THE ART OF MACIEJ KUCIARA

Dominic Carter talks to the concept designer and director about creative discipline and how he develops his craft

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Having worked on projects such as The Last of Us and Cyberpunk 2077, Maciej Kuciara is proof that artists don't need to attend expensive, prestigious schools to make it big in the industry.

We caught up with him to hear how he developed his skills with rigorous discipline, what artists need to keep in mind if they want to improve, and the secret to keeping work and life in balance.

Please tell us a little about your background as an artist. How did you get started, and what has your career been like so far?

I'm a Polish-born artist and director who grew up on 90s VHS tapes and anime. I began as a self-taught artist in 2003 and landed my first concept art job in 2004 at People Can Fly.

After a decade in games (Crytek, Naughty Dog's The Last of Us), I transitioned into film, working with major Hollywood studios on numerous tentpole projects (Avengers, Spider-Man: No Way Home and Ghost in the Shell, among others).

In 2021, I met my creative partner, Emily Yang, and we co-wrote and directed White Rabbit, which earned worldwide recognition and an Emmy.

Which artists have inspired you most and why?

As well as legendary talents from Japan, such as Otomo Katsuhiro, Hayao Miyazaki, Mamoru Oshii, Kentaro Miura and Akira Kurosawa, I also admire cinematographers such as Roger Deakins, Emmanuel Lubezki and Greig Fraser.

Then there are the Old Masters like Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci and Leyendecker. I could go on forever because there are so many brilliant artists, directors and creative minds. Every year I discover new ones who continue to inspire me.

Which tools do you use to create your work?