This week's interview is with the amazing Matt Seff Barnes. Matt has done cover work for many of the authors in the industry including Jonathan Janz, John Durgin, Sean Costello, and Festa Verlag Publishing.
Learn more about Matt below!
Did you always want to be an artist?
Well, I’ve always been creative! But truthfully, I wanted to be a musician, I even went to college but in the end, it wasn’t for me! So, I took my other favorite thing: art and decided that's what I’d do!
When did you first begin to draw and when did you start drawing horror pieces?
Like most people, very young. I always enjoyed sketching and then a few years later discovered Photoshop and being a fan of most things horror, it was only going to go one way stylistically.
What is your favorite thing about being an artist and what are your favorite mediums to work with?
Just doing what I love daily and being able to express myself in that way. There’s a real kick in being hired and bringing to life someone’s vision to represent their work. Favourite Mediums? Digital, with overpainting and textures - Mixed Media!
Do you do any interior illustrations for the book or movie industry currently?
Sure, Though I’ve only ever done one job with that requirement, more needed!!
If you could work with any author, creator, or movie director, who would it be and what would be the project?
I think Adam Nevill in terms of authors. I’d love to do some work for Neon or A24, not to mention Shudder! Although I did tick another ambition off my bucket list this year by doing my first album cover, and there’s one in the works too!
What advice would you give to other artists?
It’s a hard industry to make a full time job out of, but all I can say is NEVER GIVE UP! Practice, patience and persistence are key. And always strive to be better as an artist, don’t rest on your laurels.
Where do you hope to see yourself in five years with regards to your artwork?
I’d be happy to just keep doing what I’m doing, but perhaps I’ve done a few jobs for A24 by then!!
What are some of your favorite pieces or projects that you have done so far?
I think Inside the Devil’s nest is a big one as it was the piece that started to get my name out there! And I’d also say the recent Movie poster I did for “Children of the woods”.
What are your thoughts, if any, on the use of A.I. generated art images?
Fucking abhorrent.
What is your favorite thing about being in/a part of/or a fan of the Horror industry?
Being around and working with people who are into what I’m into and the horror community itself is amazing across social media, so supportive to one another - it's beautiful.
What other services do you offer clients?
I do some mean promo packages that help authors with their promotional needs.
What current projects are in the works that you would like to mention?
I’m about to start work on an album cover for Library of the occult record label- I’m excited for that one!
Learn more about Matt on his website below:
MATT SEFF BARNES
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