Get to Know Our Artist James!
James Pendry is our artist and lead animator here at DinoByte Labs (those pretty Midli scenes you see on our site, yupp, that's his work!). We badgered him with 16 questions to help you get to know him better!
What was your favorite game growing up?
As a kid it was probably Spyro the Dragon or Final Fantasy 9 (Vivi<3). Later in my teen years though, I loved Metal Gear Solid 4 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare! (What's that? Brogamer?! Fite me..)
Who is your biggest video game crush?
I've had a few, starting with Popuri from Harvest Moon (a top tier waifu), and later Rikku from Final Fantasy 10. Now-a-days I'd probably say Lux from League of Legends😘!
Who in the games industry inspires you?
In terms of writer and world-builders I of course have to mention Hideo Kojima, but I also love Amy Hennig's work for Naughty Dog. When it comes to digital artisans I really look up to both Ashley Wood (yes, I am a Metal Gear fanboy) and Bioshock's Scott Sinclair.
If you could be teleported into any game world, which would it be?
Probably Columbia from Bioshock Infinite.... If I could turn the racism and religious zealotry down by about 99%... Don't think I'd last long otherwise.
Who is your favorite artist?
Woah woah, this depends a lot on what medium we are talking about. When it comes to painters the boring answer would be Rembrandt, but some personal favs are also Luis Falero, Peter Doig, Richard Dadd and Gustav Klimnt. As for Illustrators Sulamith Wulfing and Arthur Rackham did amazing work. Finally for sculptors François-Raoul and Kris Kuksi (see pic) are incredible, and of course Rodin needs a mention here.
What's the one art tool you can't live without?
I love me a nice mechanical pencil, preferably 'B' hardness (with an eraser on top). Yes, I am a stationary geek.
Have any great comics or graphic novels to recommend?
If we are talking a single comic, Watchmen or V for Vendatta (mo' Alen Moore yo') are a must read. For a full series I really love Scott Snyder's Wytches, Todd Mcfarlane's Spawn and Mark Silverstri's The Darkness. But also you can't go wrong with some classic Spiderman.
What about best animated films & shows?
Hmm, here it's a question of east vs. west (both of which have great stuff!). When it comes to films Princess Mononoke will always be a nostalgic favorite, but Tangled is also amazing! Have you seen those hair animations??? And for TV shows Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell are great anime's, but Invader Zim and Bravest Warriors are also great, just depends what I am in the mood for.
RANDOM QUICKIES!
Sound track while you work?
Japanese Rock or Glitch-electro-hop.
Meyer Briggs personality type?
INTJ, yes, like all the villains.
D&D alignment?
Chaotic Neutral (maybe a little evil…).
Hogwarts house?
Ravenclaw.
PC, Console, Mobile or Tabletop?
Console (PC is the best, but console gives me the relaxed state of mind, playing ranked Overwatch is not relaxing...).
Which fictional character are you most like?
Oscar
If you could have one magical power what would it be?
Anyone who doesn't answer omega level molecular manipulation is a foolish mortal (unless you choose time related powers).
Most importantly, what is your favorite donut?
During Summer: Raspberry and White Chocolate
Winter: Pumpkin Spice
How does the rest of the team describe James?
"Simply put, James is the best, and together we will drink our way to ascencion from this mortal realm."
- Christian Løvdal
"I don't really know him that well, but I hear great things. TERRIBLE! But great."
- Freya Haga
"A strange goblin who wandered into my life, walking a fine line between best friend and arch nemesis."
- Louise Leolin
We hope you've enjoyed getting to know James! Keep an eye out for more interviews in the coming weeks where you can get to know the rest of the DinoByte Labs team! Also remember Midli is on Kickstarter for only 10 more days, so please help us reach our goal by backing!
You can follow James on Twitter @JXAPendry
