Sam Bosma

To say that illustrator Sam Bosma is meticulous would be a gross understatement. While his work often tackles epic narratives, Bosma's panels are loaded with an exceptional amount of detail, making each scene more intimate. and even private.  Such intricacy requires a process involving nearly obsessive attention to the minutia of each image, which the artist carefully details on his blog, Slam Blogsma. Technically, Bosma's many-stepped image construction combines both digital and analog forms into one, harmonious output. His technique in both areas is expert. Though stylized, his work never feels wacky, as he perfectly balances the dramatic with the humerous. Bosma's characters are always lovingly rendered.

 

He begins with sketches- hundreds of them- before beginning a new project, which will goes through many revisions before the final image is complete. (I do, however, think Bosma might be a bit too hard on himself at times. On his blog, superlative phrases like "this is the worst" often appear in the early planning stages, even when the problems are minimal, if noticeable at all. Frankly, even his sketchbooks are fantastic.) Such diligence toward his craft is not in vain, though, as Bosma's work is nearly always both atmospheric and heroic. Perhaps most intriguing is his most recent work for Picture Book Report, in which he beautifully illustrates J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit." Also, not to be missed are his illustrations for H.P. Lovecraft's "The Shadow Over Innsmouth." I am quite excited about some of his new ventures, including a graphic novel, and further exploration of narrative formats. Be sure to check out both his website, and his blog.