3DTotal: Do you start each of your paintings with a pencil sketch?
Abrar: Yes, I always start my illustrations with a pencil. A pencil sketch allows me to think an idea through and work on the composition and detail. I have been known to sketch out a dozen different ideas all for one illustration. Although nowadays, it usually takes one or two detailed sketches to complete an idea. I’ll then scan the sketch into Photoshop and start to paint. Do you ever use photos as a reference for your character poses, or are they all drawn purely from your imagination? Yes, I use photos, films and models, and pretty much anything else I can get my hands on. No matter what type of reference I have, I will always use my imagination to create concepts and poses. The pose of a figure is very important to me, as that’s usually my focus. A pose usually develops during sketching, or catching a frame from a movie, or sometimes just looking in the mirror. I have noticed I don’t use as much reference as I used to do, which is maybe because it becomes easier the more you draw. 		 
3DTotal: How much research do you do for each of your works?
Abrar: The level of research usually depends on the illustration. If I’m working on an existing character for a games company, then I will try to look at all references, usually photographic. For some of my personal work, I tend to start with an idea. I do use picture references when working. I find it very useful when working because it allows me create more believable pictures. It’s not about trying to copy something perfectly, but using the reference as a starting point to produce a work of fantasy.
   
 

3DTotal: What, if anything, would be the ideal project that you would like to collaborate on?
Abrar: Hmmm... As I mentioned earlier, ‘The Lord of the Rings’ would be ideal. I remember the first time I read the novel, I just wanted to pick up my pencil and start drawing the characters and paint the battles scenes and try to capture the scope. I love the grandness of the setting. I would like to conceptualise for a movie; fantasy, sci-fi, horror - that would be great. I think working on a fantasy movie would give me the chance to create the characters, setting and mood. Then there’s my love for computer games; working on a computer game from the grass routes up is also very attractive.
   

 


3DTotal: Do you see yourself working within the film or games industry in the future?
Abrar: I think I have quite a dark and moody feel to my work, which would work well in both of those industries. Of course, if the right project came along I would jump at the opportunity. It’s the prospect of creating a new world, without boundaries, and developing characters that might inhabit these worlds; the protagonists and the antagonists. I hope to contact a few companies in the near future. At the moment I’m really happy to continue with my current list of clients because I’m really enjoying the work.

3DTotal: What, if anything, do you see as being key to a successful painting, with regards to your own work?
Abrar: The key for me is the drawing, but that’s not the only thing that contributes to a successful
painting. Colour and lighting are also important. If I manage to get everything right then I’m pretty happy. I do find it hard to know when to stop on a painting, because in theory I could just carry on forever, but
as a professional artist you have deadlines and therefore I have a bit more discipline. Sometimes I will
go back to a painting after publication and maybe change it or add to it. I don’t think there are many
pieces in my portfolio that I think are truly finished, but you have to move on to the next illustration.

3DTotal: Finally, what is it about fire fighting that prompted you to make two paintings based on the subject?
Abrar: Ah, those particular pieces were actually produced for a T-shirt company in America. They
wanted a few illustrations from me on firefighters. I had the freedom to come up with my own ideas.
I really enjoyed doing those pieces because they are not my regular genre.

    
 
 
 
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