ARTIST SPOTLIGHT - JACK GREGORY

JACK GREGORY

Gregory didn’t luck out. He puts time Gregory credits his father, a visual artINTERVIEW BY MATTHEW HUTCHISON N epotism, and who you know, can be the mostused employment tickets in the entertainment world. Then there are people like Jack C. Gregory. He came from Indianapolis, Indiana, a city far removed from that world, and made his name behind the scenes by showing up and delivering above expectations to his client base. and substantial effort into his illustrations, and people are paying attention. He credits the following for his development - “Network like a bastard, have a web presence established, use social media effectively, and more importantly, show up and hit deadlines consistently.” “You hear stories about how KISS isn’t the greatest band,” he says. “But the reality is, they’re marketing fiends dating back to the days when they were carrying their own gear. You ist himself for the Indianapolis VA hospital, with steering his interests along the same path. “Dad was a big influence here. Because of him, I knew what I wanted to do when I was only five years old. He was helpful without being forceful. Jack Kirby, Frank Frazetta, Norman Rockwell, all those greats I learned about through him. Some of my earliest memories are watching him at the drafting table out our house, and I cherish those memories.” Gregory has some advice for peoGregory’s career in the visual arts spans 15 years, with focuses on art have to be like that to last in any industry.” ple who are beginning to walk the same path. direction, digital marketing, key art for films and television, traditional painting, and alt-movie and gig posters. The latter is something in which he’s made a name for himself over the past few years, with designs for Rancid, Hank Von Hell, L7, Descendents, Against Me!, Off!, and a slew of other artists, alongside recreations of posters for movies This foundation, along with his reputation and diverse portfolio, keeps him a sought-out illustrator in the world of film and music. Gregory is very clear that he's not pigeonholing himself to a specific style. That's a fear of his, and he explains why. “Make sure you incorporate having a life into this. You can’t be working all the time, and you will break down. Make time for yourself. Inspiration can come from the most unlikely place.” �� �� �� like The Great Escape, Halloween, and Apocalypse Now. "There have been instances I've heard about successful illustrators falling As grateful he is for all the opportunities in his career, Gregory believes his best work is ahead of him. He still hasn’t lost sight of a goal he’s held since he was 19-years old. into this trap. They create something like a paint look that gets them hired. When they submit their client's request in pen-and-ink, the client pushes back with ‘no, we want your paint look, that's why we hired you.’ That's “I really want to do a Pearl Jam poster, or do something with Metallica. That’s my dream.” why I keep up-to-date on techniques and use other styles. Best to diversify. My portfolio has paint, comic, and Bauhaus-looking work."