In the world of fantasy storytelling, Tim Probert has carved out a unique path as an author and illustrator. His series, Lightfall, takes readers on an epic journey through the land of Irpa, a realm shrouded in eternal darkness. But how did Probert's artistic journey begin, and what influences have shaped his distinctive style?
The Early Days
Probert's artistic journey began with a degree in painting from Boston University. Initially unsure of his path, he dabbled in various fields, but it was the art-of books from Pixar movies that ignited his passion for illustration. He taught himself Photoshop and landed his first real job with the scratch-and-sniff book, New York, Phew York. This project, written by Amber C. Jones, opened doors and led to his collaboration with Macmillan Publishers.
Influences and Inspiration
Hayao Miyazaki, the renowned Japanese filmmaker and animator, has had a profound impact on Probert's work. He admires Miyazaki's unique storytelling approach and his ability to infuse weight, motion, and detail into every panel. Another significant influence is Kazu Kibuishi's Amulet series, which introduced Probert to the diverse world of comics and inspired him to explore big, serialized fantasy stories.
Jeff Smith's Bone, a groundbreaking comic series, showed Probert that comics could tell sweeping, epic stories with humor and cartoony moments, breaking free from traditional constraints.
Animation and Illustration: A Dual Career
Probert's career took an interesting turn when he began working in animation, specifically with Nickelodeon. This led to a staff position at Nathan Love, an animation studio in New York. Simultaneously, he pursued illustration, working on chapter books during his free time. This dual career allowed him to develop his skills in both animation and illustration, with each field informing and improving the other.
Lightfall: A Full-Time Commitment
Lightfall became the focus of Probert's career when he left Nathan Love to become a full-time author and illustrator. The series, with its planned six books, has kept him busy, and he's currently working on the fifth installment. Probert admits to feeling a sense of anxiety about what comes next after the series concludes.
Finding His Aesthetic
Probert's journey to finding his unique aesthetic was a process of self-discovery. He spent years trying to emulate different styles, but it all felt unnatural. A turning point came when illustrator Cory Godby encouraged him to lean into his own drawing style, a style that felt like "him." This advice became his guiding principle, allowing him to embrace his natural artistic expression.
The Future
As Probert looks ahead, he's starting to explore new ideas and envision his post-Lightfall life. The world of fantasy storytelling has embraced his unique voice, and readers eagerly await his next creative endeavor.
