Distinctively Surreal Artworks

Gediminas Pranckevicius discusses his career and showcases his illustrations for picture books, album covers and software delelopers.

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Although he originally studied fresco painting at Vilnius Academy of Arts, Gediminas Pranckevicius found a career as an artist difficult to sustain after graduating. For five years he worked instead for a cinema theatre creating advertising material, until a director invited Gediminas to work on a feature animation movie, and he was at last able to pursue his true passion. Since then Gediminas has developed a name for himself creating illustrations for children’s picture books, album covers for bands, and character designs.

This month Gediminas shares a selection of his work and discusses how his career has developed. He explains why he believes going outside is a better source of inspiration than online research, how listening to artist talks keeps him motivated, and offers advice on improving fundamental painting skills.

2dartist: Hi Gediminas, thanks for talking to 2dartist! Could you start by introducing yourself a bit to the readers?

Gediminas Pranckevicius: I was born in Panevezys, a small town in Lithuania. I think my first art seeds were planted in childhood while visiting my uncle. I remember unfinished oil paintings and the odor of oil paint filling my nostrils all the time. Also I used to visit the theater a lot because my grandma was a ticket taker there. I can still remember details of the play coming out of the dark in dramatic lighting. Mom worked as an administrator at the mask theatre orchestra. I guess an environment like this was the perfect starting point for my creative career!