Artist Luke Butland is new to the pop culture poster scene but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a lot to offer. I first came across his work when I saw his ‘Superman‘ print and the rest as they say is ‘history‘. I invited him to be a Poster Posse member, he turned in a brilliant piece for his first project and now we get to learn more about what makes him tick. Sit back, relax and learn more about Luke Butland.
BLURPPY – How long have you been creating art in the pop culture scene? How did you get started?
LB – I’ve probably been doing this for about one and a half years but only really been serious about it for the past 6 or 7 months. I began by doing vector illustrations as it was something I used to really enjoy doing when I was in college and basically thought I’d give it a go again and see if people liked what I did.
BLURPPY – Speaking of which, thanks for letting me know about your SUPERMAN print awhile back. Great way to introduce yourself, with a great print! Is art your full time job? If not, what else do you do?
LB – Unfortunately no. Hopefully within the next couple of years I can make it my full time job but currently I work within a design agency in London doing pos and promotional work for films – not as glamorous as it sounds
BLURPPY – Neither is blogging but never tell ANYONE. Let them THINK you have the best job ever. Perception IS reality. Whose work do you admire or collect?
‘Batman’ by Jock
LB - I’ll be honest pretty much all the guys within the Poster Posse are people I look up to. The amount of talent and creativity shown in every project is just amazing and I’m honored to actually be a part of it. But If I had to name a few I’d probably say Tyler Stout, Paul Shipper, Jock and Matt Ferguson. If I could, I’d list a heap more !!
BLURPPY – I love alllll those guys. I was SOOOOO bummed I didn’t get to see Jock at SDCC this year! Stupid Cosplayers taking up all my time! Next year I hope to seek him out and shower him with adoration for his outstanding work. Perhaps even get him to do a Batman pic in my sketch book! What one print, by another artist, blows your mind?
The Joker by Jock
LB – That’s a difficult one to be honest but Id probably say Jock’s Joker from the ‘Black Mirror’ which I think is still in his store unless its sold out now but that prints insane, but I also love Tyler Stout’s Robocop brilliant !!
‘Robocop’ – Tyler Stout
BLURPPY – I hope you got that Joker piece during his timed sale! Such a creepy, eerie print….I love it! With so much art being produced these days, how do you keep things fresh? (This is NOT a hygiene question…)
LB – Constantly try out new styles and techniques, combine styles together to create something new and original. Originality is hard to strive for and I don’t think I’m there yet but hopefully by trying new things and working with new people I can create something that’s all my own.
BLURPPY – I like the humble approach. There is ALWAYS something to learn. Like just the other day I learned that if you don’t constantly “SAVE” an article as a draft, you could lose all the changes you made! Stupid me but I did learn..the hard way. Besides working on BLURPPY’s Poster Posse Projects, what is your ultimate dream project?
‘The One Who Knocks’ by Luke Butland
LB – Hmmm… I’d probably say to work on a comic cover for Marvel or DC. I’m not quick enough to do panels but I like doing cover art and would love to have a crack at that…..need to improve a bit first before I ever get that call.
BLURPPY – If you weren’t creating highly desirable works of art for adoring fans, what else would you do?
LB – Open a small coffee shop that promotes artists and comics ……this is an actual dream of mine.
BLURPPY – Ahhh… yes… caffeine and creativity often go hand in hand don’t they? What movies are you excited to see this year/ next year?
LB – ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ looks pretty brilliant, ‘Monuments Men’ has a stellar cast so that has my interest, I’m intrigued by ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and the X-Men films, I think they are either both going to be a real hit or miss. And I know it’s already out but I really need to get around to seeing ‘Black Fish’!!
BLURPPY – Ok, I had NO idea about ‘Black Fish’ before we spoke but after watching the trailer, I want to see it. Thanks for the heads up on that one. What is your favorite print from your portfolio and why?
‘Zelda’ by Luke Butland
LB – Probably my Zelda or Pac-Rim print. Basically because they both pushed me creatively and I had a blast doing them. I mean I love my Walking Dead print because it was my first hand drawn print but I think it would have to be Zelda or Pacific Rim.
‘Pacific Rim’ by Luke Butland
BLURPPY – What’s your biggest pet peeve about the pop culture art scene?
LB – That there is a perception out there that it’s not art and it’s pointless. I’ve heard it said a lot and I just think those people either don’t have a real passion for film or they just don’t understand what it is to have passion and creativity.
BLURPPY – Hey… screw’em, that’s what I say! I don’t like the New York Yankees but I respect them. Folks need to wise up! What has been your best experience to date, in the pop culture art scene?
LB – I haven’t had many yet so I’m hoping for more to come but probably it would have to be getting in with the #PP crew as from that I’ve had some great opportunities so yeah joining THE POSTER POSSE.
BLURPPY – It IS an outstanding, top-notch group of diverse creatives so I can absolutely see why you would say that. What was your most embarrassing moment as an artist?
LB – Every time I release new work, I’m constantly embarrassed to show new work or talk about my work …… I just hate it. But yeah no real embarrassing moments yet …I’ll keep you posted.
BLURPPY – If you ever meet Jock, DON’T call him “Jim Lee“…THAT would take embarrassing to a level that you may never recover from. What is the best interview question you’ve ever been asked and what was your answer?
LB – This is my first ever interview so I’ll say your question about keeping things fresh.
BLURPPY – WHOA, stop the train! THIS is your first interview? HOW did I not know this? Why didn’t ‘my people’ let me know? I would have rolled out the tough questions if I had known THAT lil’ fact! DAMN! I hate missed opportunities! What do you have on tap for the rest of 2013 and don’t give us that line, “Lots of stuff , just can’t talk about it yet”
LB – Quite a bit, some I can’t talk about SORRY !! But I have monthly cover art for VS Comics which is good fun and I can develop styles and techniques and just really have a good play around so that’s always fun. Then I have a Art VS Cancer show later this year where I’m currently working on a print that will go on sale through them and all the money goes to charity so that’s great to give back and help a good cause. I’ve got three shows with Hero Complex Gallery coming up. 1 you know about “Jaws” and two I can’t talk about. And then some more classic game collaborations and just releasing more of my own work and of course Poster Posse projects. So pretty busy.
‘The Walking Dead’ by Luke Butland
Damn it Luke, I HATE not knowing things. I’m going to lunch with Adam this weekend and I’m going to have to hit him up on your ‘secret, mystery shows!‘ It’s not their ‘Saved By The Bell‘ or ‘Mister Rogers Neighborhood‘ exhibits is it? THOSE are going to be EPIC! (Oh, and if you keep dropping positive Poster Posse comments like that I may have to add you to the payroll.)
Ok, here it is, the dreaded ‘lightning round‘. I’m going to throw out a bunch of questions and all you have to do is respond with the first thing that comes to mind. (Be careful though. When I did this with Peter Gutierrez I think he put a target on his back and the Dark Knight is looking to make him pay.)
- DC or Marvel?
- That’s difficult but DC
- Most Desired Super Power?
- Flying always thought it would be fun
- Who is your favorite Star Wars Character and why?
- Han Solo…. he’s a god damn space cowboy… every one wants to be a space cowboy!
- Best movie snack?
- Nachos
- Growing up, what was your favorite TV show?
- Boy Meets World
- What’s the best way for fans to keep up with all you have going on?
-Follow me on TWITTER
- What’s your favorite pop culture event?
- SDCC although I have never been , I get Con envy every year. Thought Bubble in the UK is supposed to be pretty good too but again never been …..these are sad times I live in.
- Who is your favorite fictional character of all time and why? (Can be comic books, movies, literature, etc)
- The Joker…..he’s insane with just the right amount of genius to make him terrifying
- Would you rather design the poster for an upcoming Star Wars movie or the upcoming Blade Runner sequel?
- I’d want to say Blade Runner but after hearing who’s on writing duties for that film I’m worried So I’ll say Star Wars !!
Was it just me or did Luke drop some subtle Steve Miller Band references in his interview? I mean he wants to be a “space cowboy” and he likes “the Joker” so that seems a little bit too coincidental to be a random occurrence. Oh and by the way, nachos are a HORRIBLE movie snack. WAY too messy and loud. Hard to hear the movie over all that incessant crunching.
Seriously though, much thanks to Luke for taking the time to speak with me and for his work in the Pacific Rim Poster Posse Project. I truly hope he comes back for #4.
Tagged: Interview, Jock, Luke Butland, Matt Ferguson, Pacific Rim, Paul Shipper, Steve Miller Band, The Walking Dead, Tyler Stout, Zelda
