Illustrate Omaha | collecting creatives

Location: Omaha, NE
Born: Columbus, NE
Education: BFA from the University Of Nebraska-Lincoln
Employment: Freelance Artist since 2001
Websites:
http://gregpaprocki.com/
http://www.cherrybombsquad.com/

As a young illustrator, I can most definitely appreciate the amazing work and success of Illustrator Greg Paprocki. I don’t think that I can describe it better than Nate Voss of 36point.com and Vossome.com, who said “Greg is the closest thing Omaha has to a rock star in the illustration field!” Just checking out his work on his website makes me want to put pencil to paper and start producing. Greg’s characters have personality, depth, and exquisite form. Enjoy the Illustration Spotlight of Greg Paprocki. —Tony Montgomery

Biography: Since launching his freelance career in 2001, Greg Paprocki has worked with some of the world’s most prestigious ad agencies and publishing houses. HIs work has been commissioned by powerhouse international brands including McDonald’s, Pepsi, Yahoo, MTV, and Mattel.

Greg’s artwork has also graced the covers of several of The New York Times Best-Sellers List titles and he has helped carry on the legacy of children’s book icon Curious George, illustrating several books in a new series for publisher Houghton Mifflin. He also recently created illustrations for Mattel’s 50th Anniversary Pop Barbie packaging.

How did you realize you wanted to be an illustrator?
I’ve been obsessed with drawing from as far back as I can remember. There was never a question that I would pursue art as a career.

How would you describe your style or approach to illustration?
I experiment with a variety of styles. But if I had to describe my most popular type of work, it would be modern graphic art with a retro flair.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
I started my freelance career in New York in 2001. I was confident in my work but was terrified to run my own business. An entrepeneur friend of mine told me to believe in myself and I never looked back.

What is your best way to break out of a creative rut?
When I feel stagnet, I like to flip through books and check out the internet. Flickr.com is full of vintage and retro art. I’m always amazed by the skill and emotion from illustrators from the 40s through the 60s.

What would you tell a emerging illustrator to help them be successful?
Work hard! If you want show your skills you have to make a portfolio and you have to get it online.

This entry was posted on 08/28/09 at 6:41 am and is filed under General, Spotlight. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.