The Next Big Interview: Artofryanyee

I remember getting a bookmark when I was in 4th grade of a Hubble space photo of a nebula and remember looking at it so intensely and getting lost in the image. It was a moment of limitless power. I am not sure if I capture that, but it’s something that I try to recreate in my work."– Ryan Yee

There is light and then there is light. If you've been privy to the paintings of Ryan Yee, you know the magnificent distinction that he achieves in his artworks, capturing a divine radiance which is complemented by the soft colors and coarse strokes that epitomise this lustrous style. In everything from warrior angels and dark mages to terrifying werewolves and fantasy forests, Ryan is able to depict the epic with an enviable effortlessness. Read on to learn about his charming familial roots in the world of art to the perseverance and inspirations that kept him there and enabled his growth. 

Thanks for chatting with me, Ryan! Let's explore your artistic road map so far: How did the journey begin, what have been some of the speed bumps or dead-ends along the way, and when did you start to feel like you were finally cruising?  

When I was growing up I was always encouraged by my parents to draw and paint. My father was a freelance illustrator. The best part of having an illustrator father? He would make me coloring book pages! I would color them so fast, that he began to photocopy dozens of them so I could color to my heart’s content.

Fast forward to high school where my friends and I would take trips out to San Diego Comic Con every year. I began to show my work to professional artists and illustrators there. A lot of them were really encouraging and gave me great advice on getting into the game and illustration industry. I eventually went to school for Media Arts and Animation; I focused on digital painting and concept art.

After college finding work as a concept artist was harder than I thought. The industry is very hard to break into, at one point I even considered giving up. After many failed art tests and interviews, I eventually got hired as a concept artist at Schell Games, where I currently work as a lead concept artist. During my time here I started doing freelance artwork for Wizards of the Coast and a few other companies. I still don't feel like I'm cruising... haha. There's always room for self-improvement."

What are the main themes that you like to examine in your art? 

I've never really thought about the themes in my work, but I can maybe speak about things that inspire me. In no particular order: symbolism, nature, dreams, relationships, life/death, primal wants and fear."

 

Your gallery comprises the most luminous and celestial style pieces for Magic the Gathering. What do you love in particular about your work for them? 

I remember getting a bookmark when I was in 4th grade of a Hubble space photo of a nebula and remember looking at it so intensely and getting lost in the image. It was a moment of limitless power. I am not sure if I capture that, but it’s something that I try to recreate in my work."

Do you have a favourite painting? If so, what would you consider to be the strengths of the piece, visually and/or conceptually? 

I have a certain fondness for Blood King. I think it hits on a shock level and is also bizarre and otherworldly. For my personal work I am not a fan of spelling everything out to the viewer and let them make their own story in their head. This is a very different thinking process from my commercial illustration. Usually I have story parameters and try to use the environment and poses to make it very clear what is going on."

What qualities do you find inspirational in your favourite artists or those you admire in the field? 

I've been fortunate to meet a lot of my favorite artists. After meeting them I've realized they all share similar qualities that I find inspirational. In general, they are compassionate, extremely hard-working, and they are intrigued by the world around them."

As an artist, how do you deal with creative setbacks or lack of motivation? 

Sometimes you just have to leave the work behind and take a break. I've found that conventions are a great way to be inspired. Just being around people who love what they do can be infectious, I always try to do at least one convention a year. It's my creative recharge!"

Nightmares or daydreams, which fuels you? 

Both for different reasons. I definitely enjoy the aspect of waking up from a nightmare and that intense feeling of emotion you get. I've always been fascinated by dreams, some of my early memories seem like dreams to me. I remember as a kid sleeping in as long as I could on weekends so I could have as many dreams as possible."

What has been the highlight of your DeviantArt experience so far, and how do you see the community as contributing to your growth as an artist? 

I really love DeviantArt more and more each day. It's a great feeling to connect with artists you have admired for so long. Discovering a new artist is really fun too. I like that the DA community reaches out all around the world. Good art should be seen regardless of where you are."

What other talent(s) do you possess that others might be surprised to know about?

I don't know about talents, but I like cooking and decorating my place quite a bit. Sometimes I think of it as one giant composition that I'm constantly adding and editing."

Is there something you are currently working on, or are excited about starting that you can share? 

The majority of my work is still under NDA so there's a ton of things I am excited to share this upcoming year. I have started doing some personal artwork for myself. It's mostly sketches, but hopefully I will be able to show them soon."