Panem Propaganda Artist Profile: Michael Gelen

We are lucky to have some amazingly talented professional artists creating the original work for Panem Propaganda.com here in The Capitol. We sat down with Michael Gelen, the artist/founder of Inkwell Studios and creator of the beautiful District 12 Salute piece, to find out more about what goes on “behind the brush.” 

Artists seem to be born, not made. When and how did you know you were going to be an artist?

I've been drawing pictures for as long as I can remember, but for some reason I never considered a career as an illustrator or designer. I studied English in college and then went to Law School, but I kept drawing- doing sketches for friends, comic strips, a few free-lance illustrations. Eventually I realized I enjoyed the art work more than the legal work, so I put together a portfolio and started knocking on doors.

There are lots of young, aspiring artists in our fandom. How does one make the leap from aspiring artist to actually getting paid for your work? 

First, try to take a good, objective look at your own work. Think about your strengths and weaknesses. Seek out honest feedback and accept criticism graciously. Second, take a good look at the market and figure out where your work will fit in. Once you've put together a collection of consistently strong pieces that show an identifiable style, start sending out samples to potential clients and buyers. Don't be afraid to start small.

Tell us about your art style? How did you find it and why do you love to create it? 

I don't have one really distinct style, but most of the work I do is influenced by graphic arts styles from the past- art deco posters, comic books, classic animation. I suppose you could use the word "retro" to describe my work. I love pieces that combine illustration and type to communicate powerfully and immediately- that what I aim for.

Favorite medium?

I finish everything digitally, but I always start with pencil sketches.

Favorite artists?

There are so many, but just to name a few who are currently at the top of the list: Adolphe Cassandre, Ludwig Hohlwein, William Nicholson.

What inspires you to create? Do you listen to music, watch movies, look at other art? 

Mostly looking at the work of other artists/designers, but also comics and graphic novels, movie titles, old advertisements. I sometimes use music to set the mood while I'm working- if I'm doing something that has a thirties feel I might listen to swing or jazz. If it's something a little edgier I might put on some surf rock.

How do you work? What's your studio or creative environment like?

My studio is in my home. I have an old-fashioned drawing table on one end and a computer desk on the other. I do make an effort to get out of the studio once in a while- I'll take a sketchbook and go sit in a coffee shop. I think it's important to get away from the computer (and facebook, e-mail, news sites, etc.) and go somewhere where I can draw freely and let my mind wander, the way I did when I was a kid.

Why The Hunger Games? 

My kids were talking about the book and I was intrigued; I read it just before the movie came out. I thought the world of Panem was very suggestive of the 1930s, and so the European Art Deco look seemed like a natural fit. 

What's next? Can we look forward to anymore HG inspired pieces? What are you working on now?

I'm working on some commercial projects right now, but I do have a portrait of Katniss in the works- I hope to share it soon!

Michael Gelen is the founder of Inkwell Studios, a New York based graphic arts studio specializing in editorial illustration, poster design, concept art, and, just about everything else. You can see more of Michael’s original work and check out his blog here. 

Comments

[Evansmommy]

Love this design, message, everything about it.

[Appius Knoll]

We do too. He's a wonderful artist.