Prologue: We are opening a new circle of interviews here in Metal Perspective, with people that are not musicians, but they contribute a lot to our favourite music. These people are the designers and illustrators and they are the ones that usually help us convert notes and sounds into pictures and travel through imaginary dimensions. We decided to start this circle with the most known, wanted and our favourite one. The name is Travis Smith. Do you need me to say more about him and his divine dark art?

Courtesy of Travis Smith, © 2004 Seempieces.com

(Alekos) Hi Travis and thank you very much for this interview and for honouring our webzine, since you are one of the most wanted artists nowadays in the world of metal. In addition, the fact that you are opening this new circle of interviews with people that aren't musicians, but they've got a lot to do with this magic world, means a lot to us.

Thank you for that, and the interest to include me.

(Alekos) Before talking about the present I think it would be helpful to give us in a few words some more details about your history so far. Which was the spark that started the fire? Did you get involved with cover making from the very start, or was it something that happened in time?

It's something I've always loved to do but was given new life when I discovered more modern methods in creating it. It was just something I decide to pursue and see where I could go with it.

(Alekos) You mostly cooperate with metal bands. Does this suggest that you're a heavy metal fan or is just the whole atmosphere of your designs that fits with this particular music? Which is the kind of music you prefer and which are your favourite bands?

Yeah, I am a metal fan, but a fan of all styles of it. My favourites are Katatonia, Anathema, Opeth, And Devin Townsend

(Alekos) As I mentioned before you must be one of the most wanted designers for the moment, so I believe that this is your main occupation by the time, right?

Yes, currently it is my main occupation

(Alekos) And how do you manage to design covers for this significant number of bands at the same time? Isn't it a bit tiresome and something that takes up most of your free time?

It takes up all my time and can be a bit tiresome anyway! But in a good way.

(Giannis) Do you think that people may get overloaded with all these covers that bear your mark? I mean do you believe that you may reach a saturation point?

Yes, I think anyone will with enough exposure. I am afraid of that. I only hope I can keep enough fresh ideas and techniques coming to make each thing something new and interesting so the bands and fans keep enjoying it.

(Giannis) I also think that you have started a new "school" for today's artwork. How do you feel about it?

Well, I do see a lot of covers now being done with the same methods and similar styles to mine. I don't know how much, if any of that is because of me. I guess some of it could be, but I don't know. I know there were already a few others doing it when I started, and also lately it could be just a matter of so many people being able to have the tools and make a website.

(Giannis) Do you think that technological developments have allowed many people with no particular skills to get involved with artwork design? Something similar is witnessed in the case of personal computers and DTP software enhancements. Are you afraid that history may repeat itself in a different field?

Yes, I have seen a lot of that. On the other hand I have seen a lot of great skills out there. I think if someone is skilled or is not, then their work will speak for itself. I know it has allowed much more people to make their work known, so there is a lot more saturation. We will see where it goes from here.

(Giannis) The point of my previous question is that computers seem to margin the old-school illustrators. Do you think that there is space for all of the kinds of artistic expressions?

Sure. I think there's room for anyone. If they have something good to say, there will be someone who wants to listen.

Courtesy of Travis Smith, © 2004 Seempieces.com

(Giannis) Since we've mentioned illustrators, is there anyone in particular that has influenced your artistic approach and expression?

You could say Dave Mckean was an influence at first. There are many artists I love, but anymore I am not so much influenced, but rather more appreciative, and try to work harder when I see someone put out a piece I really love.

(Alekos) Are there any criteria that a band must meet in order to have a deal with you or do you accept all the offers?

I accept any offer I can. There are no criteria other than whether or not I can do what they want in time, for the most part.

(Alekos) Is the whole idea and atmosphere of a cover yours, or does the band have a word on it? Have you ever disagreed with a band so badly that you decided to cancel the deal?

Well the band definitely has a say in every aspect of the art. Ultimately it is for them. I only will disagree if my opinion differs from theirs and they ask me for it, but that is rarely. And in most cases any of those issue can be easily worked out as best for the band.

(Alekos) In addition to the previous question, what is your main source of inspiration in order to complete the cover for a particular band? I mean do you take under consideration the lyrics and the title, or what?

It really varies. Sometimes a good lyric or a title, or even the general vive or them will be a great starting point. Most of my best works are based upon personal ideas that just came into my head for no reason. Whether based on something related to the album, or just something else.

(Alekos) If I ask you to have a quick flashback can you remember one of your good and bad moments? Is there anything that has left its mark on you? Which was the best band you have cooperated with?

Katatonia overall is my favourite I have worked with, Next to Chuck Schuldiner, Sadus, Opeth, Anathema I have had a lot of good moments. Too many to list. I have not had very many truly bad moments. There have been a few recently. But I have had a lot of frustrating ones.

(Alekos) Most of your projects have a dark and melancholic background. Am I correct? Is this something incidental or is your alter ego full of dark images?

I don't know. I guess it's not all on purpose. I guess I just find the best inspiration in personal things, or sad things. Or the fear of loss and things going bad. Those are the things that make me feel the strongest and make my best art, even if I don't usually feel that way. Even in moments where I am very happy, my imagination shows me images of what could happen next, and it's exciting in they way you might watch a dark movie, and sometimes I get good ideas from that.

(Alekos) And now a hard one; which cover is the one you like the most? I know it's a difficult question, but there must be one that for some reason you distinguish from the rest.

Of mine? Devin Townsend Terria or Katatonia Tonights Decision, OR Anathema Natural Disaster.

(Alekos) Let's talk a little bit more about the whole process of cover-making. First of all, I'd like you to tell us which are your basic elements and tools. I mean, where do you find the pictures, do you draw sketches before you work with the computer and all that? Tell us about the steps you follow in general.

I usually take the pictures myself, occasionally I will borrow from a friend or look through old family stuff. I find them wherever I can but my best ones are always accidents. My sketches are usually done on the computer and will eventually become the final piece. I do a lot of sketches when I get an idea I don't want to forget.

Courtesy of Travis Smith, © 2004 Seempieces.com

(Alekos) What is the average time you work on a cover and which is the lengthier part of the cover-making process?

Getting the idea is the hardest part. Usually a cover can take a few hours to many weeks, depending.

(Alekos) Can you reveal to us your future plans? Are you working on something for the moment? Are you thinking of expanding your activities outside this field (cover making)?

I'd love to do different forms of art, like movie covers and such [Editor's note: I believe he already did one for the movie Resident Evil: Apocalypse]. I don't make many future plans. I'm too busy right now just trying to complete each day at a time, as you can tell by how long it took me to answer this email HAHA.

(Alekos) Before closing one last question that I believe interests our readers. Can someone purchase your work as a poster and how?

I do make prints of most pieces, but I have not yet been able to produce poster sizes, which I am now looking into hopefully. Anyone can write me through my site if they like.

(Alekos) Travis thanks very much for your precious time and for the honour. We wish you the best of luck and success for the future. Is there anything you'd like to add?

Thank you very much for your words, interest, and this great interview.