In the world of fantasy storytelling, Tim Probert has carved out a unique niche with his graphic novel series, Lightfall. Set in the sunless realm of Irpa, Lightfall follows the heroic journey of Bea and her companion Cad, as they strive to bring light back to their world. Probert's artistic vision, steeped in the rich traditions of fantasy, brings this epic quest to life.
The Artist's Journey
Probert's path to becoming an illustrator was not a straightforward one. He initially pursued a degree in painting, but it was his discovery of Pixar's 'Art of' books that ignited his passion for illustration. From there, he taught himself Photoshop and began his journey, taking on various illustration jobs and even working on a scratch-and-sniff book about New York City.
Influences and Inspiration
Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary Japanese animator and filmmaker, has had a profound impact on Probert's work. Beyond Miyazaki's beautiful films and unique storytelling, Probert admires his drawing style, particularly in the manga Nausicaä. Each panel in Miyazaki's work is a miniature world, brimming with weight, motion, and intricate detail.
Another significant influence is Kazu Kibuishi's Amulet series. Kibuishi's work not only introduced Probert to the diverse world of comics but also played a pivotal role in popularizing serialized fantasy stories in the medium. Probert even had the opportunity to contribute to the painting of backgrounds for Amulet, an experience that provided invaluable insights into the creation of large-scale graphic novels.
The complete Bone series by Jeff Smith was another pivotal moment for Probert. It demonstrated the versatility of comics, showcasing how an epic, sweeping story could be told with humor and cartoonish moments.
Animation and Illustration: A Dual Career
Probert's career took an interesting turn when he began working in animation, specifically at Nathan Love studio. Here, he honed his skills as an art director, working on projects for clients like Nickelodeon, Pokémon, and more. Simultaneously, he continued his illustration work, often illustrating chapter books during his nights and weekends.
This dual career path allowed Probert to draw from both worlds, enhancing his skills as an illustrator and vice versa. Storyboarding in animation, for instance, taught him the importance of drawing quickly, clearly, and efficiently, a skill that proved invaluable when thumbnailing his graphic novels.
Lightfall: A Labor of Love
Lightfall, Probert's flagship series, has been a labor of love and a significant part of his daily life. He initially planned a two-book deal but, due to the series' success, expanded it to six books. Probert's writing and illustration process for each book takes around 18 months, with a significant portion of that time dedicated to writing and refining the story.
Finding His Aesthetic
Probert's journey to finding his unique artistic style was not without its challenges. He spent many years trying to emulate the styles of successful illustrators, but it always felt forced and unnatural. It was only when he received feedback from illustrator Cory Godby that he realized his strength lay in embracing his own style.
"These are the images that look like you were drawing like you wanted to. So you should do more of that." - Cory Godby
This feedback was a turning point for Probert, and it became his guiding principle. He learned to lean into his natural drawing style, resulting in artwork that felt authentic and true to himself.
The Future Beyond Lightfall
As Probert approaches the end of the Lightfall series, he's already thinking about his next projects. He's starting to work on new ideas and is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. The end of Lightfall marks a new beginning for Probert, and his fans can look forward to more of his unique and captivating storytelling.
In conclusion, Tim Probert's journey as an illustrator is a testament to the power of embracing one's unique style and the impact that diverse influences can have on an artist's work. His work in animation and illustration has seamlessly blended, resulting in the captivating world of Lightfall. As he moves forward, we can expect more captivating stories and artwork from this talented creator.
