Dave McKean’s eclectic artworks have won several accolades and appreciation across the globe, due to their evocative nature and profundity. From paintings to digital creations, he dwells fluently, especially in mixed mediums, with rigour and an eye for layered intricacies. He also has an imposing volume of works in photography, sketches and collage art. As a top-rated mixed media artist, Dave has always treaded new avenues with individuality and expertise. His long and resourceful partnership with Neil Gaiman is well-know to both art and graphic novel enthusiasts. Interestingly, the dynamic and swiftly evolving world of online activities, such as fast withdrawal online casinos, parallels the rapid and adaptive techniques McKean employs in his digital art, reflecting a society that values both speed and reliability. Over the years, Dave has teamed with several eminent filmmakers, and frontline playwrights to create an enriching opus of brilliant artworks.
Birth and Educational Qualification
Born in the semi-urban setting of Taplow, Berkshire, in 1963, Dave had a passion for sketching and painting from a young age. He earned his degree from the elite Berkshire College of Art and Design, in the period between 1982 and 1986. He already got himself involved in various projects as an illustrator while he was at school.
Partnership with Gaiman
In 1986, Dave met Gaiman and soon, they struck a chord to collaborate in creative endeavours. Since then, the duo has joined hands in multiple successful projects. In 1987, they collaborated for the first big project, Violent Cases. Gaiman wrote it and McKean did the illustrations. The book has sold several editions since then. It was also adapted for the theatre. The duo has co-produced popularly loved projects such as Signal to Noise in 1990. Before that, in 1988, they had co-produced Black Orchid. Both productions were for The Face Magazine.
Sandman Series
The Sandman Series is considered to be a milestone in the world of graphic novels. McKean has done the illustrations for the series that are still as riveting as ever for graphic novel and comics fans all over the world. Each and every cover illustration was done by him.
Other collaborations
Dave also collaborated with the Rolling Stones in the vibrant project named The Voodoo Lounge. He made illustrations for Rachel Pollack for The Vertigo Tarot project. His works were well received and widely admired in both these projects, and re-confirmed his mastery in the field.
His own award-winning book
For a period of 6 years, from 1990 to 1996, Dave wrote an epic 500-page graphic novel, titled Cages that won a stream of prestigious awards – the Harvey Award, the Ignatz Award, La Pantera Award, and the coveted International Alph Art Award. It is considered to be among his pioneering works.
Another book
‘Pictures that Tick’ was released in the year 2000. It was Dave’s collection of engaging short stories with brilliant illustration art. It won him the Victoria and Albert Museum Book of the Year Award. Many of his books have found place in the V & A collection.
Philosophy, values and advices
The philosophy of Dave’s art has always centred on continuous discovery and sharpening skills. For new artists, his advice is to never remain on a denial that one doesn’t know everything and to discard all sorts of preconceptions regarding artworks and creating illustrations. The key is to keep on focusing on learning newer, more unique things relevant to the field. It is always a fun journey to discover one’s own identity and mettle, he says. Also, according to him, asking for criticism is a virtuous act, and accepting it is being wisdom. He believes that a true artist needs to accept constructive criticism and improve his art in order to stand away from the crowd. Outside interference should, at any cost, be not entertained, as it can, according to him, affect the quality of artwork one is creating.
Working tools
- McKean usually a set of pen and a brush-pen, ink, or a pencil to start his work, and gradually builds on it. A simple narrative with a close-knit storytelling remains in the focus area.
- If the story requires an elaborate detailing, then he opts to go for digital equipment, or paint, stressing on the symbolic renditions of the narrative. At the end of the day, everything boils down to emotions and how passionate one feels, as Dave states in one of the interview questions.
Software he uses
Many of the artists and illustrators are particularly interested in the kinds of software products that Dave uses to create his marvellous and inspiring artworks, that he has relentlessly done over the years. For composition, Dave uses Photoshop. In order to accomplish the designing tasks, he prefers to use Indesign or even Quark. For those who are keen to know about the tool that he uses to move editing pictures, it is Final Cut. In order to post on various moving pictures, he uses After Effects. Maya, integrated with MirrorMask, s his favourite tool when it comes to creating 3-d animation and related rendering thereafter. Dave stresses on learning the basics and implementing the knowledge repeatedly to master the skills, before moving on to master the advanced concepts of the craft. But a thing that he has always believed is not hesitating to experiment and discover newer avenues in the ever-expanding and evolving field of illustrations and artworks.
Influences
When he was in school, his main influences were Marvel comics. He also admired illustrations in Warren magazines. Another of his primary influences form the early school days was Heavy Metal. Surreal art has had a deep impact on his craft ideas in the beginning days. Dave used to closely notice the intricate details of the surreal artworks in various book covers, record coverts, posters, etc. From Max Ernst to Berni Wrightson to Monty Python, and even Superman cartoons by Max Fleischer, he got his inspiration from multiple sources. When he was art school, his creativity got more wings, and he came across more resources that made him evolve his thoughts and philosophy to make his artworks more unique and delicate. There was a video library at his school. He used to visit there regularly and rented films by famous filmmakers such as Polanski, Besson, Bergman, Dreyer, Murnau and others. This made him develop a sharp interest and sensitivity for world cinema that proved to be extremely beneficial in his career. The art movements of yesteryears like expressionism, besides abstract art, also had a deep impact on his notions of creating better art. From Francis Bacon to Edgar Degas to Russell Mills, Picasso and Schiele, he was influenced by stalwarts of the art world. He also used to absorb in marvelous comic works by Winsor McCay, Jose Munoz, Scott McCloud and other artists.
Contemporary artists he admires
By Dave McQueen doesn’t merely live in the past. His continuous hunger for knowledge and an interest to gain fresher insights make him a discoverer each moment. He always looks for what’s happening in the contemporary art world. His recent discoveries include an ensemble group of more recent artists such as:
- Michel Gondry
- Walter Sickert
- Werner Tubke
- Paul Nash
- John Bellany
- Anselm Keifer
- Rachel Whiteread – the list is endless.
Other inspirations
Dave also loves music and frequently delves into the depths of various genres, taking inspirations from a wide spectrum of compositions. Philip Glass is his personal favourite. He particularly tells to his fans that after he passed out from the Art school, everything from architecture to fashion and food inspired him to create new, more engaging artworks. He has always relied on surroundings to draw inspiration from, and continues to do so.
Working alone / in a project
For those among you interested in working as a co-worker or assistant in one of his upcoming projects, there is sad news. He doesn’t take any patron or assistant to work under him. Of course, when he is working for a production house or agency, he takes the initiative to advertise for positions in his team. If anyone of you is keen to work under him, you need to note the advertisement and apply accordingly with a portfolio to gain the experience you are looking for. Dave believes it is always better to work alone when focusing on a small project or trying to create something individually. This maintains the quality and cohesiveness of art, and also highly productive.
Online gallery and buyable products
But there is good news for fans. If you are interested in owning any of Dave’s original works, then you will be getting the opportunity by visiting his official website and exploring through the extensive inventory of his online gallery. You will be able to dig through a wide range of artwork and conveniently choose the one that you love. Illustrations from most of his famous works will be available in the gallery and you will not face in the hassle to acquire them.
Advices for fellow artists
Dave has some wonderful advices for all artists, executives, producers, and enthusiasts who are dreaming it to make big in the industry through great productions and animations, capturing the imagination of people across the globe, like he has done several times in his incredible career. These advices also reflect his approach towards work and ethics, as a whole, and his values as a stalwart of an artist whom everyone looks forward as a guide.
Production inputs
- About film production and story-sharing, Dave endorses that there is always a snappy way to tell about a film to the investor. It piques his interest and increases the probability of the project getting done. .
- Also, one needs to never lose hope in matters of getting recognition in the art work. The competition is tough and the environment may not be conducive always. .
- But one needs to fight continuously, and think about creating new and interesting things, and does it actually, just like him.
Respect in work
Dave has a deep philosophy of respecting co-artists and collaborators, irrespective of the nature and scale of the project. It creates a better environment for everyone to work with more rigour and passion, whether it is in a film set or in a workshop about graphic novels. The main idea is mutual respect and inclusivity, without hurting anyone’s feelings and paying heed to everyone’s views.
Not compromising with quality
Dave has never compromised with the quality of art he has created. Also, he believes in doing what his heart directs. Getting involved in a project that doesn’t seem interesting is not his forte. His advice for youngsters is to work hard and always play with a range of ideas to create unique artworks that are appealing and have the potential to automatically create buzz among fans and enthusiasts. One needs to sincerely carry on with this.
Opinion about CGI
About CGI, Dave thinks that it is interesting technology but it should keep away from servile copying of reality. Staying true to his philosophy of crating new things, he stresses on focusing on simpler approach to shape innovations and then gradually focus on adding more details and layers. He never denies technology, as wrongly interpreted by some people. On contrary, he thinks that technology is necessary to complement other art forms in various ways and bringing in more dimensions to thought process. But it is also important to be clearer on ideas and renditions without blind dependence on technological tools.
Animation projects
While being a part of animation projects, his approach is actually very simple. Dave focuses on storyline and tries to assess the whole essence of the project, and psyches of various characters. He begins to imagine the illustrations, along with a wide range of gestures of the characters. Gradually, he develops the characters in his individual ways that perfectly sync with the objectives of the project. The key here is also about optimally collaborating with other artists in the project and respecting everyone’s view. It is a learning phase where everyone is enriched, he firmly believes.
The essence of his art
Explaining Dave’s vast gamut of arts, in a nutshell, is practically not possible. Many art critiques tell that he creates the deepest shades of emotions via artworks. The depths in his brush strokes and the usage of darker shades create an eerie feeling about the illustration, according to several critics. But this is exactly the element that his fans are in love with. They love the mystic dimensions of his artwork and crave for more. Each time, Dave is extremely particular about the way he paints, and deftly adding innovations in his touches to newer artworks, that evokes frightening themes, at times.
Covers arts for Metal bands
Dave has created covers for several artists in the past. Some of his clients are Machine head, Kreator, Paradise Lost, and Dream Theater. His illustrations are widely recognizable and fans have loved them immensely. The metal bands continue to admire his artworks and regard him a pioneer artist who has rendered immense value to the genre of metal record art cover. He uses mixed mediums to create his artworks for the artists, capturing the essence of the album, and providing a psychedelic dimension in a contextual way. This creates a fresh depth and multiple edges to the appearance of the album cover.
Signature element
One of the signature elements of Dave’s art is his usage of dim lighting.
- He paints and creates art in a way to evoke deeper emotions for the onlooker.
- If you keenly observe his art, you would able to realize more details than those meeting the eyes.
- The skillful usage of dim lighting in a sparse way makes the artworks extremely appealing. They make the frame more arresting, creating other-worldly atmosphere.
Thousands of fans have loved Dave for the integration of these elements in his artwork in a consistent manner. He stills continues to do so, but with a deeper evolution of his style.
Drawing the human body
Another crucial signature of his style is the way he renders the human body.
- He skillfully draws and paints the muscles and tissues, true to the character of the subject.
- Whether it is an illustration for a graphic novel or a character for an animation film, he honestly puts in all his passion in creating make-believe subjects.
- The struggle, pain, emotions and passion, ooze from the human body that he paints.
- Also, he stresses on the posture of the subject. This is extremely important in his artwork as this helps in character building to a great extent.
Using dark hues
Yet another admirable element of Dave’s artwork is using dark shades in various layers that add multiple dimensions to his artworks. There are very few artists currently in the world who have the same skills.
- Dave prefers grey, brow, maroon, dark blue and the likes to create an eerie atmosphere through his frames.
- He continues to experiment with various art forms and uses various combinations of dark shades to create incredible artworks, consistently.
- Art enthusiasts across the globe agree that his trait of using dark shades in various forms and intensities render boldness to the frame in a unique manner.
Inspiration for all
As an artist, Dave McKean has almost witnessed everything in life – huge success, international awards, fan following, and adulation. But he is still not satisfied with the achievements. One of the greatest signatures of his philosophy is to carry on evolving in order to create better art for the community, for the individual enthusiast, and actually for everyone who is passionate about genuine artworks. His experiments with colours, patterns, animations and mixed mediums keep on getting sharper and more developed. He is a true idol for other illustrators and artists. In the art world, Dave McKean is regarded as the undisputable God by many critics, enthusiasts, and industry experts.