Richard Huante is an illustrator, graphic designer and pin-up artist from Arizona. He has a very versatile, colorful style and I predict great things from him in the future.
How long have you been doing pinup and how did you get started?
I’ve been doing pinup style art in specific for about 2 years, although I’ve been illustrating and painting for about 14.
How did you stumble upon your unique style?
I was trained in traditional media as a portrait fine artist, and transitioned most of what I learned into my current digital style.
Is this your full time gig or do you do other things?
Currently I am a full time designer/illustrator in the sports industry, and create pinup illustrations as a freelancer.
What is your typical process/workflow?
Sometimes I’ll have something in my sketchbook that I like, so I’ll scan it in, refine it digitally if necessary, then digitally ink and color/render it to a finished painting.
Who has been your biggest creative influence?
That would be my favorite all time artist, a pastel portrait painter named Leslie B. DeMille.
Who is your fav artists at the moment?
Some of the artists whose work I admire are Martin Abel, Elias Chatzoudis, Reiq and Jamie Tyndall.
How do you overcome those times when the creative spirit has left the building?
I listen to music that I like (80s, smooth jazz, classic rock) and it almost always inspires me when I get in a creative rut.
What do you do when you’re not painting hot babes? What is a day in the life for you like?
When not meeting deadlines and fighting eye strain from the computer, I enjoy family time and listening to paranormal shows such as Coast to Coast AM.
Most inspirational food, drink, other? What has to be on the desk at all times for you to get into the flow?
Without question, when I am digitally painting away, I’ll always have on my heaphones, a cool drink (AZ Iced Tea or fruit punch), and plenty of Jolly Rancher candies. I’m so addicted to those!
Mac or PC? Other Hardware?
I actually use both. My home station is a PC, but for demos, conventions and such I’ll use my Macbook Pro. All my digital work is done on a Cintiq.
Current software of choice?
Sketchbook Pro for sketches and digital inking, and Photoshop for everything else. I would like to start using Sketchbook Pro for complete paintings, but I’m so used to Photoshop, it’s hard to completely convert.
Do you draw, paint traditional or just digital?
My finished pieces are done digitally, but I still do commissions using Copic markers or pencil and ink. I enjoy going back & forth between the two mediums.
What does the future hold for you? What are you working on next?
I’m finishing up a couple of private commissioned pieces, and getting ready to set up my booth at the upcoming Phoenix Comicon.
Is there any promotional/marketing advice you would like to offer to other artists?
Social media has really helped me build a fan base that I enjoy interacting with. Handing out promo cards at events has also gotten me leads.
How do you handle it when people who use your work without your permission? What is your method for protecting your work?
A polite letter asking to remove your work or give credit will usually suffice. Luckily, I’ve never had to pursue legal action.
What words of advice would you give to someone just starting out as an artist/pinup artist?
Don’t be afraid to continuously put yourself out there, even at the risk of getting critiqued or rejected. Nothing is going to fall into your lap, no matter how talented you are.
His website:
Social profiles:
https://www.facebook.com/RichardHuanteDesign
Any special projects you want to mention?
I have an Exclusive print available at Phoenix Comicon that I was happy to have selected.
