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Today, we are talking to Markus Vogt, whose artwork appears on the cover of our Future Lovecraft anthology. You can find him online at markusvogt.eu.
IFP: Can you introduce yourself to our readers in 114 characters or less?
MV: My name is Markus Vogt, a German digital artist who creates 2D/3D images in the fields of Science Fiction and Dark Art.
IFP: What is your creative process like? For example, do you listen to music while you work?
MV: I cannot tell you so much here, as I do not have a certain process. Sometimes, ideas come in my mind very quickly, on other days, hardly at all. I try to keep my eyes open and let myself be inspired by other artforms – like music, for example. I always try to improve my skills in the fundamentals of art – like composition, colour and shapes as those are the basics of really good art. And yes, I often let some music play in the background while working. This is indeed a great help and additional inspiration for me. I especially love all kinds of electronic music.
IFP: How did you become interested in illustration?
MV: Painting or all other sorts of creative work was always one of my main preferences since my childhood. Digitally, I started out in 2003 with vector graphics-orientated programs like CorelDraw. Shortly afterward, I became interested in 3D modeling-and-rendering packages like Cinema 4D, Vue, Bryce, Poser, and so on. In combination with Photoshop, those are my main focus now.
IFP: What kind of techniques and tools do you use? For example, do you sketch everything by hand or work mainly on the computer?
MV: I work only digitally with my graphics tablet. I do not have any certain type of workflow, as I always try to optimise the working time. Saving time wherever possible is definitely key for me. Before I start out, I try to develop an interesting composition layout in form of thumbnail sketches. When I am satisfied, I sometimes start out with some basic 3D renders to get the perspective right. After that, I bring the image into Photoshop, where the major work starts. I always apply all atmospheric and lighting effects, as well as texturing and detailing in Photoshop, using photoreference or additional 3D elements.
My most-used tools are: Photoshop, ZBrush, Cinema 4d, Vue, Bryce, 3D Coat.
IFP: How would you define your style? Are there any recurring themes in your art?
MV: It is a mixture of science fiction, horror-themed and surrealistic elements, a sort of dark-futuristic or post-apocalyptic cyber style, if you want to call it that.
IFP: Where do you find inspiration for your work?
MV: Often, unusual ideas and concepts come from very common happenings, as long as you try to keep an open mind. This can happen all day in all different situations. I am inspired by a lot of fantastic artists worldwide and good old science fiction or horror film classics like Alien, Terminator 2, Blade Runner, Hellraiser, or Silent Hill. My personal favourite artists mostly come from Asia. They are perfectionists and have incredible imaginations, skills and knowledge when it comes to art creation.
Graphical influences are: HR Giger, Z. Beksinski, or John Berkey, as well as some of the fantastic artists of today, like David Ho, Meats Meier, Yann Souetre, Yang Xueguo, Allen Wei Ming, or Paul Gerrard.
Another main inspiration for me is the music.
IFP: What are some of your favourite books and movies?
MV: I do not really have a favourite book, but my taste in movies is really versatile. My favourite movies are: Alien, Terminator 2, Robocop, Predator, Falling Down, K-Pax, Silence of the Lambs, and a few more. As you can see…many different ones from totally different genres.
IFP: If you could be a Lovecraftian creature or character, who would you be and why?
MV: About this, i cannot tell you so much, sorry 🙂
You can find Markus at markusvogt.eu.
