Dave Dorman
December 12, 1998

Organized by the folks at the Star Wars Entertainment Network
Hosted by Echo Station at www.echostation.com

<DDorman> ok! Let's get things rolling!! 

<Randy_CS> Fire away Zach 

<JediZ_SWEN> okay Dave 

<DDorman> who's up first? 

<JediZ_SWEN> that'd be me.  sorry I'm getting a load of ICQ messages.  anyway first question, what is your favorite painting that you've done? 

<DDorman> If we're talking Star Wars, Then it's a tossup with Dewback Patrol, Obi wan and Leia as boussh although the Jabba's throneroom is close 

<JediZ_SWEN> mMathab:What do you think about fan who scans your art and post it on the net? 

<DDorman> I really don't have too much control over that. I do hope that fans will respect the art and the copyright laws 
protecting them but for fans to show support by using the work in a complimentary fashion I say ok 

<Randy_CS> I heard the rumor that you're going to do cover art for Phantom Menace comics. Is this true? 

<DDorman> I am talking with Dark Horse about Phantom Menace material. However, right now as things stand I will not be doing the movie adaptation covers   There are other things in the works I can not talk about now 

<Randy_CS> That's understandable 

<DDorman> as we get closer to the release of the film hopefully it will be easier to talk about these projects everything is so hush-hush!!!! 

<Sirch> <Sabrina> Mr. Dorman: I picked up a copy of the latest Crimson Empire #2 issue (#2) which of course, you did the art for, and I found myself thinking that Judge Dredd and Nick Fury (S.H.I.E.L.D) were on the cover, so it got me thinking, where do you get the inspiration for your Star Wars art  

<DDorman> I can see the nick fury thing but I'm not sure about Dredd. Alot of the inspiration comes from the movies themselves and the related material. It drives me to want to do fun stuff!! 

<JediZ_SWEN> Darklighter:Ok, here's what I want to know. What is involved in becoming an artist that draws Star Wars...because I was interested in working art wise for Lucasfilm 

<DDorman> to get into Lucasfilm you have to be at the top of your field.  But like any company, there has to be openings to be filled 

<Randy_CS> Jar Jar from JediNet here. You've been approached to do artwork for the upcoming films. Any comments on what we'll be seeing? If you can say anything that is 

<DDorman> George Lucas has quite a number of people he has been working with over the years and he keeps them busy 

<Randy_CS> Impressions, that type of thing 

<DDorman> Well' I'm sure most of you have seen the trailer. that only touches the surface of what lies ahead! It will be quite a trip. Even though I'm involved this early on, it does not reduce my excitement to be sitting a theater in May watching the film unroll!! 

<Sirch> about what age did you realize your love for art? 

<DDorman> When I started reading comics in the sixties, then started to trace and copy them I guess that's where my interest began to grow. But it wasn't until high school that I decided to pursue this as a living 

<JediZ_SWEN> mMathab:how much you can receive for a paint, and how many paint do you do in a year? 

<DDorman> The price for the work can be anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to many thousands depending on the particular job.  each job is different. and that price is usually only for reproduction rights with the original painting returned to me. The amount of work I do per year varies on the projects but I do probably one piece a week 

<Randy_CS> Hershey7 from Outer-rim.net here. What was your first Star Wars experience. What movie was it? 

<DDorman> Actually I had read of the film while it was still in production in Cinefantastique magazine. Then when the novelization came out in dec.76 I bought it and read it. Amazing adventure. How could they capture that excitement on the screen? Well no surprise there, eh! I went to the opening in Wash. DC and my life was changed forever! 

<Sirch> <Sabrina> Which comics in the 60's were your favorite? 

<DDorman> I was very much a Marvel junkie, FF, Cap, Avengers Strange tales, Kirby, Ditko, Steranko, Neal Adams, these guys rocked my world 

<JediZ_SWEN> "What gave you the idea of painting the picture of Darth Vader running through fire" 

<DDorman> I really raked my brain on that one. I wanted a simple image to show what a bad ass Vader was and then I hit the hook of the fire. There is a secondary image that's more subtle in that he is emerging from a giant mouth. ( the teeth of the Doorway) From the mouth of the Dragon!! another of my favorites that Lucas owns the original 

<Randy_CS> what other artists gave you your inspiration for the SW art? 

<DDorman> Certainly Drew and Ralph Mc. were and still are influential, but a lot of the inspiration comes from the material itself. The approach to the subject really depends on what the art is being used for. I hope this isn't confusing 

<Randy_CS> Actually it makes a lot of sense 

<DDorman> influence and approach are very different things 

<Sirch> <Parabola> Are you lined up for any other comic projects? 

<DDorman> In the Star Wars universe I can definitely say yes to Crimson Empire three and a few assorted books relating to CE.  Also the aforementioned Phantom empire stuff 

<Randy_CS> Menace 

<DDorman> bad on me! 

<Randy_CS> <g> 

<JediZ_SWEN> "I love your artwork and have met you a few times at different cons in Chicago. When will you be coming back to Chicago?" (PB) 

<DDorman> outside of SW I'm working on my own creator owned project called The Wasted Lands. There's a lot of info about all my upcoming projects posted on my website at: www. dormanart.com  I'll probably be making a presence in Chicago this summer. my website will have those appearances listed as I confirm them! Come by and say hello, PB 

<Randy_CS> Have you ever met Drew Struzan or Ralph McQuarrie  

<DDorman> no for drew but I had a wonderful meeting with Ralph last year in AZ. A wonderful man and a great talent. I'm jealous! 

<Sirch> <Archie> Have you visited the Smithsonian exhibit yet? If so, what are you feelings about it? 

<DDorman> I'm sorry to say I have not made it to the Smith. Things have not given me the chance to get away this year to see the show. if they can extend it a little while longer... I would have loved to have gone though. They sold my prints in the gift shop!!  One grace is that I did get to see a lot of that material in person on my visits to the Skywalker ranch 

<JediZ_SWEN> "Do you sell your original pieces instead of prints, and if so, where could I find them?" (darklighter) 

<DDorman> I just posted on my website a listing of SW art I have for sale.  

<JediZ_SWEN> " I mean original paintings"-darklighter 

<DDorman> these are original paintings! 

<Randy_CS> From what you saw in the trailer what character is your favorite? Prequel character that is 

<DDorman> Darth Maul is very intriguing! 

<Randy_CS> Would you ever do a print of him ya think? 

<DDorman> MAYBE........ 

<Sirch> <BomarrPunk> Does Lucas take a careful look at everything you do? Has he ever made you change something you didn't want to change? 

<DDorman> Yes he does look over everything and he has asked only for one change personally. I had a problem with Leia's likeness on the very first Dark Empire cover.  I eventually repainted Leia 3 times and was still not happy with it. But I ran out of time and DH went with what I had. When I eventually repainted that piece as "Heroes of the Alliance" I had the chance to do it right! 

<JediZ_SWEN> <Jedijosh> hey jediz can you ask what college he went to and what he majored in? 

<DDorman> I went to one year of college in MD. then I spent a year at the JOE Kubert school in NJ. I wanted to draw comics then , but I moved into painting about that time. So I dropped out and taught myself from there. I had great support from my parents and I worked very hard to learn my profession.  My first published piece was a cover to Heavy Metal Mag. in 1982 and I rolled on from there!  I certainly didn't learn to type though! 

<Randy_CS> "Are you a Rebel or Imperial at heart"? <Hershey7> 

<DDorman> Much like WW2 I'm a rebel at heart but the imperials got some really cool uniforms! 

<Sirch> <Sabrina> Referring to the Cover you did for X-wing #1 (which was later turned into a remarqued print): Did you draw Wedge solely from his on-screen appearances in the movies, or from pictures of the actor Denis Lawson as well? 

<DDorman> I used what reference I could get, which wasn't a lot. Lucasfilm doesn't have a lot of ref to offer so I did some screen captures and ran with what I could get. I happy to say the piece turned out smashing! 

<JediZ_SWEN> Jason from Marua.com: have you ever done any SW painting for non-lucas orgs. (AE-SW insider.) 

<DDorman> insider, Hero ill., Topps cards and mags, some others, but its all approved thru Lucasfilm. I deal with them hand in hand with the publishers 

<Randy_CS> what SW character is the hardest to draw or paint and which is the easiest? 

<DDorman> for me the hardest is Leia. Carrie changed so much over the course of the films it's hard to get one distinctive easily recognizable look.  I can't give you an easiest, though the most fun so far is Boba Fett, But I see a lot of potential cool stuff in the prequels! 

<Sirch> <BomarrPunk> Have you ever had one of the Star Wars personalities personally model for you for one of your pieces? 

<DDorman> although I've met a lot of the actors I've never had any of them pose, it would have been great! 

<JediZ_SWEN> <EmperorThrawn> Mr. Dorman, What exactly was your budget in the star wars film in your area 

<DDorman> I don't understand the question 

<JediZ_SWEN> I think he means how much did a SW license cost? 

<DDorman> I would like to answer but the details of the contracts are classified. In general I pay them an advance sum against a percentage of the sales 

<Randy_CS> <iNVAR> question: At the rate technology is currently advancing, do you think we'll ever have real light sabers? 

<DDorman> I would not be surprised. The way things are going you never know what's around the corner. The sad thing though is the lack of support for the space program.  I would love to see man on mars in my lifetime... 

<Sirch> <T-bot> Do you like drawing droids?  

<DDorman> I've always had fun with the droids. they are hard to do because they have no facial expressions to work with so I need to concentrate on body movements for expression 

<JediZ_SWEN> <RecoiL> Mr. Dorman, how long does it take, on average, to paint a piece? 

<DDorman> hey did anyone see the audio tape version of my Dark Forces novel, kinda defeats the purpose of an illustrated story!  The average piece takes about 5 -7 days, but larger more intricate pieces take longer, like the Special edition prints toke 10-14 days each 

<Randy_CS> <Incom> hey randy can you ask him what his favorite jello flavor is? 

<DDorman> I'm embarrassed to say I find jello ookie.  I prefer reeses pieces over m&ms though! 

<JediZ_SWEN> you live in which state? 

<Randy_CS> <Incom> Do you think that Jello will be licensed to release molds and flavors based on Episode One? 

<DDorman> nothing would surprise me here in FL!! 

<Randy_CS> Mr. Dorman, have you finished any prequel art yet? 

<JediZ_SWEN> <Sabrina> Question: Do you know of any current or Future plans to visit a convention in Canada, especially in Toronto? 

<DDorman> I'm working on a couple of prequel jobs right now. though nothing is completed.  I've done conventions in the western part of Canada, but not the east. I'd love to visit some time but no plans yet  

<JediZ_SWEN> how did you get hired by LucasFilm in the first place 

<DDorman> I had done some comic covers for Dark horses indy comics, and when I heard DH was doing.   (oops, sorry) doing SW I threw my hat in the ring.  I guess I have to clear something up. I do not work directly for Lucasfilm. I am hired as a freelancer to produce artwork for companies who hold licenses for SW material 

<Jar-Jar> So how do you go about acquiring those Licenses Dave? 

<DDorman> Because of this I work in close contact with Lucasfilm on all projects.  

<Jar-Jar> so basically you get a "full" reign on topics from LFL? Indy, SW, etc....pic and choose as you are approached? 

<DDorman> yes.  They like my work quite a bit and they suggest to clients that I produce the art. But I am not an employee of Lucasfilm. I'm sorry anyone was misled 

<Jar-Jar> I don't think they were mislead Dave, it's easy to see how one might assume that you're employed by LFL considering the sheer amount of related material that you've produced 

<DDorman> sometimes I do feel like an employee in that I have so much LucasFilm work on my board. But there couldn't be a better group of people to work with. you know most of them are fans just like us! 

<Randy_CS> <Incom> ok Mr. Dorman but now for a serious question, do you plan on publishing any other books with a large collection of your works? 

<DDorman> I've been talking to publishers about a career overview art book and possibly a sequel to the SW collection, but nothing definite yet 

<Jar-Jar> from jademan - Dave, I really enjoy your work. I am a young artist and hope to make a profit off my talent. what should I do to get started? Is there any way that I can acquire an autograph from you?  

<DDorman> The best way to get started is to learn your craft. Draw as much as you can when you can. the more you do the better you'll get. Any one who wants an autograph can send books or comics or stuff to my office. and please include return postage. Rolling Thunder, PO Box 15 , Shalimar FL 32579 

<JediZ_SWEN> <RecoiL> Mr. Dorman, what do you look forward to the most from the new prequels? 

<DDorman> the sheer joy of the filmgoing experience in the hands of professionals who care about their work. 

<El_Bravo> Mr. Dorman, and what you expect for the future? 

<DDorman> To be taken out of my seat and sent to a world where anything can happen!  I hope that the future will continue to give me projects that challenge and inspire and that you guys out there enjoy as much as I do in painting them 

<El_Bravo> what are your favorite tools for painting such artworks 

<DDorman> I use primarily oil paints and regular brushes, not airbrush. I paint on gessoed illustration board, but sometimes I use acrylics or some other medium. it just depends on the project and approach 

<Randy_CS> Ask him if he would attend the Official Star Wars Convention next May  

<DDorman> I have been talking to Fan Club about attending but no confirmation yet, (although I'm sure it will happen)! 

<JediZ_SWEN> okay no more Q's!  thank you Mr., Dorman for chatting with us 

<DDorman> It's been really fun, my first time you know! 

<Randy_CS> Yes thank you very much. We're sorry that the chat lasted so long but we hope we can do this again sometime 

<JediZ_SWEN> yes indeed 

<DDorman> I hope that we can do it again, especially with so much to look forward to in the next couple of months! 

<Randy_CS> that's agreed 

<JediZ_SWEN> most definitely.   well good night Dave and good night everyone! 

<Jar-Jar> thanks Randy. 

<DDorman> not to beat a dead horse but I try to stay current with project news on my website so check it out occasionally 

<JediZ_SWEN> sure will 

<Randy_CS> Once again thanks from all of us here. For all of you who want to download the transcript to this chat head on over to http://www.coruscant-sp.com and http://www.coruscant-sp.com/swen 

<DDorman> Thanks to all involved and randy and fish and especially Zach, you guys made it easy! 

<JediZ_SWEN> Thank you Mr., Dorman 

<Jar-Jar> Oh...by the way Dave..thanks for coming out....apologies for some of the off the wall questions. 

<JediZ_SWEN> yeah like Jello 

<Fish> Thanks for coming Dave.. and I love that remarqued Wedge print I've got on my wall. :-) 

<Randy_CS> Hey, I was really urged to ask that 

<JediZ_SWEN> <G> 

<DDorman> bye

Fetching Results...

No results were found using your keywords.

Return to Index