Wayne Anthony Still, illustrator
of the new picture book Papa’s
Free Day Party, talks about his creative process, artistic inspirations, and
his connection to abolitionist William Still.
How did you get into book illustration?
Like most illustrators, I've
submitted sample images in the form of mailers to book publishers, ad agencies,
art directors, design studios, galleries and artist's representatives to
acquire freelance assignments. Having a website and being active on social
media are must have vehicles to showcase my full range of abilities and get my
work seen by thousands.
Can you describe your creative process? Once you get a manuscript, how do you get started?
My creative process involves
critical thinking and problem solving. For example, with Papa's
Free Day Party,
I had to read the manuscript and decide which areas of the story stood out to me from a visual perspective and (would) help convey the writer's point of
view in that moment in time. It is the inspiration of the story that brings my
ideas to life -- with a collaboration between writer, publisher and artist.
I
believe nothing compares to the strength, drama and power that can be achieved
through oil paints. The blending of colors is second to none with slow drying
times enabling the artist to achieve depth and range of finishes and effects. Secondly
would be acrylics. This is the medium most used by me due to fact that most
illustrations have tight deadlines and this medium dries quickly and has
properties similar to oils in range of depth and impact. Third and certainly
not least would be watercolors. There is a natural softness to this medium and
blending can be magical. Effects can be achieved with simple washes and
blending is effortless. I have found that being able to adapt to various
mediums equates to the possibility to work on more projects and not be typecast
as only able to do one thing well. After all, if you look at history, the
greatest artists lived during the Renaissance in my opinion, and they were
skilled in many mediums and excelled in them all.
Which artists have inspired you?
Like most artists I have a love
of art as well as the creators behind the images. Honestly the list would be
too long to cover but if I had to single out a few it would be artists like: Albrecht
Durer, Leonardo DaVinci, Howard Pyle, J.C. Leyendecker, Charles Santore, Jerry
Pinkney, Leo & Diane Dillon, Tom Blackshear, Ezra Tucker, and Kadir Nelson.
This story is based on Marilyn’s family and her grandfather’s journey to freedom. You also have a family connection to freedom fighters. Can you share more about that?
I am a proud descendent of
William Still who was an African-American abolitionist based in Philadelphia PA.
He was a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a business man, writer,
historian, and civil rights activist.
Are you working on any new projects you want to share?
I am presently working on some
private commission works as well as designing new collectable giftware items to
be sold worldwide.
Wayne Anthony Still is an award-winning illustrator, painter, designer and sculptor. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in illustration and graphic design from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His work includes exquisitely designed figurines, collector’s stamps for international governments and masterful plates as well as paintings and illustrations. He lives in Pennsylvania near the city of Philadelphia.
