Karim Fakhoury Interview

Tell us a little about yourself:

I am a 23 years old Matte Painter and Designer from Montreal Canada. I consider myself to be more of a self-taught designer. Since the age of 16 as I quickly developed an interest for the digital arts world. Since then, I continuously keep learning, testing and pushing the boundaries of the digital world to keep evolving as an artist. Considering that graphic design is a passion of mine, I usually use my spare time to work on various projects as a freelance artist.

When did you first begin to make art?

As a young boy, I had great interest for the graphics in video games and movies. The technological advancement allows us to work and create art from a new perspective and it is this artistic progression that first attracted me to the graphic arts in 2008.

It all started unwillingly actually.

When did you first start using Photoshop and how did you learn?

When I was about 16 years old I started playing around with Photoshop to modify pictures of friends and family and it led me to discover the vast possibilities that Photoshop had to offer. I then decided to take on more meaningful projects and to convey a message trough my images. It all started unwillingly actually. When I started doing digital art, I was posting some of my works on relevant art networks without any expectations whatsoever. I was surprised by the response and by the amount of requests for customized graphic designs that started coming in, which got me even more into it.

What inspires you?

My father. We basically share the same artistic style and vision the only difference being that he’s into traditional mediums and I’m more into the digital phase.

Other times it’s more like a freestyle, exploring and wandering through different styles and compositions before being satisfied with a final result.

Who are some of your favorite artists?

Anyone who can creatively convey a message and successfully push the limits of expression.

What is your typical process when creating a piece of art?

It really depends from piece to piece. Sometimes I already have a complete mental image of a visual and I know exactly what to do to achieve it. Other times it’s more like a freestyle, exploring and wandering through different styles and compositions before being satisfied with a final result.

Where do you get your source materials from?

I use both my own photography and stock images when in need.

What is your favorite Photoshop trick/method at the moment?

It really depends on the results you’re looking to create, but I often find the Camera Raw Filter especially useful to finish-up a piece in style.

What work of your own are you most proud of?

Probably my latest matte painting entitled Ancient Future since it turned out exactly how I envisioned it and that’s always a cool feeling when it happens.

What are you currently working on?

Lately I’m working mostly in the design field and less in the matte painting field. That’s just what feels right at the moment, but it can turn sides at any time really.

What would you tell someone who is starting out making Photoshop art?

Keeping playing with the different options that Photoshop has to offer, that’s the best way of learning the software and how powerful it really is. There’s seriously no limits on what’s possible to create.