Inspirations and Influences pt.1: Jean Giraud/Moebius. · 12:57am Nov 22nd, 2014

Time to pay tribute to those who deserve our admiration! This will be a series of entries in which I discuss my assorted influences and heroes. Some might be those who influence my style and creativity in a direct fashion, while some might be influences in different, more generalized ways.

First up, French comic legend and master illustrator Jean Giraud!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Giraud

http://www.moebius.fr

Giraud, also known as Moebius, is probably the most famous Franco-Belgian comics figure in the world, with the possibly exception of Hergé, creator of Tintin. Moebius is known for his work in comics, as well as his concept art for science fiction films. He has worked on projects such as Alien, Dune, Willow, the Abyss, Master of the Universe (yes, the awful live action He-Man film from the 80's), the Fifth Element, and more. On the comics side, he is best known for his works Blueberry, the Incal, and Arzach.

If you look at his stuff, it should be pretty obvious how much of an influence this guy has been on me.

Take a look at his most famous work;

This image is the standard by which I judge many of my own pieces, and I can't imagine what went in to creating it.

His alien landscapes are breathtaking, and it gives the sense of not just seeing a fictional representation, but a genuine window in to another reality.

Looking at his stuff is the closest I can get to feeling something mystical or spiritual. When I see some of his image, they stir something deep inside me, a feeling that is unlike any other. I feel like I'm touching something that has been there for the duration of my existence, something outside of me but intimately familiar. Something about his stuff, thinking about it, it makes me think that drawing is more than just expression for me. It gives me the sense that I'm doing something metaphysical, something that takes me out of this world, albeit in a temporary, ineffable fashion.

Visually, no one inspires me more than Giraud. No one. There's only one person in general who inspires me more, on a broader level (and he will be discussed in the near future).