You have no items in your shopping cart.
Speaking with Illustrator, Jerry LoFaro
Thursday, 5 March 2020 09:45:03 Europe/London
Jerry LoFaro is an illustrator whose work can transport you to another world in a glance. Whether that’s a prehistoric land, on a fantasy adventure or to an animal planet, the detail and life in each piece doesn’t cease to amaze.
In our latest Azutura interview, we were lucky enough to catch up with Jerry to discuss his creative process, his love of animals both past and present, his passion for photography and much more.
Hi Jerry, thanks for taking the time to speak to us. Can you start by telling us a little about your life?
Well, it’s been a good one getting to do what I love to do for a living! I grew up on Long Island and have been living in the backwoods of New Hampshire since 1996.
What’s a typical day like in the life of Jerry LoFaro?
My studio is about 200 ft from my house, and I’m back and forth all day & night - it’s important to take frequent breaks from the computer.
How and when did you first become interested in illustration?
In high school, I became very influenced by album and book cover art, and it made me realize that it was possible to make a living creating cool stuff.
What tools do you use to create your illustrations?
Up until 2002, all my work was done with acrylic paints & airbrush. Everything since then is created in Photoshop on my computer.
I think it’s fair to say that you’re a bit of a dinosaur enthusiast. Can you tell us a little about your love of dinosaurs?
Growing up on Long Island, my parents took me to The Museum of Natural History in NYC many times, and I would lose my mind with excitement in the dinosaur halls! I also grew up with all the great Time Life books and National Geographic Magazine, and the illustrations of prehistoric themes really helped shape my interest.
You also illustrate many living animals too. What is it that draws you to the subjects of animals both past and present?
Animals are so fascinating, beautiful and provide a great many creative possibilities. I enjoy depicting them as they are, but also in surreal situations that allow them to represent the human condition.
What’s your favourite animal?
Rhinoceros!
And what about dinosaurs?
Tyrannosaurus Rex!
Can you tell us about your creative process from coming up with your initial idea through to the finished project?
Once I have an idea, I immediately start researching photos to help provide realistic scenes and colours that will make the concept successful. I’ll also photograph models, toys, landscapes, etc. to aid in fulfilling my vision.
You’ve had a very successful career. What would you say is your greatest achievement?
You mean aside from being a dad, and now a grandfather? I like the fact that I’ve never been pigeon-holed in my career and that my interests and abilities have enabled me to work in many areas of illustration.
As well as an illustrator, you’re also a photographer. Can you tell us about this?
I’ve been photographing for a very long time, but mainly as a reference source for my art. I only started treating it seriously a few years ago and I’m really pleased that people are responding so enthusiastically to my work.
I love photographing everything and I am fortunate to be able to be the official photographer at The Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, NH - one of New England’s best concert venues!
If you weren’t an illustrator, which career would you have pursued?
Maybe a chef - I love cooking!
What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Work hard: draw and photograph every day!
What’s the future looking like? Any big projects coming up?
I just completed a mural for the Tupelo Music Hall that is a creative montage of all my best photos of bands & musicians. Aside from the natural ebb & flow of creating art for licensing, I’m currently working on a book of my photography that will be published in 2020 called “Abandoned Vehicles New Hampshire: Rust In Peace”.
Posted in News
By
