Name: Scott Straka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScottStrakaArtwork/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScottStrakaArt
Store: http://scottstrakaart.storenvy.com/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ScottStrakaArt
How long have you been an artist and how did you get into drawing and what materials do you use?
Scott: I’ve been drawing since my youth but it wasn’t until about 3 years ago after attending my first comic con that I started getting serious about it. April 2014 is when I started doing it full time. I started out with graphite pencils but now I strictly use copic markers and prismacolor pencils for all of my portraits.
What are some of your hobbies outside of art?
I play drums and occasionally video games. I love to travel but I do that for a living so that consumes most of my time typically.
This isn’t so much a question but one of the things I really like about your art work, specifically your super hero designs is how well you bring the colors out in the characters costume/mask. At the same time, Adding less color and saturation to the characters face gives it a very nice touch. My favorite example of this is your Flash and Iron Man prints.
Thank you. The Iron Man drawing was actually the first portrait where I decided to do that. I wanted to make the actors in black and white and their characters they played in color with little color splashes here and there to tie it all together.
How long does each project normally take?
Each portrait, whether it be black and white or color, can take anywhere from 12-25 hours roughly. It just depends on how much detail is involved.
Who were some of your inspirations growing up in the art world?
Although my work may not be an exact reflection of my inspirations, I’d have to say that I’m a huge Tim Burton fan. I’m a big movie buff, hence why I only do celebrity/character based portraits instead of comic related styles.
Is there a design or character you have wanted to do but just haven’t gotten to yet?
I try not to do the same person or character twice because I want to hit every fandom I can with my displays at cons and keep up with what is currently popular.
What’s your next project?
I just got done with a lot of Free Comic Book Day Exclusives for some stores but I have a lot of Marvel characters coming out soon.
Since the new trailer recently debuted, I’d love to hear your thoughts on Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange look? Any plans to work on that design?
I think he was the perfect cast and nailed the look of Dr. Strange. I will definitely be drawing him closer to the release of the movie.
Who is your favorite comic book character (of all time) and, if different, who is your favorite character to draw?
I would have to say Venom. But I think I like drawing the actors better than their characters because I really like to capture their emotions.
With the healthy amount of comic book movies coming out in the next 5+ years, which are you most excited to see?
I’ve been waiting on Civil War for a long time and I think the different direction they’re going with for Aquaman will be awesome. I’m also really excited to see what they do for the GOTG and Deadpool sequels.
Where are some of the next conventions we can find you at?
I have 36 conventions all over the United States this year. You can see my full schedule on my Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/ScottStrakaArtwork
Any advice that you would offer to aspiring artists?
Getting into this business is easy. The hard part is keeping up with it. It’s definitely a lot of work and if you want to make it a career you really have to put in a lot of effort and have the passion and drive for it. Also, patience is key with your work. Never rush a project just to say it’s done because nothing ever truly is.
Check out Scott’s full gallery at: http://scottstrakaart.storenvy.com/
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If you or someone you know would like to have their artwork featured on Geeks World Wide, please email Danny at danny.benavides@thegww.com