Peter Pachoumis
For many years it has been my privilege to work as a professional illustrator. From the simplest of pencil illustrations to the full, rich complexity of pencils, inks, and colors, I am proud to be able to do what I love every day for a diverse array of clients. My work has appeared in the pages of DC Comics, Image Comics, Wildstorm Comics, and Popular Science magazine. I’ve contributed illustrations to properties such as Star Wars, Star Trek, The Terminator, and Disney’s Hercules. I have also written a children’s book, Grumpity Grump’s Lumpity Stump – a story about the transformative power of friendship.
When did you decide you wanted to be illustrator?
I always knew I wanted to be an artist, from an early age I loved to draw and live in my art for hours at a time. Then I found out my solitary creation could entertain people, which made it priceless.
Would you recommend studying at art school?
I would recommended studying at an art school, a museum, the movies and the streets. Art is everywhere – you just need to take a moment to spot it sometimes and all of it can teach you something.
How long was it before illustration became your primary form of income?
It took me a few years.
Could you describe your typical day?
I start by checking my emails and project list from the night before, I need to see what must get done the soonest and what my time frame is.
Depending on the stage of the project – be it layouts, pencils, ink, or digital colors – I proceed accordingly. I take a few breaks throughout the day to workout and spend time with my wife and daughter, and then I just keep moving forward with the project until it is completed and my clients are happy.
What do you wish you’d know when you first started out?
I wish I had known the importance that digital tools would play in my future.
What’s the best thing about being an illustrator?
Waking up every morning and being able to do what you always knew you wanted to do.
What’s the worst thing about being an illustrator?
The sleepless nights on rush projects with seemingly impossible deadlines.
If you weren’t an illustrator, what would you be?
I get asked this often and always have a different answer, this week I would be a strong man in a carnival. Like I said, it changes every week.
Any other tips you could share?
Practice always, you are never the best, learn from every form of art and never, ever miss a deadline.
