1. Let's begin with telling us a little about this World-renowned concept art director, illustrator and designer Philip Straub

World renowned…I don’t know about thatJ. Lets see- I’ve been working in the publishing and entertainment industries for about 15 years now.
I’ve worked on and created art for films, games, television shows, book covers, magazine covers, trading cards, websites, merchandise, and advertising campaigns.
I’ve worked on some pretty interesting licenses from Mattel’s Barbie, to Jurassic Park, Madden, and Guild Wars.
I also have my own design and licensing company that works with a few agencies around the world brokering licenses for my art on products- we’ve got products on wall murals, ipod skins, and in a variety of stationary. Recently I formed a company around the two IP’s I’ve been working on for  the last couple of years but, primarily in support of Utherworlds.
Utherworlds is being launched at the end of 2008 and into 2009 starting as a huge graphic novel with an original novel of aprox. 60,000 words, and approximately 70 illustrations.
In addition there will be an interactive website in support of the book with an original soundtrack produced by well known composer, Alan Hewitt and tons of animations produced by well known CG artist Mark Stefanowicz.

2. Can you take us through your typical day?

It’s been really crazy lately with my seeing the end of production on the Utherworlds book and website.
Usually I start by answering all the e-mails that have come in over night-and their can be quite a few since I do a fair amount of business overseas.
Then it might be a bunch of phone calls or follow ups on business revolving around the production of Utherworlds or marketing associated with it.
Next, I might do some writing for the site or book, followed by some design and functionality work on the site, and then finally and hopefully some art for the book.
In addition, I’m currently gearing up for my Workshop that starts in about a week, so I’m recording video and finalizing the lesson plan.
Finally, I might fit in some freelance illustration or concept work if there is time.
Then maybe the gym around 8 pm and then dinner with the wife around 9…a few beers, some tv…and then maybe a few more hours of work and in bed by around midnight or 1 am.

3. Where do you look for inspiration? 

Everywhere really- in books, magazine, on the web, in films and television shows, and especially in life.
I try and make sure to get outside as much as possible so I can study the amazing world around us all- that’s the best inspirationJ

4. You are undoubtedly at the top of many peoples inspiration list, but who are your inspirations as an artist?

Ohh please- I dunno about that.
I’m inspired by so many different artists from so many different era’s.
I love the Hudson River School  painters like Church and Bierdstadt.
I’m very influenced by some of the orientalists like Alma Tadema, Bouguereau, and Gerome.
I love the fantasy work of Michael Whelan. I’m a huge fan of some of the contemporary surrealist painters like Gil Bruvel and Daniel Merriam. And, of course, I enjoy some of the great concept artists/matte painters out there like Craig Mullins, Daniel Docui, Stephan Martinierre, and Yanick Dusso

5. I have always been a fan of your art , but have you any other Interests/hobbies ?

Thank you- I’m very flattered.
My life is pretty much consumed by creative stuff. I play the guitar for relaxation, write for relaxation and as a profession, and love to paint and learn new things.
I’m also pretty fitness oriented and try to get to the gym at least 4 times a week- my wife was a personal trainer and is in incredible shape so she keeps me in line most of the time.
I love cars and have a 2004 corvette ZO6 that I take out on occasions- its super fast and a blast to drive!
My wife and I are kinda wanna be foodies- we go out to eat a-lot (not as much since I’ve been supporting my company this past year) but, we love a good meal.

6. When working in the digital realm, what are your programs of choice?

I primarily use Photoshop and Painter with some Maya mixed in if it fits the painting or assignment I’m working.

7. What advice would you give to a young talented artist?

Practice, practice, and more practice.
Never give up your dream and always continue to try and learn more. Understand that building art skills takes a long time and a-lot of patience- don’t give up if you aren’t a super star artist after the first few months of trying- don’t think short term about developing your skills, think long term, As an example, when I was in school, I found it so frustrating that I couldn’t paint and draw a-lot of the things I wanted to but, I would always just remind myself that I had a long career ahead of me and that if I kept at it by the time I was in my 30’s I would be able to paint most anything.
Well, here I am, 35, I kept at it and I am able to paint most things I can think up.
So- patience and determination will always win over talent that isn’t harnessed.

8. What are your plans for the future?

Hopefully continue to evolve as an artist, writer, and Art Director.
I’m really looking forward to get my Utherworlds project out into the marketplace and then build on the momentum there.
I’ve already roughed out three stories around the Utherworlds mythology as well as ambitious future plans for the online interactive portion of the property.
I’m looking forward to swinging my efforts over to my children’s project, Secret Places and finally get that children’s book done.
I’m also looking at finding my next Art Director challenge- I really want to work on a single or portfolio of awesome projects that people will enjoy and hopefully take the game experience to the next level.

9. What do you like or dislike about the online art community

I don’t have any dislikes towards online art communities.
I’ve found them educational and enjoyable experiences and a great way to network with like minded individuals.

10.  And finally, if you were shipwrecked on a desert island, what 5 things would you wished you had taking with you?

My Ipod, a generator, my guitar, some books, and a sketchpad and pencil….thats probably more than 5 but, hey its my desert island damnit!!

11.Thanks for taking the time to sit with us and letting us get inside your head. We wish you nothing but success in the future.

 Thank you Billy, it's been my pleasure.