Meet Blake Davis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Blake Davis.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Every child is inherently creative. They draw and color and create, and share their creations with family and friends. Very few, however, continue in that road of creativity, as it becomes more and more difficult to traverse. Family and friends will eventually tell them art is a waste of time–that they should pursue “better goals.” I’m one of the stubborn kids who wouldn’t listen to anyone. I kept doodling on my homework, I scribbled on the backs of menus, and I drew on napkins. Because I loved it.

Not only is the artistic road difficult, it’s still unpaved. In fact, there’s no definite direction. Every artist paves their own way, one direction or another. There are no set rules, no set boundaries, no ladder of succession; the artistic career path is built by the individual artists themselves. When I was younger, I assumed there was a direct path: get good until you can get a concept art job for a video game publisher. As the years passed and industries changed dramatically, the bar has been raised to a nearly impossible level for newcomers. After graduating University with a Bachelor in the Fine Arts: Illustration, because of how the industry was changing, I felt less confident in my abilities as an artist than when I started. It felt pretty hopeless.

Having applied to well over a hundred studios with little to no feedback, I decided to change course and pursue the independent art path: creating my own personal work, writing my own stories, and providing them to customers directly. I created Omenshard, a new medieval-fantasy epic world filled with all the stuff I loved reading and watching as a kid; dragons, beasts, sword and sorcery. I’m bringing back the old-school black-and-white look I’ve always loved, and in spite of it being the complete opposite of modern media trends, I’m beginning to see success. Some people actually love this stuff as much as I do.

It has been a long and chaotic journey, and there is still so much more ground to cover. But it’s exciting, and I am actually doing what I love–making the art I want to make, and sharing it.

Please tell us about your art.
Growing up in the late 80’s and 90’s was a great time. Digital entertainment is starting to catch on, and innovations are being made left and right. I was captivated by D&D, Warcraft, Diablo, Conan, Castlevania, Heroes of Might & Magic, MTG… all the good dark fantasy stuff. But even more enthralling than the games themselves were the little pamphlets and art books that accompanied the products. I would spend countless hours pouring over all the details of items drawn in the back of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. I couldn’t help but wish to make the art that these folks made. From an early age, I knew I wanted to be a fantasy artist.

All of my work is a combination of all those things I loved, and more. I’m drawing from all that old-school inspiration and bringing that style back with some new flavor. I’m creating art prints, lore books, custom playmats and playing cards, and even framed canvases depicting classic sword and sorcery scenes from my own story of Omenshard. The artwork itself is created both traditionally and digitally, and I make all of the artwork live for anyone to watch online. I want to show aspiring artists that there doesn’t have to be secrets with art making, and that they can make whatever art they want. Just make it with the best of your ability and strive for a connection with the people who love what you do.

Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
Art today is just as (if not even more) important today as it was in the past. And the people are always hungry for more. In the age of the internet, there are far more opportunities for artists to make, share, and sell their art than ever before. The possibilities seem endless. Make what you love, and don’t quit!

The world may be becoming a stranger and scary place by the day, but don’t be afraid to provide inspiration, escapism, or even sharing history through your art. Ancient history, as we know it, is largely written by artists. Make art, and share it.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I’m all over the place! On the Web: www.blakedart.com is the central hub, and links to all other platforms I am a part of. You can also support the work from visiting the online store there!

Instagram: @artofblake
Twitter: @artofblake_
Twitch: www.twitch.tv/artofblake
Patreon: www.patreon.com/artofblake

I also have begun the convention circuit! Stay up-to-date with my whereabouts via mailing list at www.blakedart.com.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blakedart.com
• Email: blakedart@gmail.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/artofblake
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artofblake_
• Other: http://www.twitch.tv/artofblake

Image Credit:
All by me, Blake Davis.

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