Interview with Glen Hanson

Artist, Friend, Inspiration

Wonder Woman by Glen Hanson

Not too long ago, I mentioned Glen Hanson, an artist friend of mine who I’ve come to admire very much because he’s not only a top notch artist, but also a pretty amazing guy. And one of the things he happens to do best, is work that I find impossible to do. Caricatures. I’m so excited that he’s agreed to do a brief interview and I’m very grateful that he took time out of his busy schedule to sit down with us. I don’t want to reveal too much just in the intro, so without further ado…Mr. Glen Hanson!

MN: So, when I was a kid, I wanted to be at least half a dozen different things when I grew up and oddly, none of them was an artist. Did you always know that you wanted to be an artist?

GH: I was obsessed with cartoons and animation (Disney & Hanna Barbera) so all I wanted to do was work in that industry…and I ended up doing so! From 10 to 15 I was obsessed with comics and always dreamed of working in that too and have a bit, but not as a full career. In my later teens I was really into Fashion and dipped my toe in that field as an early adult but again, didn’t choose it as a career. I NEVER thought I’d be a commercial illustrator working for magazines, advertisements, etc. and that’s primarily what I’ve done.

MN: Did you have formal training in art? Or are you self-taught?

GH: I was self-taught till I studied at Sheridan College for Animation. That was the first life drawing I ever took as well as visual theories about design & composition as well as everything about classical animation…hand drawn, old school.

MN: As a caricature artist, you obviously draw a lot of celebrities. My favorite of course, Lynda Carter! Have you met any of the other celebrities that you’ve drawn and is your amazing work your ticket in? I mean, I can’t image any of them not wanting to meet you!

GH: I’ve met a few like Carol Burnett, Alan Cumming, Julie Newmar, Florence Henderson, Carol Channing. The caricatures are a ticket in to a degree but it also depends on the PR people, managers, assistants and those who are positioned between the celebrity and the public. They are the real ticket to meeting famous people or not.

MN: So take me through your process, from concept to final print. Is it all digital?

GH: All roughs are drawn in pencil on regular paper. Usually inked by hand and scanned in. Layered composition of elements and color is done in Photoshop, so the final product is digital. Unless it’s a hand rendered, shaded pencil drawing or marker rendering I do for fun.

MN: When I met you, I only knew you as a caricature artist, but have since learned that you do a lot more than that. What other artistic hats do you wear?

GH: Quite a few. Animation design, art direction and direction in that field. I also have written and done comics and have worked as a live action art director and director. You can see samples of all of this on my website and the different pic files I have on Facebook.

MN: Do you ever experience the dreaded creative block? If so, how do you beat? Any suggestions? Cuz I deal with it from time to time and other than just taking a break from it, I haven’t got the slightest clue!

GH: Yes, I do. Sometimes, I’m challenged to even pick up the pencil because of the expectations I feel people have of me. Usually a commission pushes me to create and find inspiration. Inspiration is the key wherever you find it…visually, someone you meet, music, movies, etc…

MN: Top three pointers for a budding young artist trying to break onto the scene…

GH: Draw nonstop. Investigate history and culture and knowledge about everything. Know who you are so you have something individual to offer.

MN: What’s on Glen Hanson’s work playlist right now?

GH: You mean, what am I working on or what am I listening to? (Both) I’m working on another Goddess Girls book cover and listening to or watching whatever I can while trying not to distract myself too much.

MN: Can’t wait for that! And yes, sounds about right. I also listen to or “watch” whatever won’t distract too much.

There you have it, guys! That about wraps up this post. My thanks again to Glen for taking the time to answer a few questions. And for those of you who’d like to find out more about this amazing artist, I’m including his links at the end of this post.

Stay tuned for my next post where I discuss why “freelancer” can be a dirty word…

Glen Hanson’s links:

Website: http://www.glenhanson.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glen.hanson

Goddess Girls: https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B00CJDGHB2/ref=dp_st_1442421002