One wonderful benefit to being an editor is the fantastic people you meet as a result of ‘networking.’ A friend of mine introduced me – ResAliens (RA) – to Jason Zampol (JZ) and I immediately asked if I could interview him and showcase his work. He responded positively and here is the result. You can discover more of Jason’s imaginative handiwork at ZAMPOLART.
RA: Jason, what is your background? What got you interested in fantasy?
JZ: My background is in Illustration – I have a BFA in Illustration from Rochester Institute of Technology and my MFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. I have to say it was really Star Wars that got me interested in fantasy art, which may make some hard core fantasy people cringe but its true. I actually own almost all of the expanded universe books, its my largest section of my book shelf, and love most of the cover art work that goes with it. My parents also helped inspire me because they love science fiction, and we watch shows like Star Trek from which I started to draw space ships and aliens.
RA: This piece has a definite alien feel to it. What’s the story?
JZ: All the pieces showcased here were done as main player character concept work for a video game I created called Destinys Manifest – which doesn’t exist…yet! The main idea is that these people from all parts of the world and time periods are thrown together in a warping of the time stream of real history. This one of the bad guys, a Time Zombie, who feeds upon the time stream. They’re the secret villains behind the scenes. This particular figure is one of the high priests who manipulate historical events to suit their purposes.
RA: Are there certain themes or styles you like to explore?
JZ: It seems like most of the stuff I like to draw is some sort of cyborg and human relationship. If I draw a face for a sketch its got some wires and mechanical parts coming out of it. I have really fallen in love with doing painting right on the computer digitally, which I think most young artists are doing these days as it really allows you to explore and, most importantly, undo mistakes. There is also a part of me which loves and respects nature and I am also perfectly happy drawing landscapes with no monsters or robots in sight.
RA: I can see the emphasis you place on landscape in this piece. Is this a Native American in Egypt?
JZ: Yes, so in my video game, for example, this Native American could travel to say Egypt to fight off Napoleon’s army while stopping at a market to pick up supplies or ancient powerful artifacts on his way.
RA: Who are your influences and inspiration? How do you go about creating your artwork?
JZ: There are countless other artists who influence me, but some of my favorites are H.R. Giger and Jon Foster. I find I don’t usually have trouble getting inspired – if there is some paper and a pen near by I can fill it with ideas. This does not mean they are always good; sometimes coming up with that perfect idea is the most difficult. As to the process, all of these illustrations were done digitally except for the very first sketches which I usually do in pen. They are then finished using a digital Wacom tablet and with programs like Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter.
RA: I really like these character sketches. Are you a full-time illustrator? What are you working on now?
JZ: The Native American is concept for a main player character in the game I’m creating, but the Polish Nobleman is an example of some of the NPC’s (non player characters) you might fight or encounter on your journeys. In addition to this project, I am currently excited to be working on some cover art and concept work for author Milton Davis and his forthcoming book, The Face In The Temple. I wish illustrating was more of my livelihood at this time, but like most artists I have known, unless you are really top tier getting work from the biggest publishers out there you have to supplement your income.
RA: We can try to help you out! Where can fans or future clients go to admire and/or purchase your artwork?
JZ: My main website is ZAMPOLART, but I also try to regularly post new stuff and sketches to my blog, zampolART. In addition, I also show my work in both landscape and fantasy painting at ‘Art Works On The Square,’ a gallery Co-Op located in Fayetteville, GA.
I really hope that people like my work. S ometimes you want to say you are just doing it for yourself because you are an artist, but then you have to realize that you are creating pieces that people will look at. That is the coolest thing. That is really my goal as an artist because there have been so many other people out there that have made me say the same thing and inspired me to pursue this difficult journey.
RA: Jason, it may be a difficult journey, but if you demonstrate the same intensity as this Viking then you’re on your way! Thanks for sharing part of that journey with us. Best wishes for success.
All artwork on this page © 2010 Jason Zampol
Interview © 2010 Residential Aliens, Jason Zampol
Tags: artwork, historical fiction, interview, Jason Zampol