THE ART OF AMR ZAND
ImagineFX|June 2022
Rob Redman interviews the professional illustrator about his career development, workflow tips, and his evolving 2D-3D style
THE ART OF AMR ZAND

Having created art for a large range of mediums, from book publications to AAA video games, Amir Zand is a highly experienced illustrator/concept artist with heaps of knowledge to share. Here he answers our questions.

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

It's a classic story: for as long as I can remember I have been either drawing or playing video games. Eventually I got introduced to the digital medium when I was 16 years old, and by 17 I took a deeper dive into it. I was always passionate and inspired to draw so was always at the computer, creating stuff.

For me, art is not just a career to pursue, it's a way of living and a way to move forward with my life. At some point it also became a profession on the side, although I always thought how cool it would be to create for video games since I was an avid gamer myself. Things progressed step by step over the years, and my professional journey started when I was 18, when I started to work in a small local animation studio. Then I became a freelance illustrator, creating book covers and illustrations plus some graphic design side jobs. After years I transitioned to a concept artist/ designer. I still find time to create my personal work from day to day - it's just something that's never paused even with my heavy workload.

Where do you draw your inspirations from?

"Inspiration for me can come from anywhere, it's like a state of mind that can always translate senses into ideas and inspiration, from my observations to the sounds I hear, surfaces I touch and smells - they all work together. Streets, cities, dreams, talking with people, memories, emotions, films, other artworks, music and anything that is around me through the day can ultimately lead to an idea.

This story is from the June 2022 edition of ImagineFX.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 2022 edition of ImagineFX.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM IMAGINEFXView All
First Impressions - Glenn Arthur
ImagineFX

First Impressions - Glenn Arthur

Influences from Disneyland shape the artist’s work

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2023
THE ART OF BRIAN SUM
ImagineFX

THE ART OF BRIAN SUM

Dominic Carter talks to the mech master about honing his cyberpunk visions, character designs, and his new artbook

time-read
6 mins  |
September 2023
Karla Diaz
ImagineFX

Karla Diaz

Clean and cosy Discover a studio of two halves as the Chilean comic artist gives us the grand tour

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2023
A day in the life of...Daniel Hyun Lim
ImagineFX

A day in the life of...Daniel Hyun Lim

Learn smart The illustrator and storyboard artist opens up on his non-stop schedule, and explains why new graduates need to spend their time wisely

time-read
1 min  |
September 2023
MATTAHAN
ImagineFX

MATTAHAN

Dominic Carter talks to the EarthNight artist about making art for video games and how he keeps his creativity sharp

time-read
7 mins  |
August 2023
Technique focus: FIND THE RIGHT TOOLS
ImagineFX

Technique focus: FIND THE RIGHT TOOLS

LEONARDO GONZALEZ explains why specific pens and pencils are so important to his creative process, including his Pokémon fan art

time-read
1 min  |
August 2023
FXPosé
ImagineFX

FXPosé

SHOWCASING THE FINEST TRADITIONAL ARTISTS

time-read
1 min  |
August 2023
Technique focus: EMBRACE REFERENCES
ImagineFX

Technique focus: EMBRACE REFERENCES

Alone Lee explores being inspired by emotions, observations, and imagination

time-read
1 min  |
August 2023
Procreate: CREATE A BOLD FAN ART PORTRAIT
ImagineFX

Procreate: CREATE A BOLD FAN ART PORTRAIT

Bo Feng Lin shares the process behind his quirky Wednesday Addams painting, which features suitably abstract elements

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2023
Emily Chapman
ImagineFX

Emily Chapman

My aesthetic A personal haven where bloomcore meets splashes of boho, pastel and RGB

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2023