Distinctively Surreal Artworks

Gediminas Pranckevicius discusses his career and showcases his illustrations for picture books, album covers and software delelopers.

Although he originally studied fresco painting at Vilnius Academy of Arts, Gediminas Pranckevicius found a career as an artist difficult to sustain after graduating. For five years he worked instead for a cinema theatre creating advertising material, until a director invited Gediminas to work on a feature animation movie, and he was at last able to pursue his true passion. Since then Gediminas has developed a name for himself creating illustrations for children’s picture books, album covers for bands, and character designs.

This month Gediminas shares a selection of his work and discusses how his career has developed. He explains why he believes going outside is a better source of inspiration than online research, how listening to artist talks keeps him motivated, and offers advice on improving fundamental painting skills.

2dartist: Hi Gediminas, thanks for talking to 2dartist! Could you start by introducing yourself a bit to the readers?

Gediminas Pranckevicius: I was born in Panevezys, a small town in Lithuania. I think my first art seeds were planted in childhood while visiting my uncle. I remember unfinished oil paintings and the odor of oil paint filling my nostrils all the time. Also I used to visit the theater a lot because my grandma was a ticket taker there. I can still remember details of the play coming out of the dark in dramatic lighting. Mom worked as an administrator at the mask theatre orchestra. I guess an environment like this was the perfect starting point for my creative career!