missioning propaganda , I would certainly hire him . Not that I support the use of propaganda ; I just believe in the visual and symbolic power that I think Greppi knows how to imbue into an image that he is hired to create .
I wanted to get to know the Greppi process , but it ’ s not easy to show simply with words . I asked him if he draws from comics , cartoons , video games , or graphic novels . He told me that it might not be apparent , but he ’ s really into classical religious art . “ Depending on what I am working on , I draw from various sources . Sometimes , I just go right to it and if the sketch looks good , I will go from it . There are other times where it is not what I am envisioning , so I either take pictures of somebody trying to do the pose , or I will ‘ Frankenstein ’ pieces and parts from different things to build my own photo reference until I get what I want , and then I ’ ll draw from that . It all depends on how I want to attack the project . Sometimes , I want the anatomy to be more spot-on and other times I am okay with exaggeration .” You would think that working straight from the fi rst sketch without references takes a lot of confi dence , but it ’ s clear that Greppi is confi dent in his ability . I would be , too , with a killer array of work like his .
I think that having such a high bar set for yourself , with such quality , refi ned , and thoughtful designs , might lead to some problems with artist ’ s block . I told Greppi about my personal style of art where , nine times out of ten , I just go for it . I don ’ t plan , I just get the materials and go for it . I was trying to convey how I wish I could be like him , but I think he felt similarly about me . “ Sometimes I am guilty of overthinking to the point where I start off , and I am happy with the idea , but when I get around to working on it , this weird anxiety takes over . It ’ s frustrating , because I will question everything and hear negative things in my head while I ’ m working . Most times , the majority of things that I fi nish and put out , I hated or was angry with during the whole process . I could be wild about it , but I am a little more reserved . There are artists that have your wild energy and they have the attitude that this is their work , however it comes out is how it is supposed to be .” The grass is always greener on the other side , I suppose . I think he ’ s better off doing it his way ; the weird anxiety might be a good thing .
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above : For You With Love , illustration below : Gokudo Moon , illustration
Recently , Greppi worked with Jack Daniels to illustrate images for their Tennessee Honey campaign , where he illustrated a futuristic-fashioned female surrounded by mechanized honeybees . Greppi has also been invited to work on illustrations for a project by Perfect World Entertainment called Neverwinter , an action-MMO about the Dungeons and Dragons universe . He ’ s even been invited to work with some of his own artistic heroes on an art book based on John Carpenter ’ s horror fi lm , The Thing . It ’ s called The Thing : Artbook , and you should be on the lookout — it ’ s got a huge , totally jam-packed list of artists working on it . I tried to count , but I got lost somewhere around fi fty .
We ended off with a few silly questions about random stuff , ended the recording , and closed out our tabs .
He went home to see his family and I went to the Artborne Annual celebration and gallery show at the Gallery at Avalon Island . I ’ m really happy to be a part of this publication , and I am glad to be able to share such a talented graphic designer with the Orlando community . André Greppi ’ s work needs to be known . Say It Loud ! is making moves , and any business that needs advertising ought to be looking no further . If you want powerful , evocative , subliminal , and just plain stellar work , you want the talented and meticulous mind of DRES13 . I always conclude the interview with one simple question . “ What is your mantra ?” André Greppi tells us to take step back to look at what we ’ re blessed with and say , “ Get to work , it ’ s time to earn it .”
You can see more at : Dres13 . com
right : Guerreira , illustration
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