An Illustrated Life Podcast 007: Mark S Fisher
A sketchbook is a place of contemplation. For some people, like me, that contemplation is of the exterior world, and focus exclusively on drawing the things that are in front of me. But for others, contemplation is internal. They draw the pictures that appear in their minds and allow their imaginations to embellish. On this week's podcast, I talked to Mark S. Fisher, who is an illustrator, a designer, and a part-time security guard. Mark fills a half dozen books a year and has done so for over three decades. He has many interesting things to say about drawing, art, and contemplation.
As you listen to this conversation, I suggest you check out the work on his website and two galleries of sketchbooks stuff, here and here. I found that the conversation left me wanting to be much wilder and more free in my sketchbook. I hope it does the same for you.
I am very happy that Mark will be represented in my upcoming book, An Illustrated Life: drawing inspiration from the private sketchbooks of artists, illustrators and designers due out in October from HOW books ( though you can pre-order it today).
The whole episode is 39 minutes long; it's perfect to listen to as you draw in your own journal.
Please stay tuned and consider subscribing via RSS or iTunes* to this weekly feature until the book comes out this Fall.
See all previous episodes on my podcast home page.
A record of my exploration into all aspects of drawing, illustrated journaling, creativity, and the inspiring aspects of art. By the author of "Everyday Matters," "The Creative License", and "An Illustrated Life" and other books.
Comments
Hey Danny, thanx for another great podcast. Working as a graphic designer I find myself very strict in my approach to sketchbooking, setting rules and guidelines for each book, I'm guessing this comes from working very structured on a daily basis. After listening to this episode I'm already feeling like throwing these rules out the window and freeing up a bit of that daily tension by drawing more openly like Mark!
Posted by: Matt from Switzerland | March 31, 2008 08:56 AM
wow, that was a challenging interview! it reminded me exactly of what you and i discussed regarding the portrait party: sometimes artists have nothing in common but art. and that's enough.
Posted by: rama | March 31, 2008 08:24 PM
Hi Danny,
I love this artist you interviewed. This is more my style of drawing and working. I start of with a doodle, then see what stems from there. His work also reminds me of Ken Brown, who I adore. I checked out Mark Fisher's website, and loved the logos, and the artwork there as well. His style is what I love about illustrations. His work is retro too.
It's funny how he talks about his change in jobs due to the economy, as I was just talking about that with friends. We do our regular jobs, then go off to do our art. (In my case, it's more photography than sketching, though I love that too.) My biggest worry is that I wouldn't make a living doing what I love, but like you said, you are now able to do your own thing instead of working "for the man", which I also find freeing artistically, and spiritually. I would prefer to make a living doing what I love, but on my terms, but being that it hasn't happened that way, I'd prefer to still do my art the way I like it, for my own enjoyment, and keep a regular non-fulfilling job. Such are the compromises.
Fisher's art is inspiring, and I will be drawing more because of this whole wonderful podcast interview series.
Thanks for sharing. I can't wait for the book!!!
Posted by: Lainey | April 3, 2008 09:10 AM
Danny,
Have you seen the video on the works and working process of The Economist's political cartoonist "KAL?"
You might want to check it out and link it up for your viewers.
It is at www.economist.com/kalvideo.
Cheers,
Mike
P.S. I am really enjoying your interviews with different illustrators.
Posted by: Michael Mayer | April 5, 2008 08:12 AM
I've been listening to the podcasts without seeing the artist's sketchbooks on the web site. How cool to hear them talk about their journals and their creative processes and then see the art.
Wow. I'm blown away.
Love the podcast series and can't wait to get the book in the fall!
Thanks Danny!
Posted by: Cynthia Morris | April 8, 2008 04:23 PM
What happened to Paul Soupiset's podcast? Didnt get a chance to listen to it.
Posted by: Sean | April 10, 2008 09:25 AM