Friday, January 26, 2007

Fresh Paint: Tiffany Prothero

Tiffany Prothero has an disciplined Golden Age narrative style while mixing in fresh influences. The exciting thing about watching her progress over the past year is that every piece is better than the last, she is able to learn and grow with each new painting. And, although it is of no issue to the work itself, it is damn exciting to see her and other young women rising up in the ranks. In a conversation with a few artists friends, we could only come up with a small handful of women at the top of the sf/f art world. I have no doubt that Tiffany will be in that group in years to come.

Where did you go to school and how do you feel they prepared you for your career, both artistically and in business?

I went to Academy of Art University in San
Francisco. They did a pretty decent job at preparing me, but meeting industry professionals is something I didn't get at school.

What has been your biggest challenge post
graduation?
Getting work and refining my skill.

What do you feel is your biggest hurdle in getting commissions?
Having a consistent style people can use, bulking up my portfolio, and luck.

Do you feel as though you've had your first break?
Hmmm, maybe. I just received a commission with Realms of Fantasy Magazine. It really just fell in my lap, "Surprise! you have a job, no joke, here you go!" yeah it was luck, haha!
[Note from The Art Department: While luck is helpful, it's always the portfolio that clinches the job.]


Do you have a clear idea where you'd like to be in five years or are you
taking each day as it comes?
I would like to paint for science fiction and fantasy book publishers.

Any advice to students still in school?

Try to meet industry professionals, just to get your name out there, and for valuable advice. Send Promos out, and submit to contests like Spectrum, or the Society of Illustrators Annual. Good Luck!

15 comments:

Unknown said...

" I have no doubt that Tiffany will be in that group in years to come."

I 've been saying the same thing to everyone -most of all Tiffany. Great to shine some light on this little star.
Oh -Happy Birthday!

Julien alday said...

" I have no doubt that Tiffany will be in that group in years to come."

I agree with that sentence too. [for the few] I know her, she's a very good artist, passionate and a hardworker. As you said, Irene, each pictures is better than the previous one... I can't wait to see what she will produce in the future.

Ho, and Scott's comment just remind me:
Joyeux Anniversaire, Irene !

Tom Scholes said...

" I have no doubt that Tiffany will be in that group in years to come."

I have this tattooed on my biceps, that's how true it is.

Seriously though, every painting that comes next has impressed me more than the last. We luv you Tiff!

-IdiotApathy

Carl V. Anderson said...

I will definitely be on the lookout for that issue of Realms of Fantasy magazine!

Her work is luminous! I really like the octopus painting, saw it on the art contest post you had the other day. I can only imagine that we will soon see her work everywhere. Anything less would be a complete shame.

chrisa511 said...

Wow, these are beautiful! Can't wait to see what comes from her in the future.

Anonymous said...

Definitely adding Tiffany to the list of artists to look out for.

I love "Golden Compass" and "A Touch of Hell". Beautiful.

She has a lovely, easy to navigate website too - I like that. :D

Rich Pellegrino said...

I have to say it is very inspiring to see her work progress so much this past year alone. Tiffany may be in that group sooner than we think at this rate. Well deserved and I can't wait to see more from her!

Ben Foster said...

Tiffany has quickly become one of those illustrators whose fingers I need to break.... I mean, whose work to look out for. She has an incredibly refined style that gets fresher and fresher with every piece she produces. It's great to see that your shining your little spotlight on her.

Mike Dutton said...

I remember when Tiffany first showed "A Touch of Hell" online. My wife came home from work and asked if anything interesting happened during my day. I showed her that painting.

I'm always looking forward to showing off more of her work. Great interview Irene!

min said...

I have always been a fan of Tiffany, her work is stunning yes.. we all know that, but she's just so awsome to chat to and all, humble and caring. I admire her for this quality she has, and that she can paint up a storm too. We do luv you Tiff!!

Cameron Snow said...

If by chance... I'm at Tiff's house, and the painting magically disappears...
I didn't do it.

Arkady Roytman said...

screw the art, Tiff is DAMN good at getting my ass drunk, which is not as easy as it seems. :P


oh yeah and if any of the Spectrum judges are reading these comments (that means you Dan!!!) give this girl a damn medal. "Touch of Hell" has been one of the most exiting images i saw all year. and i'm not saying that just because Tiff is my buddy.

Irene Gallo said...

I just got my issue of REALMS OF FANTASY and "Touch of Hell" is even more satisfying on the printed page.

Carl V. Anderson said...

I went out an bought Realms of Fantasy last night, forgetting that this image was featured therein and was so pleased when I got to that page. It does look amazing.

Mike Corriero said...

Congrats Tiffany,
I'll be looking forward to seeing your work on covers and on card games, books, magazines.. you're definitely at a point where your career should/will be blowing up big time.

Nice little interview and images of your work used.
good luck - best wishes
Mike Corriero -