Welcome to the new edition of Illustrating Westeros, Dejan. To begin, tell us how you became an artist, and the influences that have shaped your style.
Many thanks for the invitation. It is an honour to be a part of that whole thing. I particularly like the idea of presenting unofficial fan artists of the ASOIAF saga to the public.
The need for art and creative expression was born in my early childhood. Drawing and artistic expression have always been a part of me. Naturally, with time the need for constant improvement and betterment of my drawing style came; it stemmed from the fact that I read extensively—all possible comics, books and magazines that dealt with the culture of drawing where I was able to see various types of artists and their styles firsthand. Also, I watched all kinds of cartoons, from Walt Disney to Ralph Bakshi, and they simply inspired me to try to create something similar visually. Later, through my studies and by being friends with people who have similar interests, my drawing style has grown into what it is today. And I think it is not fully formed yet, the transformation is still going on. Since, in the last few years, I have been illustrating scenes and characters from various epic fantasy books more and more; it is clear that the books of this genre have greatly determined my drawing style.
You are one of the most prolific illustrators of George R.R. Martin's works we’ve found. When did you read the A Song of Ice and Fire books for the first time, and what was your initial impression?
Thank you, I am glad you feel this way.
I started reading the ASOIAF series soon after the first season of the GOT TV series was aired, it was recommended to me by a friend. Having learned that the series was based on the ASOIAF book series, I immediately started reading all the books. It was an unforgettable experience for me, because that was the first time I came into contact with a writer who had a different approach from everything I had read until then. Martin has that ability to simply draw you into his fantastic world, and once you find yourself there—you stay there. He paints deep psychological profiles of people and he leans on the facts of life, presenting his characters as both positive and negative. I think this is why he has gained such a large number of fans, he shows life as it is—real, uncertain, cruel and hard, full of decisions to be made and obstacles to be overcome.
Who are some of your favourite characters in the series, and is there a scene that is particularly memorable to you?
My favourite characters in the series are definitely Oberyn Martell and Theon Greyjoy. The first one is my favourite because he brought some freshness and speed into the whole series, and he left a visible mark even after Martin had cut him out. The second one I like because he goes through big mental and physical transformations and he still withstands. He resists even Martin himself. In addition, there are also Sandor Clegane, Littlefinger and Victarion Greyjoy.
I would not single out any specific scenes, because the entire series is full of plot twists and scenes that simply draw you in and you cannot believe what you have just read. The death of some characters was a rather shocking experience, the way in which for example Robb Stark and Oberyn Martell died. The splitting of House Stark itself is also very interesting since it runs throughout all the books, and their reunion seems impossible to predict.
After HBO’s Game of Thrones came out, many readers’ inner pictures of characters and scenes have been replaced by actors and settings from the show. Can you tell us about your own mental images of the characters, and if this has been influenced by the show?
No, neither the first GOT season nor the following season had any influence on the visual identity of the characters I got to know in the books later. The series cannot replace the written word, where the characters are presented in a much broader and complex way, and where their role and mission is much deeper than the one that actors can present in the mere 10 hours which is the duration of one GOT season. Therefore, there are big differences between the TV series and the books, and those who have read the books know what I mean.
The scope of works in your gallery is spectacularly expansive, with illustrations spanning the length and breadth of Martin's world, even showing some characters that aren’t usually depicted in ASOIAF artwork such as Val, Domeric Bolton, Jory Cassell and Ellaria Sand. What is it about these characters that piqued your artistic interest?
You are right, my attention is also drawn towards characters that are not at the forefront of the series. I think this is due to the fact that even though they are not at the forefront of the story, they still have a role and a mission of their own, and without them, the ASOIAF series would never be the same. Their unique personalities, background stories they fit into, as well as the decisions they make—all of that draws my attention as an illustrator. In addition, there is also my personal desire to sometimes skip the main characters, and to breathe life into some other characters who are worthy of attention as well.
The characteristic flair and flamboyance of your artworks can be appreciated best in the paintings of Daenerys Targaryen and Doran Martell, which were both featured as Daily Deviations. Can you give some insight on the creation of these paintings and the fierce, brooding depth that is captured in each?
Yes, that is true, both of these illustrations are abundant with strong colours and energy, appropriately depicting the characters they are showing. The flamboyant style is there in order to provide the feeling of rulership, so that the viewer can feel the importance of the characters more easily. In my opinion, Doran and Daenerys are characters who have been waiting for revenge and the fulfillment of their dream for a very long time. They have both suffered unimaginable injustice, and their fates still depend on a lot of things. Hence the fierce, dreary depth can be seen in both of these illustrations. I have painted Daenerys as a special request from my friends, and painting Doran was my wish since I am a big fan of House Martell.
Both works of art have been featured as Daily Deviations, which I think speaks enough of the effort and engagement put into them.
Do you have a favourite art technique? And do you have a preference for experimenting with new techniques and styles or for keeping to your established ones?
Yes, at the moment, my favourite art technique is vector graphics, and I work best with it. I use CorelDRAW to make everything. I think it is the best fit for the style I practise, and right now, I would not change anything in regards to the art technique. Perhaps I would introduce some changes in the style since it is still prone to modifications, but the art technique stays the same. People are used to it and to the familiar style, and it works for me as well. However, you know how the saying goes: never say never.
Is there an ASOIAF artist whose work you admire? And/or a piece of ASOIAF art that you have as a personal favourite?
Of course. Actually, there are a lot, but OK, I will mention a few who mean a little bit more to me than the rest. First I would like to mention Bubug, the illustrator who gave this same interview before me, one look at her artwork is enough to see that she is an exceptionally talented and creative illustrator. Secondly, I would like to mention Sir-Heartsalot, an illustrator with a huge ASOIAF gallery, whose approach to drawing is somewhat similar to mine. His approach to themes, as well as hilarious comments he leaves, are more than funny and he amazes me and makes me laugh every time. Zippo514 is another artist whose artwork stands out. The frames he uses, the colours and compositions he puts together are simply perfect. Then there is also themico, a Macedonian illustrator, whose gallery of four hundred ASOIAF portraits leaves you breathless. I really like his style and taking a look at his gallery is a must. Finally, I would like to mention kallielef, an artist whose artwork abounds with originality as well as energetic compositions and colours.
My personal favourite would be the illustration named “Jump” by jubah, in which a very powerful and very emotional scene is shown in an extraordinary way. The composition, the colours and the atmosphere here are really fantastic. Even today, when I look at it after so much time, it manages to hold my attention and stir the same feelings Martin himself uses to keep his readers reading. The scene is from the book which has not been filmed yet, so the readers of the series would know best what it is about.
Please, give us a link or a thumbnail from your gallery of:
a) An ASOIAF illustration you are most proud of?
It is hard to pick only one, all of them are equally dear to me, but if I had to choose, I would pick “Red Wedding.” The description of the scene in the book is fantastic, and I have made an effort to put this entire event into one whole, but still keep it recognizable. Another thing I am proud of is the fact that people’s reaction to this illustration was so good and positive.
b) A piece that was the hardest to draw or paint?
I think the most difficult piece in terms of the amount of effort put into the setting of the very drawing was the meeting of Quentyn Martell and one of the dragons, Viserion. The piece went through a lot of planning and corrections until I reached the final solution. There was also a lot of work and experimenting regarding details and colouring.
Martin is known for being supportive of fan art, and has been personally involved in the creative decisions of the official ASOIAF art for calendars, books and comics, even supplying descriptions to artists and choosing scenes himself. If you could do one official ASOIAF artwork, what would you like to depict?
If I could choose a scene for the official ASOIAF edition, it would certainly be a scene involving Queen Nymeria or Princess Mariya Martell, and it would generally involve Dorne from ancient times. I think Dorne has a very rich history that is still untold, and it would be a real honour and pleasure to do one such official ASOIAF illustration.
Is there a plotline, whether in the North, the Vale, King’s Landing or Essos that you're anxious to see resolved in the next book?
Of course, I am anxious to read the resolution of the battle that is about to happen between Roose Bolton’s and Stannis Baratheon’s sides. Also, I hope that the Sand Snakes will wreak havoc in King’s Landing and avenge their father accordingly, in their own way. The destiny of Jon Snow, as well as the development of Sansa Stark’s story should be very interesting. I am also intrigued to see in what way the long gone Rickon Stark will reappear and what consequences that will have on the rest of Westeros.
With the recent release of The World of Ice and Fire and previous novellas, Martin's world has grown ever more detailed and with many historical characters that we know more about. Can the fandom expect your personal gallery to keep growing in light of these new publications?
Frankly, I would have to read those new publications first to get to know the stories and the characters, but judging by George Martin’s awesome writing, I am pretty certain there is going to be new fan artwork based on his new publications.
Thank you for talking to us, Dejan! You can see more of his art at:
www.facebook.com/DejanDelicArt…
...or any historical Martells!