Local Artist Spotlight: David Habben from HabbenINK

Welcome to this weeks Local Artist Spotlight.  We are joined today with the extremely talented illustrator David Habben. I have been friends with Dave for quite some time now and am continually blown, I mean really blown, away with the imagination, talent, and hard work that just exudes from his very core. With an eye for symbolism, a flair for the fantastic, and an extremely strong figurative foundation Dave shows that he is an illustrative force to be reckoned with. This man can draw. There is no doubt about that. Most recently David debuted the comic Beloved by Ben Phillipe and Victor Ochoa at the NYC Comic Con. Which I think is a pretty big deal. Read a great review here.

You can find more of David's work at http://habbenink.com/ or his blog http://habbenink.blogspot.com/.

Where do you draw the most inspiration?

I've always said music, but I think my understanding of how that works is evolving. The music brings clarity to my emotions, thoughts, relationships, memories, etc. It allows me an escape from all the distractions that prevent me from creating. 

Tell us about how your illustration work evolves.

I tend to be impatient with just about everything, including my artwork. Typically, I'll rush through an immediate solution and then return to it later to either add the necessary detail or trash it altogether. Over time, I've become more aware of that and try to slow myself down initially. It's taking concerned effort, but I think it's improving the technical quality of my work.

What are your go-to tools? What does an average day in the life of David Habben look like?

The majority of my work is digital now, so Photoshop is always running with the Wacom tablet within reach. I keep the sketchbook handy as well to give my eyes as many breaks as possible from the screen. The usual day involves as scattering of email exchanges between clients and maybe a blog update or two. Toss in a run, some good music and an evening with my ever supportive friends and you've got a pretty solid day. 

How do you keep the creativity flowing?  What happens when you have a block?

I find that most of the time where my creativity is impeded is do to stress or distraction. The best thing for me at that point is to take a break, go for a run, or put on some relaxing music. The variety of clients I have helps to gets me on my toes and also drives me to use my free time with more focus.  

What are some of your favorite projects you've produced?

The comic book ("Beloved") that I just finished is my first attempt at a sequential piece and I'm really happy with the way it turned out. It was a new challenge and it really pushed me to get out of my comfort zone. I've also really enjoyed the opportunity to create several posters for plays recently and I'd love to do more of them.

Who do you look up to most in the creative world?

Wow, that's a long list. I've had the opportunity to work with some truly amazing artists and am fortunate enough to call some of them friends. They've all influenced me in one way or another. I'll always have certain legends in mind that I look up to technically, but the artists I know personally are the ones who I look up to the most. We're all on the same team in a way, working to use our talents and interests to live life in the best way we know how. Anybody that can do that with honesty and integrity tops my list. 

Other than illustration what else would you say defines you?

I'd like to think that my faith defines me. Like anyone who sets a standard for their lives, I fail to reach it consistently, but I think having it there defines my choices and as a result, who I am. 

If you could share a cup of cocoa with any person who would it be?

If its a good cocoa, anyone will do. With a bit of cinnamon in it? You bet. 

Who are your favorite bands?

David Gray, Ben Harper, Depeche Mode, Powderfinger, Ryan Adams, Young Sim, Carrie Scott

Where can we find you?

Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning.

Thanks Dave!  As you can tell I am totally into his work and had to show as much as possible...