If you’ve picked up the new issue of SciFiNow, you’ll have seen the latest instalment in our collaboration with the folks at Poster Posse: Berkay Daglar’s awesome take on Terry Brooks’ classic fantasy novel The Sword Of Shannara!
We took the chance to pick his brains about his style, inspirations and dream commissions…
Tell us about your background as an artist. Where did you study and how did you get in to digital art?
I have been drawing all kind of things that I watched (mostly) since I was a kid. Cartoons, movies, news ..etc. It gives a sense of satisfaction, rendering what I see.
After high school I knew I must study illustration and graphic design. At university I started to become interested in digital art cause I see it kind of as the future of its genre, and a must.
How would you sum up your style? And how has this developed over the years?
Everything started with legendary Drew Struzan. I met with his works in high school, and because I am also in love with movies beside drawing. suddenly drawing a poster became a dream job to me. Struzan’s work influenced me and gave a shape to my style. Than I saw lots of technics from artists all around the world. As I create more my style has evolved and become more complex.
What have been your favourite projects to work on so far?
All Poster Posse projects! Mostly the last ones. Deadpool, Captain America: Civil War, Ant-Man, Mad Max. Poster project for ‘OUTATIME Art Show’ which had donated to The Michael J. Fox Foundation. There has been also good exhibitions that I enjoyed having a part in Turkey. Bant Magazine’s Director Tribute exhibitions and an illustration exhibition for 51st International Antalya Golden Orange Film Fesival.
A lot of your work is based on popular culture, what attracts you to this kind of work?
I always loved going to cinema. That simply keeps me close to popular culture.
Are there any dream clients/collaborators you’d love to work with and why?
I get the chance to work with them these days thanks to the posse:) But I have a name ‘Cem Yılmaz’. He is a famous turkish comedian and film maker. I would love to draw a poster for one of his future movies.
What is usually the most challenging part of a commission?
Understanding the demands of the client and putting your style, ideas, values in to the work with them at the same time.
What is your process? Are you a ‘tight’ sketcher of ideas or does it start loose and come together digitally?
Usually I draw a sketch or two for the layout. But most good ideas come together on the process.
What programs/tools can’t you live without?
Of course the one and only, Photoshop.
What would you say separates you from other artists?
Using bright colors and always putting just a little layout idea in them to express the subject. I guess :)
What advice would you give to yourself if you could travel back in time to the start of your career?
Work harder.
What would be your three key tips or pieces of advice for artists trying to start a career?
1- Work hard.
2- Do not try to take inspiration from one culture, subject, book, artist or philosophy. Make a salad and put in a good amount of the sauce of your soul.
3- Work harder.
Anything you are working on/upcoming that you would like to plug?
I have some but it is better if I keep it to myself for now! Haha!
See Berkay’s work on his website and in the new issue of SciFiNow!
