An Interview with Luke Flowers

Today we are excited to show off the work of our incredibly talented illustrator friend, Luke Flowers! Most recently you can see his work featured in this year's CommArts Illustration Annual. His unique and whimsical style is one that has been shaped over years of practice and some very key influences. We interviewed Luke about all this and more, so read and see more after the jump!1. What got you into the illustration world?At a very young age I was really inspired by the work of Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss. I was (and still am today) in awe of the way they were such clever writers and unique illustrators. It was probably around 2nd grade I decided that I too what I wanted to be an artist for a living. I spent hours each day drawing, checking out every possible How to Draw book from the library, and soaking up all the quirky cartoons and comics of the 80's. During my middle school years, I took some extra curricular classes from an illustrator Ron Adair, whom I really admired, and he truly inspired me to pursue illustration as a career. Though Ron's style is very realistic, and mine tends to be more whimsical and organic, I learned a lot of really great techniques and exercise to hone my concepts and style.2. What do you wish to accomplish with your creative talent? I would love to write and illustrate my own stories full time. I am working on completing my first book (to release late Fall 2014). I have a long list of book concepts that have been brewing in my heart for years, jotted in notes and told around campfires to my family. Now I am excited to finally be bringing them to life! I have a temporary site up for Be Bright Books, my hub for the book side of my work. It's basic for now, but will give a glimpse into the vision for these stories and the first book "Captain Krad's Curio Shop".My hope is that these books will be a vehicle to opportunities to share and teach kids of all ages about storytelling, the illustrative process and ultimately inspire them to pursue their own dreams!Because of this life long passion to illustrate children's books I am continually challenging myself to better my abilities with character design, environments and techniques. Any chance I can get to bring a story to life is one I feel richly inspired by and know I will learn more in the process!Big Bodacious dream: Creating concept art for films. I am always deeply inspired by the "Art of … " books for any & all animated films, and would be truly honored to be part of that process one day.3. How has your years growing up in Colorado shaped your illustration style?There is a very textural, and organic tone to my technique and style which has morphed through the years. I know a lot of that comes from the environment and the surroundings in which I was influenced and exposed to from life on the farm, and a lot of outdoor adventures with my family. One can't help but be inspired when you walk out your door and see the majestic Rocky Mountains!Living and working in Colorado Springs (a mecca for ministry headquarters) has provided countless opportunities to serve many of these ministries that I love and support through a wide variety of projects. Very early in my career I had a job with TrueU, (Focus on the Family webzine for college students) doing one illustration a week for an article. This gig lasted 2 years, and in that time I really experimented with a wide variety of styles and techniques. I look back on that time as a really key time for me to explore and settle on where I wanted to go with my style.4. If you could give one bit of advice to an illustrator trying to start their own gig, what would that be?FInd your unique style, know the direction you want to go with your work and constantly connect with fellow illustrators you admire. Share, inspire and encourage one another regularly, as iron sharpening iron!5. What motivates you to illustrate?I have always loved this quote from Erma Bombeck:'When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'.That truly captures the core of my motivation/inspiration, and I am grateful for every day and opportunity to create! 6. What are you reading right now?I am a juggling reader, always have a few books in the mix, depending on mood and time. Currently they are:Jim Henson The Biography, by Brian Jay Jones.Dad is Fat, by Jim GaffiganThe Art of Jay Ward productions by Darrell Van Cittersand reading C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy with my son at bedtime.Go see more of his work on his website or Dribbble page!