Brad Shipp: cover artist spotlight
1: Tell us about our cover toad. What inspired the visuals here?
I went with my favorite place in Joplin, the Grand Falls.
The water churns the elements of life, that the toad channels magic in, awaking the restless souls on Halloween.
2: So... who are you?
I'm an artist that dabbles in a little bit of everything art-related.
I work as a graphic artist at Images in Tile by day, and I am a
freelancer by night. If I'm not doing something creative, I am spending time with the family/dog or I am tinkering with my hotrod truck.
3: What got you started creating the type of stuff you are now?
A strong desire to create; too many influences to list.
Video Games to Comic Books. I really enjoy and absorb all their graphic language.
There is great feeling (almost trance-like) in making something from your imagination, to see it as real.
4: How would you describe the art that you create? What does the process look like for you?
Concept Art. I love the challenge of coming up with art to meet criteria, usually for video games, products or storyboards. If that means using digital art to capture the mood or traditional to make my art more palpable.
The journey of using different techniques are my most enjoyable moments in art, than just getting accolades.
5: what's your biggest dream? Where would you love to see your work take you?
Working for myself.
6: How has the city of Joplin affected your life as an artist
I love the energy of art in Joplin. It has provided me with jobs, even though I work mostly online. I just love all the focus that art is getting around town.
7: if you could give advice to young artists who are inspired by your work, what would you say?
Always build the basics, never skip that. Also, find what drives you to create and enjoy doing. Practice every day.
8: What's your favorite Nicolas Cage movie?
Raising Arizona! but I would have loved to have seen him play Willy Wonka.
Like Brad’s work?
Follow along with him on instagram by following: @shipp_wreck