Artist Interview - Robert Farkas
This week's interview is with the fabulous Robert Farkas, whose popular animal images are easy to spot on the Wraptious website. Based out of Budapest, Hungary, Robert creates his work using a mixture of watercolour and digital imagery. He tells us what inspired him to take up painting, and the pros and cons of being a freelance artist...
1) Which artists have inspired you the most?
Takeshi (check out the 'still on the run' tumblr) , Budi Satria Kwan and Kris Tate are my favourite artists, but everyday I see work from upcoming new designers I love too.
2) Out of all the work you've produced, which is your favourite piece?
My favorite is Rorscach, maybe because that was the first one. I created it after a very dark period of my life, when I had to work 14-16 hours per day at my workplace. One night I couldn't sleep, so I started to create this artwork that had been in my mind for weeks.
3) How did you first start promoting your artwork?
Firstly, I looked for design blogs and e-magazines, and asked them to interview me as an artist. Later I used twitter and facebook to promote myself.
4) How often do you produce a piece of artwork? Are you strict with yourself?
Since my daughter was born in December last year, I haven't had as much time to create artwork as I would like. I'm a freelancer illustrator and animator too, so I have a lot of parallel projects on the go. Creating artwork is a kind of therapy for me: that's the only time when I can really care about myself, and I am alone and in peace. And yes, I'm very strict with myself. My wife keeps saying to me "just stop what you're doing and have some rest!"
5) What's the most challenging part about being an artist/illustrator?
I think the most challenging part is to work out what customers want. Deadlines can make me very stressed too. Sometimes I have "blank days" when my brain is total empty, and I can't create a thing...on those days I'm always in panic!
6) What do you love most about being an artist?
Freedom is the most valuable thing for me. This lifestyle (as an artist) means I can be with my family more, and I can decide what to do and when. I couldn't wish for more from life.
7) What piece of advice would you give someone just starting out?
Don't worry, and never stop creating. There are so many opportunities in the world, you should just find and grab the right one.
8) What are you currently working on? And what can we look forward to seeing from you next?
Currently I'm working on my diploma, it's been 100 hours of work already. I'll be proud to present it for everyone, and forget school for a few years!
9) What's your biggest ambition?
To be involved in a Hollywood movie project as an animator, or an illustrator.
10) And finally, what three things could you not live without?
My wife, my daughter and computer games :)
Want to learn more? Check out Robert's facebook page, or his profile on Wraptious!