Matthew Laznicka

Overview

One of Matthew Laznicka’s all time favourite commissions was to create box artwork for an Eidos game. The company wanted a 1960s-style cover with giant invading insects. With a love of the B-movie and pulp poster art of yesteryear, Matthew was in his element.

Yet his life and interests are about as far from the chaos of insect invasions as can be. Growing up in Racine, Wisconsin he was minutes away from the mighty Lake Michigan where swimming and fishing were favourite summer pursuits. He still loves fishing, camping and the great outdoors today. With a line in the water he can relax, unwind, and forget about the prospect of giant killer insects.

Training

After high school, Matthew got a degree in Commercial Illustration from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. He worked for over a decade as an in-house designer and illustrator in Minneapolis and Milwaukee and became a full-time illustrator after his daughter was born.

Approach

Each image Matthew creates begins with a sketch that is scanned in and manipulated in Photoshop. Building up overlapping layers of colour that blend together, the final outcome has a very painterly feel despite its digital origins.

Style

Matthew loves classic illustration work from the 1940s through to the 70s and tries to capture the essence of that look, but usually with a contemporary twist. Two of his greatest influences have been Norman Rockwell, and the Popular Mechanics covers of his childhood.

Client List

• GQ
• Carlton Books UK
• Readers Digest
• Mercedes Benz
• FHM
• Simon and Shuster
• Flying Magazine
• Volvo
• Time/Life
• Telos Publishing
• Manhattan Luxury Magazine
• Caspian Publishing Ltd
• Hearst Publishing
• Popular Mechanics