Meet the 800 pound gorilla in the room: Star Wars artist Mike Pasquale. Mike is a talented and prolific artist whose eye-popping art style caught our attention. Given that today is #GoRogue Friday, Mike has teamed with us to bring you his makingstarwars.net exclusive Rogue One: A Star Wars Story print featuring my personal favorite characters, Chirrut Imwe (played by Donnie Yen) and Baze Malbus (played by Jiang Wen)!

Mike’s work on this piece is truly breathtaking. The detail in the background, complete with Stormtroopers and Shoretroopers on the beach, is awe-inspiring.

We will be giving away THREE of these prints–one each for Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram–so be sure to enter below. Before we get there, I thought it would be great to get to know Mike and his fandom. Be sure to visit Mike’s ONLINE STORE and pick up some of his incredible prints that feature not only epic Star Wars characters, but span pop-culture and geekdom!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Mike Pasquale: Well, my friends know me as Gorilla. I’m currently a freelance designer and illustrator here in NYC. I studied at the School of Visual Arts in hopes of becoming a comic book artist and animator, but have spent over a decade working in the Toys & Collectibles Industry. I have created and developed many collectible lines, ranging from designer vinyl toys and plush dolls, to action figures and full-scale prop replicas. I’ve recently shifted gears and created 800 Pound Productions, a design studio dedicated to my true passions for comic book art, cartooning, custom toys, retro gaming, and lots of Star Wars fan art.

How did you become a Star Wars fan?

MP: I’m not sure. Star Wars was one of my earliest memories as far back as I can remember. It was always around me from toys and books, to bedsheets and pajamas. My parents loved the movies, but I think my mom connected to it more, and noticed that I loved it even at that young toddler age. She definitely fueled my creativity early on, and would always surprise me with an action figure, coloring book or stickers; anything with Star Wars on it. I even wore a Yoda Halloween costume for three years in a row! As I got older I enjoyed it even more with a clearer mind. Re-watching the movies over and over, reading books and watching documentaries, I just studied and learned more about the characters and anything else I could about this incredible universe.

Which Star Wars film is your favorite and who is your favorite character in the saga?

MP: Return of the Jedi without a doubt! Most OT fans will say ESB, but for me it will always be Jedi, mostly because of my mom. It was an unforgettable moment when she took me to see it in the theater for the first time. I was completely blown away by all the effects, creatures, costumes, and especially Luke’s new role as Jedi Knight. I think I yelled and jumped out of my seat when I saw that green lightsaber. I remember looking up at my mom after every scene with a big smile from ear to ear. Greatest movie ever.

I first found your art because I thought your style was really unique and fun. How did you develop it?

Where do you draw your inspiration in deciding what to draw? 

MP: It’s really hard not to draw inspiration these days. As a comic fan, seeing all these amazing shows and movies being developed at an alarming pace is mind-blowing. Every time I see a new trailer or leaked image, I run to the drawing board! I’ve learned a lot from talking to fellow artists as well. The advent of social media really helped with that. I follow a ton of outstanding visual development artists that always amaze and astound me. New techniques or lighting situations that you can’t help but give it a shot. The Star Wars fan artist community itself is an inspiration. So much amazing art by the coolest people on the planet will always continue to push my creativity.

Huge thanks to Mike for sharing his time and incredible talents with the makingstarwars community! See more of his great work and support his talents by picking up some of his prints at his ONLINE STORE. Want his art free? Details below!

HOW TO ENTER

Twitter – All three steps are required for an eligible entry. You may tweet as often as you wish for additional entries!

The post Meet Star Wars Artist Mike Pasquale and Win His Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Art! appeared first on Making Star Wars.