Tabula Rasa : Illumination - Clint

Hometown
Grand Prairie, TX

Favorite games
I'm a fan of the old school games! Monopoly has always been a favorite of mine. Galaxian - I used to go to Pancho's [restaurant] as a kid and plug dollar after dollar into that machine! As I got older, it was all about Dragon's Lair; gotta give props to Don Bluth, that animation is still top notch! Made me want to become an artist.

Favorite books
Any of the Harry Potter books. I'm also a Tolkien fan. I collect a lot of art books. As an artist, you can never have enough reference.

Favorite movies
That's a tough question, I have so many favorite movies. "Harold and Maude"-circa 1971, and just about anything from Wes Anderson. Star Wars certainly, Clint Eastwood films. Tarantino flicks are always good.

Favorite websites
The Onion and just about any website on FX work and digital film making.

Favorite bands or songs
70's rock - Led Zeppelin, Boston, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Black Sabbath, Foghat; basically anything that makes your mullet-wearing buddy say, "Turn it up!" is a favorite of mine.

Favorite quote or personal mantra
"Saving Earth women from space aliens since 1971."

Previous projects
Having worked at LEC (that's LucasArts) for the better part of 10 years, I have a few games under my belt most of which are of the Star Wars variety.

Describe your job
Art, and lots of it. FX, animation, logos, UI work, cinematics, trailers, a virtual plethora of job descriptions ranging from the ultra cool to the silly and mundane. Everything from film work to icons for user interface.

What sources have inspired you?
I get so much of my own personal inspiration from film and song. Every so often somebody in the industry marries the two so perfectly that it changes the way you look at things. It doesn't happen often, but when it does and you walk out of that theatre or turn off that radio, ready to create, it gets the ideas flowing. It's that kind of domino effect that I like most about the industry I work in and I believe it says a lot about how art has, in recent years, changed our views. This leads perfectly into the next question.

What advice would you give to someone with aspirations to do what you do?
I saw "Star Wars" May 27th 1977 in Arlington, Texas. I walked out of that movie and almost immediately picked up a pencil. I've drawn almost everyday since.

I wasn't the best student in school, but I had a passion for what I could create with a sketchbook and some markers. I wrote, created characters and worlds for them to inhabit. It was my escape from the everyday young adult life doldrums.

When I was hired to work for Lucas in '95, I had placed a few old drawings I had done when I was twelve into the sleeve of my portfolio, mostly for luck. I had no idea those drawings would be the deciding factor in my landing the job. "Anyone who was that dedicated to that movie, I obviously couldn't pass on," I was later told.

So, what did I learn? Creativity leads to inspiration. Inspiration leads to determination. Determination leads to perseverance. So get creative! I now have the opportunity to work with some of the most creative people in the entire entertainment industry, and get inspired daily.

Posted by Jennifer at 2005-11-18 13:54:42

Glad to see youre still doing what you love and love what youre doing. I always knew it would take you far away from Osage Trail and the room in the corner.

Posted by CGY at 2006-01-09 16:22:12

The room in the corner....lol. just on the side of wilderness.

Posted by CGY at 2006-01-09 16:51:06

Hi Ebu.

Posted by Ebu at 2006-01-09 20:43:44

Im beginning to think that there is some sort literary metaphor staring us in the face..room in the corner...on the side of wilderness. Hmmm if I were a writer Id make something of that. LOL

Posted by c at 2006-01-13 14:46:10

Maybe so