John Loren Illustration

ABOUT

John Loren is a freelance artist and author whose work has spanned illustration, video games, animation, and comics. His work has recently appeared in Ravensburger/Disney's Lorcana, Hearthstone, Crash Bandicoot 4, Spyro Reignited, and his latest picture book, Hugo Sprouts and the Strange Case of the Beans.

CONTACT INFO

You can reach me at the email address right there. Due to the volume of emails I receive, unfortunately I cannot always answer every message. For business inquiries, I try to reply within a week.

F.A.Q.

Do you take personal commissions?

-Because of my client schedule, I am not presently available to do private commissions.


Can I buy a print of your Lorcana artwork?

-No, this is not permitted by the terms of the illustration contract. Sorry!!!


Do you teach or offer mentorships?

-I occasionally teach online workshops about painting and color. If you follow me on Instagram you can be updated when one of these workshops is scheduled.


How did you get started as a professional artist?

-I got started as a video game artist. Video games need tons of art at all different stages. I knew how to use a lot of different software, so I did a pretty large variety of tasks like drawing concepts and backgrounds, 2D and 3D character animation, and compositing. Then as I practiced painting more and more on the job and at home, I was able to transition into doing that exclusively. Working with and observing some really great painters was a big part of this.


Do you have any advice for illustration students?

-As an illustrator, your main job is communication. The context and narrative of your picture is what will ultimately make it succeed or fail at its mission. Aesthetics are wonderful and important, but you have to let those decisions cascade from a starting goal of clarity to make a beautiful AND successful piece. Career-wise, be proactive. Take classes, meet other illustrators at events, join servers or forums, get feedback, send your work out to art directors, and always be actively shaping your portfolio to meet your personal career goals.