Chitchat: John Staub
Your Full Name
John Staub
Tell us about you
I love to draw. I was born and raised in the Philippines and I came to the US after graduating high school to pursue a career in the illustration field. I’m currently studying at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
In your opinion, what would be the secret ingredients to become a great illustrator?
The ability to keep going. I think that illustrators or artists in general have to deal with a lot of difficulties especially with people’s opinion on what good art is.
Where are you located?
Currently in San Francisco
What is the most fascinating part of being an illustrator?
I get to do what I love to do.
Where do you get inspirations from?
Inspiration can come from anywhere. Sometimes from talking with other fellow artists, listening to music, looking at a piece of fashion. I also tend to find my inspiration from doing some research on what I’m working on.
How do you promote/ sell/ showcase your work?
I have a blogspot, deviantart, and cghub, along with my online portfolio all under the name “dustsplat.” I try to stay active in online communities when I can, and also update them regularly.
What is your long-range goals in your life?
When I have more experience I hope that one day I could set up my own game company. It’ll take a while, but one step at a time.
What types of assignment/ project are you attracted the most? Why so?
Probably ones that deal with the fantasy genre and that stretch my creativity the most.
Who is an illustrator that you look up to? Why so?
I look up to too many people. There are so many great illustrators out there past and present. IF I had to mention a name, I would say J. C. Leyendecker. Probably one of the greatest of illustrators to ever live. I love his approach to his images. His characters are always full of life and energy, and the way he handles his paints give his images such a unique touch that I really like.
Describe a difficult work/ project situation and how would you overcome it?
Off the top of my head I think the hardest work situation would be working for someone who has never worked with an illustrator, has no idea what they really want, doesn’t understand the creative process and also someone who tries to control every aspect of the process.
The only way I could see myself going through that kind of process especially when I’m the one working for them would be to talk to them so that they could figure out what they want, and then just create the work the best I can.
What do you think about the Internet and how it is affecting our lifestyle?
I think the Internet is one of mans most significant inventions. The world became a lot smaller and a lot more fast pace with its creation. Sometimes I wouldn’t know what I would do if I didn’t have internet just because it is so integrated in my everyday life. I have to admit that because of its convenience, it has made me a bit lazier than I should be.
If you could turn back time, how would you do things differently?
I would try and get a pilots license. Flying is cool. I would probably also have scuba dived a lot more.
How do you keep your work fresh? Do you need to consciously adapt your style or does it progress naturally?
I prefer to let it naturally progress. I also read a lot of different types of magazines. Games, fine arts, movies, fashion, interior design to cultural, I try to look at them regularly to keep myself up to date.
Name 3 of your favorite (art) books/ magazines.
ImagineFX magazine, J. C. leyendecker artbook. James jean sketchbooks and art books.
What is your life motto?
I. . . .really don’t have one.
In what kind of a work environment do you do your best work?
In either complete solitude, or with a lot of people around. For some reason I can deal with each extreme but become really distracted if its in between.
What do you like the sound of? Why so?
I like the sound water from a small waterfall. It’s very calming
If you have online portfolio, what is the URL?
- Dustsplat.carbonmade.com - online portfolio
- dustsplat.blogspot.com - sketch blog where i post most of my sketches.
- dustsplat.cghub.com
- dustsplat.deviantart.com
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