Behind the Design: Transformers Artist, Acky Bright

Q: How would you describe your art style?

A: I started off doing graffiti. I didn’t major in art when I was in school, and self-taught myself how to draw. When I was young, I would be imagining something, and then grab a pencil and paper to start doodling. I would doodle on the back of pamphlets or inside my text books. My drawings got better as I went, and then before I knew it, I became a pro artist. (laughs) It’s not much of an answer, but I can’t put a label on my art style because I always just end up drawing in a style that I think makes the picture look the best, rather than following specific rules.

 

Q: Who are your influences? Do you have a favorite artist?

A: I can’t even begin to limit how many artists have influenced me. There are so many. Other than famous artists, I’m also influenced by smaller creators who are still making a name for themselves. So, rather than just having a single influence or favorite, I’m inspired by all these great artists that I come across, and want to learn from all of them.

 

 

Q: How would you describe your art style?

A: I started off doing graffiti. I didn’t major in art when I was in school, and self-taught myself how to draw. When I was young, I would be imagining something, and then grab a pencil and paper to start doodling. I would doodle on the back of pamphlets or inside my text books. My drawings got better as I went, and then before I knew it, I became a pro artist. (laughs) It’s not much of an answer, but I can’t put a label on my art style because I always just end up drawing in a style that I think makes the picture look the best, rather than following specific rules.

 

Q: Who are your influences? Do you have a favorite artist?

A: I can’t even begin to limit how many artists have influenced me. There are so many. Other than famous artists, I’m also influenced by smaller creators who are still making a name for themselves. So, rather than just having a single influence or favorite, I’m inspired by all these great artists that I come across, and want to learn from all of them.

 

Q: How did you approach the Optimus Prime artwork? What do you feel your unique art style brought to the character?

A: First off, I had to keep in mind that this wasn’t another piece of fan art I was drawing, but an official piece. Because of that, I couldn’t just put whatever style I wanted, but made sure to go back and study all the past designs that existed, and took those silhouettes and parts, then integrated my style into them to create an “Acky version Optimus Prime” that would make fans happy. I drew him freehand rather than using set artistic rules, which allowed me to express Optimus Prime as a living creature rather than a machine. By the way, the pose he’s in was inspired by kabuki theater where his front hands are open.

 

Q: Who's your favorite Transformers character? And why?

A: I love Optimus Prime. I also love the Decepticons and Starscream. In other words, I love all of them. (laughs)

I’ve loved Transformers since I was a kid, and got very excited while watching the live-action movies. I want to go back to my younger self, and show him that I’m a part of this project!

 

Optimus Prime T-shirt by Artist Acky Bright


 

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