You’ve seen his chibi-style illustrations all over social media and probably liked or shared a few on your own feeds.
We’re talking about Lord Mesa. He’s the creator behind some of the most iconic fan art out there currently. His illustrations have been featured all over the internet and social media, and have found their way into the production offices of shows such as Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow.
Those of us here at Entertainment Jolt are huge fans as well, and we were excited to have the opportunity to sit down with Lord Mesa recently to find out more about him and his distinctive artistic style.
When did you first start drawing?
I’ve been drawing all my life, ever since I could pick up a pencil. I don’t think it was until I was 8 yrs old that I realized I was kind of good at drawing.
What’s your favorite thing about being an artist?
The ability to create and tell stories that connect with people through my illustrations.
What artist(s) do you look up to?
My artistic influences range from comic artists like Mike Wieringo, Eric Canete, Art Adams, Gurihiro, to traditional illustrators like J.C. Leyendecker and Pete Hawley. I also find a lot of inspiration from animated movies from Disney, Pixar, and Japanese Anime as well.
Who has been your biggest influence so far?
That’s a little tricky to answer because I am influenced very easily by the things I follow or read or see on a day to day basis. There’s so much to be exposed to that I can’t really narrow it down to one or even several sources.
What first brought you to drawing fan art?
Well the name “Fan” art pretty much encompasses the entire reason for creating that type of art. The reason I create illustrations is because I am a fan of the source material. The artwork is my way of expressing my appreciation, respect, and gratitude for the shows and movies and games that connect with me.
How did you react when you found out your art was being seen by not just fans of the TV shows you drew for, but by the staff as well?
I was and always will be extremely honored that the people who create the shows that I am a fan of are aware of the work I do. I never take for granted the fact that they will take the time to like, comment, or share my posts to all their followers. There are an insane amount of super talented artists out there like myself that do what I do, so the fact that I have garnered a following based on my work is truly humbling.
Why do you think fans are so attracted to your art?
Tying back to my answer about the fan art, I think it is because people can see I am a fan of what I draw just like they are. The humor or drama that I narrate in my illustrations are elements that you would only get if you are a fan. Which is why when I receive requests to create art based on shows I haven’t seen yet, I tell people that I would have to watch them first to see if I even connect with those shows.
Where else has your artwork been displayed?
Mainly on all my social media accounts and website. I have also done a few gallery shows here in Southern California.
What’s been your most popular piece of art so far?
The one that comes to mind was a Deadpool/Avengers mashup where Iron Man is reprimanding Deadpool regarding his movie while escorting a shell shocked Captain America away for some therapy. After I posted that piece, I saw it shared quite a few times via different social media.
What’s been your favorite piece so far?
My “Superhero Bite Club” piece I did to commemorate the first big CW Crossover event is the one I am most proud of because it has the most characters I have ever put into one illustration. Otherwise, I don’t really have a favorite because each artwork I create encompasses challenges I encountered while making them. When I finish, I take a certain amount of pride knowing I learned something in the process that I didn’t know when I started it.
What other type of art do you make?
I also do Stereoscopic illustrations as well. Stereoscopic is the technical term for 3D artwork that you use the traditional red/cyan glasses to look at. The method that I use though allows the final artwork to retain the appearance of a regular illustration without looking blurry or mainly red and blue. If you own a pair of red/cyan glasses, there is a collection of Stereoscopic art on my website to check out.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I am currently working on a few things that I would like to see the light of day relatively soon, from stationary type products to tee shirts, to a web comic and a children’s book. There so much I want to do, that it just takes a little time to get them all out there. I hope everyone that follows me stays along for the ride!
