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The eye of an illustrator is a real particular thing. When I was a youngster, I didn't pay that much attention to what was what in art — comics, cartoons, movie posters, an image on a lunchbox — it was all just cool pictures to me.
But after a few years of maturing and taking a closer look at what falls under the artistic umbrella, illustration, as with all the disciplines, has its own lane. And it requires a very specific skill set, too. You gotta have the "magic eye" like Denzel Washington tells Ethan Hawke in the movie 'Training Day'. Our pal, Jason Palmer, has the magic eye.
Jason lives out on the west coast in California, where he was born and raised, and has been a professional illustrator for over 20 years. He's worked on a variety of projects in his career: Star Trek comic books, prop art for various TV shows, licensed artwork for Warner Bros., Universal Studios and Lucasfilm properties, storyboards, ad designs, and more.
And as we cover in our interview, he recently worked on the new Wonder Woman television show that was in production over at NBC. This was the one, of course, being helmed by David E. Kelley and featured actress, Adrianne Palicki.
Other than commercial gigs like the ones mentioned above, Jason creates images for his own business featuring the liknesses of many of his favorite sci-fi, fantasy and pop culture icons. If you go to his store or if you see him at a convention, you'll likely see merch with characters from Star Wars, Star Trek, Tron, Smallville, Firefly and The Matrix.
When we first met Jason and his wife Yelena at Dragon*Con a few years ago, we ended up being their booth neighbors. Jason told us he was a fan of the podcast and how much he enjoyed it. And we were floored at how good his art was. After about ten minutes, we became bestest buddies and the rest of the weekend was a complete hoot!
In our chat with Mr. Palmer, we get to hear about everything — his early days working in an art store, his encounters with guys like LeRoy Neiman and Dave Stevens, becoming a professional illustrator, and what it's like to be considered Drew Struzan's protege (yes, that is correct).
- SWAiN
**Below are two classic Indy images. The one on the left I happen to own as a print — a gift from the Palmers!
Here, Jason does a terrific version of Morpheus, Neo and Trinity; then an homage to his late friend, Dave Stevens' character, the Rocketeer.
And last, two of my favorite Padmes. Jason did a gazillion of them and they're all brilliant.
Cool interview guys! Some amazing stories from Jason. I can't believe how kind and helpful Drew was. It seems the same is true for many great artists.
Posted by: shawn | May 31, 2011 at 10:53
Great interview as always, gents! D, your question about RiverTam v Elektra. It's the age-old question about magic vs science.
Posted by: Leland Purvis | June 03, 2011 at 14:52
Fantastic interview guys, thanks. Been a while since I said hello but I have been listening faithfully since the beginning.
Be well.
(RE: Martinho, thanks for the kind words about our interview with Jason, but most of all, thanks for the continued support! We're honored to have you listening, sir. Really. And hey, any painter who would post Wally Wood's "22 Panels That Always Work", is the coolest! - S)
Posted by: Martinho Correia | June 04, 2011 at 13:16
how dare you say 10 people listening to your podcast...
as far as i know, right now...ive got nearly 50 of my friends listening to your show...RIGHT NOW!!..AT THIS VERY INSTANCE..!!
ALL IN ONE SINGLE STUDIO FLOOR..
kudos brothers!!
I know it cause i make them listen....
manu
(RE: You're a true friend then, Manu! Thank you, sir---ha! - S)
Posted by: manu | June 24, 2011 at 03:31
Dwight, Swain & Adrian Thank You for this wonderful interview, I have been a long, long, long time fan of your wonderful podcast's, they make many an afternoon sitting infront of my drawing board so much more enjoyable... :D:D:D:D:D
to date I must have listened to every interview atleast 3 times and Adam Hughes interview closer to 10 times... ^^
I have been wanting to ask for ages, although please forgive the bluntness of this question as I am not quite sure how to word it... But I wondered if the comic artist Adam Warren is perhaps a potential guest in any of your upcoming wonderful future interviews? :)
Thank You for all the Amazing work you guys do...!!! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D
Regards
Kris
(RE: Hey, Kris! Thanks for your continued support; we appreciate it greatly. Glad the podcast helps fill the time! And yes, we're aware of Mr. Warren's work and he's very good. He's someone we consider to definitely be on the radar---ha! Take care and all the best with your own art.
- SWAiN)
Posted by: Kris | July 08, 2011 at 11:59
Thank You for your reply Swain :D:D:D **OMG fan moment** ^^ :D
Well regardless of if you do or don't one day manage to get the incredible Adam Warren on your show, I will definately be remaining an avid listener for many years & hopefully decades to come. ;D
Thank You again for the incredible interviews that Yourself Dwight & Adrian put together & to anybody else involved in the process... The artists are always so well researched by you guys, that even if its material that I have never even heard of the 3 of you have such a passion and wonderfully descriptive tongues that I feel like I can actually somehow see the pieces described.
Thank You again... :D:D:D:D:D
Kris
Posted by: Kris | September 08, 2011 at 04:58