The Games We Play is an ongoing feature in which we speak with some of our favorite creative minds about the games in their lives—past and present. Today we’re featuring The Art of Skinner.
The Art of Skinner
Before we get into the interview, Skinner wants to tell you a bit about himself, Art of Skinner, and how he came to be the formidable creative force he is today:
I had no idea what being a full time professional artist would hold for me when I quit my job in the middle of the economic meltdown of 2008. I knew that if I could survive through that, I’d be able to survive what it took to be an artist at anytime, so it felt like a good test to take.
Illustration, painting, expansive installations, sculptures and gallery shows around the world soon followed, as my anxiety ridden stubbornness kicked in to high gear. Commercial work for Warner Bros, Adult Swim, Vans, Apple, Quentin Tarantino, Fender guitars, and Juxtapoz built a client list to balance out the psychedelic, graphic experimentations I became known for. I use every opportunity to expand into new medias as a chance to cultivate the unknown parts of myself and to collaborate with others who are searching as well.
Thankfully my professional relationships (which are usually born out of personal friendships) led to opportunities in writing and directing music videos, live animation projections and IP commercials for Adult swim and Fender guitars. Writing scripts, acting and production naturally followed. Film making and animation has brought me into collaboration and connectivity with people that has enriched my life in ways that being an isolated painter never could. The satisfaction of working with others and getting to appreciate their gifts as we create, is infinitely more inspiring than working alone. Filmmaking and narration is an organic outcome of my search to grow the territory of my creative self.
On to the Skinner-view!
Hey Skinner! I imagine a good number of our readers already know who you are, but if not, would you mind introducing yourself? You do so much stuff that I’d hate to even try on my own.
Your work seems to stitch together a lot of influences: comic books, psychedelia, and of course, Dungeons & Dragons. Can you talk a little bit about how this witch’s brew came together? Are there any specific artists in these categories that are particularly inspiring or influential?
How did you get turned on to Dungeons & Dragons and roleplaying games in general? Which ones did you play? Do you remember any specific adventures, source books, or other things that particularly struck a chord with you?
What are some of your favorite monsters?
Have you worked on any gaming supplements?
Do you still play any games? What about board games, miniature games, or anything like that? What kind of stuff still catches your eye?
What’s next for you? Got any projects you want to mention?
Thanks so much to Skinner, for taking the time to talk with us! We’re looking forward to seeing his wonderful, hallucinatory machinations show up in even more places—both in and out of the gaming world!
Keep up with the art of Skinner
Follow Art of Skinner on social media to get the latest news about his projects!
Interview conducted by Rob Matthews
Rob Matthews is a writer and lifelong gamer. When he’s not rolling dice or herding words, you can find him drawing, training in the martial arts, or planning his next tattoo.
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