IFCC 3Q Interview // Sławomir Maniak
1. How did you get started in your field and what advice can you offer enthusiasts and beginners?
I got started by taking small steps. In 2004 I graduated in Law and realized that it was not what I wanted to do in life. So I started drawing because it seemed like a very attractive activity. After a year or two I started doing black and white illustrations for a Polish publisher of rpg games. Then I got a job as an illustrator for educational books. In the meantime I also made some cover art. In 2011 I was invited to work on Crysis 2. And that’s how it started :)
To beginners I would say that one of the most important things is to keep enthusiasm and inspiration on as high a level as possible. It will make your hard work much easier.
2. What was your favorite project so far and why?
My favorite project so far is the one that I have participated in until today. It is, of course, Magic: the Gathering. Working on this game was a lot of fun and I gathered invaluable experience, mainly because of the great theme of the project. The worlds depicted in Magic always have a great mood and atmosphere and are very well designed with a lot of interesting monsters and characters. I am always excited when I starting work on a new piece. I have always been a big fan of fantasy in general.
My second favorite, but equally important project, is art directing at MtG production. There, you can always depend on your co-workers and they give you a great deal of artistic freedom for realizing your visions.
3. How will you be involved in IFCC 2015 and what do you expect from the festival?
I hope to spend some quality time with people of the same interest. I’m looking forward to gathering much inspiration and share some thoughts about art.