Matthew Laznicka

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Retro

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Swimming pool shaped like North Carolina with lane markings

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Bread loaves moving on conveyor belt in a bakery production line

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Golf course scene with golfer, drone operator, and equipment

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Stylish man and woman in sunglasses near helicopters

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Sovereign and adult

An illustrator inspired by classical illustration from the second half of the last century.

With robots, rockets and insect invasions, the retro futurism of classic mid-century illustration looms large in the work of Matthew Laznicka, the Wisconsin artist who is in his element creating B-movie and pulp-inspired artworks. For projects with a sense of adventure and a touch of the unknown, he’s the ideal illustrator to work with. One of Matthew Laznicka’s all-time favourite commissions was to create box artwork for an Eidos game. The company wanted a 1960s-style cover with giant invading insects. But his life and interests are as far from the chaos of insect invasions as can be. He loves fishing, camping and the great outdoors. Movies have always been an influence, Norman Rockwell is a big inspiration, and Matthew still loves old Popular Mechanics covers. He has a degree in Commercial Illustration from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

Approach

Each image Matthew creates begins with a sketch that is scanned in and manipulated in Photoshop. Building up overlapping layers of colour that blend together, the final outcome has a very painterly feel despite its digital origins.

Key Software

Photoshop

Style

Inspired by classic illustration from the 1940s through to the 70s, Matthew captures the essence of various styles from that era giving them a contemporary edge. Graphic, comic book or painterly, his images are daring and different.

Impressions

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Interview

What drew you to illustration/design? When I was a child I loved drawing and sculpting. I knew when I grew up I wanted to make a living doing what I enjoy. Do you have any formal design training? Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. Where are you originally from? I grew up in Racine, Wisconsin. It is a city 30 minutes from Milwaukee and 45 minutes from Chicago. Where do you live now & what drew you there?I really like the country, my family resides in Black Earth, WI, just 25 minutes outside the wonderful city of Madison. Where is your studio and can you describe it for me? I turned a old canning room in our basement into a tiny little studio. I like to call it my little cave. Who or What is your biggest inspiration? Classic monster movies, comic books, pulp novels, Norman Rockwell, science fiction magazines, bubblegum cards. How do you get your ideas?Mostly from my head, but I do like to explore old retro illustration to get inspired. Do you collect anything? I loved "Planet of the Apes" as a kid, so I collect anything related to it. Old vinyl records, snow globes (little worlds), 8mm cameras, films. Do you keep a scrapbook? My life is a scrapbook of sorts. What are your interests outside of illustration? I have always loved stop-motion animation, I love the asthetic, and the beauty of the way it looks. Camping, fishing and the outdoors. Tell us about a favourite project you’ve recently completed? I'm creating the illustrated label for a shampoo bottle and they want a "Barberella" retro type woman. What would be your dream job/commission? I would love to do a illustrated poster for a Science Fiction movie. Who are your art heroes? Caravaggio, Dali, N.C.& Andrew Wyeth, Winslow Homer. Who are your illustration heroes? I love Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, and the old pulp artists of the 40's, 50's and 60's, too many to name. I also love the work of Mark Ryden, Tara McPherson, Jason Levesque and James Jean. Who are your musical heroes? Very eclectic, I like the swing era, classic rock, new wave, alternative. Johnny Cash, Bing Crosby, The Doors, The Beatles, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, White Stripes. Instrumental; John Williams, Danny Elfman and Bernard Herrman. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Live for what you love, love your life! Do you think anyone with Photoshop can be an illustrator these days? Photoshop is a tool, I own tools, yet I'm a lousy repairman. If you could take a holiday leaving tomorrow, where would you go & what would you do? Italy, drink wine and explore. If you won the lottery what would you do with the money? Start an animation company that specialized in stop-motion. What’s your favourite quote from a song or book or someone? There's no retirement for an artist, it's your way of living so there's no end to it. HENRY MOORE.

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