is also becoming very fun for me. I'm now practicing painting in Photoshop, and while it doesn't feel organic yet, there's no mess to clean up.

4) Tell us about your latest projects.

I recently worked on some watercolor paintings for floor plans and elevations of resort properties. I also did a watercolor/pencil of a frog for a wildlife magazine.

5) Who are your favorite authors? What is on your reading list right now?

Larry McMurtry, Erik Larson, Wayne Sallee...currently reading The Book of Drugs by Mike Doughty, one of my favorite musicians. I love reading musicians' biographies or memoirs.

6) How do you promote your work? What methods have worked best for you?

Online, printed postcards, and my agent. I think my agent is getting me the most work these days.

7) What are your upcoming plans for the rest of 2012?

Keep plugging away, learn some new techniques, and revive some old ones.

8) What is your definition of success?

Happiness in what you do. If you're doing what you love for a living, you have no regrets.

9) What advice would you offer to aspiring illustrators?

Always look at what others are doing, keep abreast of trends while maintaining your own style. Become as versatile as possible, yet show your best style up front.

About Gary