Please join us in welcoming Logan McNeil, the newest illustrator to join the incredibly talented group at i2i Art Inc. An accomplished portrait artist, Logan is inspired by his personal experiences and his deep connection to the people and places he visits. His beautifully detailed work captures the essence of each subject and the stories being told. His understanding of light and shadow translates seamlessly into his work and are accompanied by subtle textures that allow depth and richness to unfold.
We invite you to get to know Logan in our Q&A while soaking in all of the thoughtful details his illustration has to offer.
What is your morning routine like (or evening routine if you're a night owl)?
I'm up at 7, I’m greeted by my two cats, I get lunches made for the family, then it's down to my basement workstation to get to work on whatever projects I have on the go. The work space is tiny, but I have in front of me a digital set up, which consists of a Cintiq drawing tablet, and an additional monitor for my apps and emails. A 90 degree pivot from here sets me in front of my traditional work station where I have my easel and various other drawing surfaces for working in different mediums. Just behind this is my little music station, essentially all my favourite creative outlets at my fingertips. Late evenings are when I do the stuff that is purely for me, i.e. painting in oils, or playing music, or doing sound design for little animations I've created.
What materials do you use (for traditional and digital)?
Digitally, I work in Photoshop, After Effects, and Harmony. Traditionally, I love oil paint, but also work a lot in gouache, and a bit in watercolour.
Who or what inspires you?
Too many artists and creators to list. I am inspired by interesting spaces in the city, i.e. alleyways, train tracks, places where nature still has a foothold. I love observing how nature in its immutable glory is constantly asserting itself into whatever it is that humans try to replace or suppress it with.
What subjects do you enjoy drawing?
People, and interplay between light and shadow.
Who are your favorite artists?
So many, and for so many different reasons. Among my favourites are Eyvind Earle, Mary Blair, John Singer Sargent Joaquin Sorolla, J.C. Leyendecker, Scott Wills.
How do you get through a creative slump?
Many years of working in the animation industry has taught me the importance of an iterative process, i.e. if something isn't working, quickly move on to another approach. The quicker you can fail, the quicker you can correct and get it right. I find this mindset doesn't leave a lot of room for a slump because you can audition many ideas quickly, as with rough thumbnail sketches and let the subconscious enter into it and surprise you.
What books have you read recently, or what is your favorite book?
A book I just finished, and loved is The Paper Birds by Jeanette Lynes.
What kind of music do you like?
All kinds, but I play mandolin and sing in a bluegrass band.
What are your favourite foods?
I'd have to say Indian food in general, then maybe Italian.
