Vaeflare

I first met Greg at the BlizzCon 2009 fansite summit. There were 20 or so of us all at one table in the Blizzard cafeteria having lunch. Was introducing myself to the guy sitting across from me. Greg overheard, said "Wait, you're Lore from TankSpot?" and reached across the table and past like 5 people to shake my hand. That was when I knew Greg truly cared about the community.

The next day, I found him outside the convention center checking his email on his phone. We started chatting while he finished, and a few other people walked up. Two of them in particular started arguing with each other; they both played Feral Druids and had a conflicting opinion on something. Greg immediately got quiet, put his phone away, and started listening intently to their conversation. That was when I knew Greg truly cared about game design.

A year later, at BlizzCon 2010, I had the opportunity to sit down with him for a casual chat in the lobby of the Anaheim Marriott. We talked about several things -- raiding, Ret Paladins, how the convention was going -- but at some point I brought up that I'd considered applying for a position at Blizzard. We talked about it for a while, and though I didn't end up applying at the time, he seemed genuine in saying that Blizzard is a great place to work. That was when I knew Greg truly cared about Blizzard Entertainment.

A few months ago, on my third day as a Blizzard employee, I met him again at my first developer meeting. He didn't ignore the new face or just give me a casual "hello" -- he walked around the conference table and across the room to give me a hug. That was when I knew Greg truly cared about his co-workers.

And then a couple days ago, he came by the Community team's area to share a beer and let us know he'd be moving on. He wanted us to hear it directly from him. That was when I knew that Greg cares just as much today as he did when I met him back in 2009.

Greg, you've done amazing things for this game, not just on the design side of things, but for the community as well. You will be sorely missed, and I wish you the absolute best in your new opportunity. Thank you. Stay in touch.

^This. SO much this.

Thank you so much for all that you've done for the game, Blizzard, and for the community as a whole. All of these things and so much more are better for your influence and guidance (and endless patience).

I wish you only the best in your future endeavors, and it goes without saying that you'll be missed around these parts.

I'll see you around Azeroth, my friend. :)

Over the years, many artists have created impressive artwork inspired by the Blizzard universes. During March and April of last year, hundreds of these talented artists also submitted entries for the Diablo III Portrait of a Champion art contest, and a select few were chosen as winners. We wanted to catch-up with one of the contest winners, whose Blizzard fan art has continued to thrill and astound on a regular basis.

"Auriel, Archangel of Hope"

This player spotlight showcases the work of artist Dmitriy "Tamplier" Prozorov and his diverse Blizzard fan art.

Tamplier’s body of work includes portraits of characters from the early era of Warcraft's history through to pieces depicting heroes and villians from the worlds of both Starcraft and Diablo. He's produced nearly fourty pieces of Blizzard fan art over the years, and we caught up with him to find out more about he and his art.

"Grom HellScream"

Q. How long have you been making art?

Back in the kindergarten I found that drawing is very interesting for me, and later in school, I started to distinguish myself from other pupils in the arts. Most recently in 2010, I felt that I had mastered my digital art skills. My first artwork began to appear at the same time. It all started with copies [of other art]. I could only look at the masterpieces previously and wonder how it was possible to create such pieces. So I had to train a lot before I could start to draw my own art. After that I started to put my artwork on the Internet.

Q. You've created some extremely impressive Blizzard fan art over the years! Which pieces have been the most challenging for you?

I suppose it was my artwork called “Opposition”. I specialize in the portrait drawing in general, but one of my goals here was to come up not only with a character but with the whole scene. I wanted to show the atmosphere and dynamics of this artwork. I also used to work with dark paints, but here I decided to step away of standards and tried to create a bright piece. It took me a lot of effort to achieve the result I wanted to see in the end.

"Opposition" - Check out the Making-of Video on YouTube

Q. Which is your favorite piece?

It’s very hard to say. When I finish the piece, it becomes my favourite one almost every time. (And of course there are some rare exceptions). So that’s how it is right now. The piece that I value the most at the moment is my recent drawing “Maiev Shadowsong”. I consistently improve my skills with each and every single art work I do, so I’m pretty sure that as soon as I finish another drawing, it will become my next favorite.

"Maiev ShadowSong"

Q. You were also one of the winners of our Diablo III Portrait of a Champion art contest. What inspired you to create your Barbarian piece and how long did it take you?

Yes… I have a special memories related to this piece. I suppose I’ve never spend so much efforts to create a piece as I did with “Victorious”. I had to start working on that art about a month before the deadline when contestants’ could submit their works. I remember I even had to ask my clients to wait with the completion of their requests. I explained that I’m entering a very important contest and all of them were cheering for me, saying that this kind of things is very important and wishing me good luck.

I couldn’t find the idea of the art for a long time. I’ve tried a lot different ideas and in the end I decided that it would be a barbarian. It took me around two weeks to finish that contest piece, but when I saw other contestants’ drawings and realized how many other great artists have participated in that contest, I had to polish my artwork even more.

"Victorious"

Q. How long does it generally take for you to create your art from start to finish?

It depends. Sometimes it could be one hour and sometimes it could be a month! But in general I usually finish the art within a week.

It also depends on how much I love what I want to draw and on my workload. If I remember correctly, the fastest piece was made within 2 hours and the longest one took me around 2 months. The pieces are getting harder each time and consuming more and more time.

"Jim Raynor" - Check out the Making-of Video	"Reaper" - Check out the Making-of Video

Q. What programs do you use to create your art?

From the beginning I always used Adobe Photoshop CS3; I think it’s optimal for me. I also tried some other graphical editors but I didn’t like them. However, some of my pieces were made in SAI – it has its own advantages.

"Imperius, Archangel of Valor"

Q. What is your artistic process for a piece?

I have to come up with the idea on what I want to draw first. If that didn’t happen there is an 80% chance that the whole work will fail. Many times I had to forcibly push myself to draw something and nothing good happened in the end. Previously I also had to come up with a concept of the piece by drawing some sketches on the paper before I could start the process.

But now it’s different. I do everything in the program from the beginning and change the idea on-the-go if I don’t like something. Initially I almost never have the final idea in my head and I personally don’t know what result will be there in the end.

But that’s completely another story if I want to make a Making-of Video. Here I need to plan everything ahead, because all the viewers will see each step of the process, they will also try to learn something for themselves. So there shouldn’t be any failures.

Q. We know that a lot of time and love goes into creating epic fan art, so what’s your favorite detail of one of your pieces?

Yeeeees! I really love working closely on small details and reflections! I love to draw metal; it gives me some special pleasure. But working closely on small details is also very time-consuming. I like to play with light and shadows. It’s awesome to see how the whole piece changing, becomes alive and look more 3D after you add some light effects to it.

"Lyndon's Happy Day"

Q. What other artists inspire you?

I was always impressed by Wei Wang! He was and still is one of the most influential artists for me. When I first started to learn the ropes of the graphical art I found his works very inspirational. I also respect the works of Andree Wallin, Daarken, David Rapoza and Cryptcrawler and consistently follow their art. I hope to try to achieve what they have in time, and maybe even become better than they are.

Q. Do you have any other Diablo-themed pieces in the works?

I currently don’t have any. But that doesn’t mean that I won’t start in near future! The inspiration comes unexpected: today I don’t plan anything and tomorrow I can start and finish a piece.

I have plenty of ideas and I certainly will continue to draw more Diablo-themed and other Blizzard related pieces.

"Tauren Warrior" - Check out the Making-of Video	"Sylvanas WindRunner" - Check out the Making-of Video

Q. What tips and advice do you have for aspiring artists out there, particularly those that are just getting started?

There is a lot of information on the Internet nowadays and using it you could significantly improve your skills. Remember one important thing – it’s your skill that matters. People often ask me “which pen tablet is the best?” or “which Photoshop version is handier and what brushes should I use?”

On the early stages start with simple things and do not try to race for the technologies and fancy things. And when you start to improve your skill you will see for yourself what's better for you.

Believe in yourself and your strength! If you have any friends that are professional designers or artists, try to listen to their advice. Practice, improve your skills and do not pay attention to those who don’t like your pieces.

"Kel'Thuzad" - Check out the Making-of Video on YouTube

You can see more of Tamplier's impressive body of work on his DeviantART gallery. Which are your favorite pieces that he's created? What other Blizzard characters would you love to see him illustrate? Let us know in the comments below!

Are you working on any Blizzard fan art? We'd love to see it over in our Community Events and Creations forum!

Are you aware Ghostcrawler is a man and it would be physically impossible for him to be pregnant?

You have apparently not seen the semi-aquatic version of the movie "Junior."

06/26/2013 03:59 PMPosted by Vaeflare

http://i.imgur.com/LrFE2z5.png

I don't know about you, but I'd wear it.

http://i.imgur.com/78QuS4X.gif

I wish you could have heard me laugh out loud at the office when I saw that! I was actually busy sketching this at the time. The resemblance is uncanny!

The Hug Bringer cometh!

http://i.imgur.com/LrFE2z5.png

I don't know about you, but I'd wear it.

Welcome to team! It's awesome to have you and your well-groomed noggin aboard. :)

(P.S. You are now a member of the Internet's foremost CM petting zoo! Please try to avoid setting anyone ablaze whenever possible.)

(P.S.S. +Kitties for the win.)

Whether you are a hero of Azeroth, a Blacksmith in New Tristram, or an artist intent on illustrating the demonic invasion from the Burning Hells, you need to come prepared with the proper passion, tools, and vision to get the job done. But great art doesn’t make itself, and a lot of work goes into crafting a truly epic experience.

This week’s community spotlight showcases artist Robert Maldonado and his dramatic Blizzard fan art. 

Robert’s artwork includes everything from concept work and 3d models to fantasy paintings and fan art inspired by Diablo, World of Warcraft, and Starcraft. We caught up with him to find out more about he and his art.
 

Q. How long have you been making art?

I would like to start off by thanking you for this opportunity!

I've been painting digital concept art since the beginning of 2011. I taught myself how to use the Wacom tablet with Photoshop, which was challenging. I'm so used to looking at where my pencil meets the paper and all that.

I taught myself how to paint traditionally back in mid/ late 2007, and at the beginning of 2008 I held my own solo art showing at an art gallery here in So Cal. However, I feel that drawing since I was 7 years old is where it all started.

Q. You created some amazing Blizzard fan art! Which piece was the most challenging for you?

I would have to say the traditional painting of Imperius vs. Diablo I did with the time lapse video.

Traditional paintings are always going to be harder because there is no Ctrl – Z with acrylic on canvas, and you only have 1 layer. I was nervous going into that painting but as soon as I started I knew I was at home.

Check out the time lapse video of Robert's Imperius vs. Diablo painting!

Q. Which is your favorite piece?

I love all my paintings. It’s hard to choose 1 child out of the bunch, but if I had to choose I would say the Imperius vs. Diablo painting.

I choose that one because that is the 1 painting that I can physically pick up and hang on my wall (like I already have it, haha).

Q. We know that a lot of time and love goes into creating epic fan art, so what’s your favorite detail of one of your pieces?

Well I really liked the teeth silhouette over the yellow glow on the dark Diablo painting. The lighting that comes off of Diablo’s fire onto the bone-like surface was also fun to paint.

Q. How long does it take you to create your art?

For my digital work it will usually take me between 4-8 hours a painting.

While teaching myself how to paint in Photoshop, I learned a lot of professional concept artists are usually on a deadline. So I try to give myself a deadline to work on my speed, but you can’t rush art.

My traditional paintings will take me longer, but since it’s acrylic and dries fast, it will take me anywhere from 10- 15 hours to complete.

Q. What is your artistic process for a piece?

I will go based off of digital.

Learning a lot from the pros, I see them either starting off using a grayscale beginning or switching to a desaturated view of their painting to make sure their value and lighting are spot on.

So I find it easier for me to start off in a greyscale mode and just slowly apply color to the painting as I progress. I focus mainly on the composition, lighting, perspective and make sure I get all the fundamentals down before I start on the easy part which is details.

I would say the first 30 minutes of a painting is the hardest part of the whole process, which requires the most amount of thinking than any other part of the piece.

Q. What materials or programs do you use?

I use a Wacom Intuos 4 medium tablet on Photoshop CS5. My main digital brush is the default chalk brush at a 40% roundness. I usually have my opacity at 75% and just adjust my flow accordingly. I tend to keep the majority of the painting done with the simple default brush because that’s how I learned traditional painting.

Q. Do you have any other Diablo-themed pieces in the works?

I currently do not have any in the works from the Diablo franchise. Since Blizzard just announced the Hearthstone title, I’ve started on a fan art painting for it that has been really fun.

In the future I would love to paint an epic battle with the Barbarian just tearing it up.

Q. We’ve got to ask: what is your favorite Diablo III hero class?

I'm a HUGE fan of pets so it’s not surprising that I went with the Witch Doctor. Slaying demons with my Zombie Dogs and my super awesome Gargantuan is just too much fun.

Q. What artists inspire you?

I have a library of artists that I turn to for artistic inspirational fuel.

I will start off with the Blizzard artists with unique styles like Samwise, Luke Mancini, Wei Wang and Laurel Austin. Other sources of inspiration include the legendary Frank Frazetta, Michael Komarck, James Paick, Feng Zhu and Kekai Kotaki.

There are also a ton of other artists I turn to for inspiration. I also love it when I find a new artist that’s just making awesome art that I’ve never heard of.

Q. What tips and advice do you have for aspiring artists out there, particularly those that are just getting started?

You need to know that art is what you want to do in life. I strayed away from art and went to school for welding and even got my welding license by the City of LA. I regret doing that because I knew art is what I was meant to do in life.

You must forget about the money and fame great art can bring and focus on the craft. Try to never stop learning because if you do, that will just take away a majority of what art is about. Never get discouraged from other artists who you feel are better than you. Instead, study their work and turn their work into a source of inspiration to someday be as good as them.

You will also need to grow a thick skin in taking criticism on your art. Even if someone who isn't an artist gives me harsh feedback, I always try and see it from their point of view. Put your ego aside and learn on what you need to improve no matter where the feedback is coming from.

Give yourself a path and a goal for your art. Like for mine, being an artist in the game industry is a dream job for me and my lifelong goal. In life you must work with your passion because if you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life.

Of course you must practice, have self-discipline, be patient and NEVER give up.

Q. That's some great advice! Any closing thoughts?

Thank you for having me featured!

Interested in seeing more of Robert’s stunning art? Check out his official gallery. To ensure you get all of his latest updates, make sure to also follow him on Facebook, Twitter, as well as his DeviantART account and art blog!

While I'll certainly miss hanging around and chatting it up with you on a regular basis (SO many memories), I do look forward to hearing about your stories and experiences yet to come.

Stay awesome, Brennvin. It's been a true pleasure working with you these past few years. You deserve only the very best that life has to offer, no matter if you are here in Southern California, or back East pursuing your dreams. :)

I was out of the office on vacation when this was posted and just now noticed it!

Thanks so very much for the warm Birthday wishes. It means a lot to me to do what I do, and it's been fantastic having the opportunity to connect with so many of you on the forums, Reddit, and Twitter. Thanks for being such a fantastic Blizzard community. :)

I hope that on your birthdays, you receive a birthday yak & raptor cake just like I did, or some combination thereof. ;)

A vote for Miss Fanny is a vote for progress!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJESm-assss

Like dis if you cry evry time!

I don’t think I’d seen this video before, but the nostalgia factor really made me wonder about who created all those summoning stones. The stories they could tell…

I’ve watched a lot of WoW videos over the years, and this is one of my personal favorites:
Darrowshire, by Cranius

Rest assured, we're well aware of the login issues that some players are reporting. We will be posting an update on the following thread within the hour.

The PvP vendors are poised to supply valuable goods to eager heroes, and we like the idea of them being prime targets for killing if you’re dominating the area and the other faction isn’t really stopping you. That said, we didn’t intend for them to be easy targets, ripe for the slaughter.

As such, we’ve decided to put them through their paces and offer them some focused training classes. Yesterday we implemented a hotfix that significantly raised the total health of Mists of Pandaria PvP vendors. This change should better accommodate their place amidst the current battles, and brewing war.

10/02/2012 04:39 PMPosted by Vail

What have been some of your favorite experiences within Mists of Pandaria so far?

I like the quest in The Jade forest where I got to snipe Orcs in the head. :D

Sully McLeary’s commentary during that was a hoot!

I enjoyed the Horde counter to that quest series as well. :)

I’m glad you’re enjoying Mists of Pandaria! There have been so many people here at Blizzard that have contributed to it, and I too am continually in awe of seeing the result of so much hard work come together. The landscape, the quests, the music, the art, the little touches… there’s just so much to see and do.

What have been some of your favorite experiences within Mists of Pandaria so far?

Most of my character names are based off of personal tabletop RPG characters from many years back, or names that play-off of obscure characters in shows I enjoyed at some point in my life. (Anyone remember the animated “Conan the Adventurer” or Disney’s “Gargoyles”?)

My CM name, however, is a slight alteration of a MUD-type character I ran for well over ten years. Ah… memories. :)