Artist Interview with Illustrator Michael Katchan
This is a written interview with Michael Katchan. Based in Denmark, Michael is a freelance illustrator and has illustrated for BlackbirdsRPG, Paradise Lost, Primal TCG, and Varia TCG.
We are honored to have Michael's artwork featured in Six Forms' first set, Search for Power — Six Forms Kickstarter launches on March 19th, 2024.
Please follow Michael on Twitter. Below is Michael's interview:
Why do you create fantasy TTRPG artwork?
Michael: "Fantasy artwork has always been a big form of escapism and joy for me. From the moment I opened my first booster pack of MTG cards as a boy, I knew I wanted to be making that kind of art. I wanted to be a part of the pantheon of artists I celebrated and was inspired by. While the majority of my more personal work steps more towards abstraction, self-expression, and introspection, even when exploring more personal themes, I tend towards using fantasy as a vehicle for that purpose. In turn, my need to self-express through art often screams out in the fantasy work I create."
How would you describe your art style?
Michael: "Like most, I'd probably just look at it as an amalgamation of all the inspirations I took in growing up. But if I had to choose a descriptor for the art I specifically produce. Aggressive. From the rushed, bold lines when I'm illustrating to the more blocky strokes when I paint, it never felt like I was making clean or complete art. It always feels unfinished."
Who inspires you with their work?
Michael: "If I could whittle it down to a top five, in no particular order: Phil Hale, Brom, Simon Bisely, Jamie Hewlett, Ashley Woods. Each of those artists has severely impacted the work that I create."
What types of projects do you enjoy working on?
Michael: "I love working on TTRPGs and card games. That's easily where I want to be sitting with my work. If I could keep doing that, that'd be a no-brainer. I'm also happy to be producing concepts, characters, and creatures for other things, but RPGs and their ilk are my jam.
What do you do when away from work?
Michael: "Music's a big one. I can never get enough. I love exploring what's new, finding new favorite songs to suck all the life out of. Movies too - my wife and I are avid lovers of all things animation and are big film nerds; when we're not drinking in the latest flicks or cartoons, we're watching film theory vids on YouTube — oh, and coffee - coffee's good."