Vincent Sammy

Something Wicked Issue 13 - Cover by Vincent Sammy

Another breathtaking cover from you. How did you go about illustrating it?

When I read a story that I need to illustrate, I either try and find the most disturbing or unusual visual angle, or the emotional context. In this case I mixed the two up as I felt the ending was very emotionally charged, and combined it with the unusual visual of a small body in a little wagon. Then I needed to decide on what the best visual angle/point of view would be to illustrate it from. I decided on the top down, as it felt that it could convey a stronger sense of hope and uncertainty. Then it’s all about getting down to sourcing reference material, pencil work, watercolour painting, and finally photoshop work. I was lucky in that I got the pencil work done right first time round. I usually don’t, and need to redraw images if I’m not 100% happy with it.

Do you have formal training as an artist, or are you self-taught?

I guess, for the most part, I am a self-taught artist. I have formal training in graphic design, which had a small degree of art classes in it, but good, solid training at the institute that I attended wasn’t… that solid. I spent most of my time as a child drawing pictures. This was mostly copying 2000AD characters or Fighting Fantasy characters. That was my true training ground 🙂

Most of your work is in coloured pencils, is that correct? Do you use any digital mediums in your work?

Actually, I illustrate primarily in watercolours. I find it fast and effective. I usually add backgrounds in photoshop, as well as add effects and final visual optimisation. But the basic image is always done in watercolours. I like having an actual “original” artwork.

How do you start a piece?

As I mentioned before, lots of preparation, considering of angles and style and if there is time, let it marinade in my head for a day or two in case some more exciting idea pops up.

Do you have a favourite subject or genre that you like to work in?

Anything that lets me attempt to do something as original as possible. Mostly Sci-Fi, Horror, Dark Fantasy. And as usual, a female character is always the best to draw 🙂 Strange creature skulls, old electronic equipment… insects.