Justin Mezzell: Designer of Abstract Worlds

Justin Mezzell: Designer of Abstract Worlds
Justin Mezzell: Designer of Abstract Worlds

Justin Mezzell is a designer from Orlando, Florida who uses music and research to craft the worlds in his artwork. This interview showcases some of his work and explores his inspiration, design process, and future plans.

Interview with Justin Mezzell

1. How did you get started in Graphic Design and Digital Art?

My brother and I have actually both been involved with illustration and classical art growing up. There wasn’t really a time we weren’t working towards creating some fantastic world for a fictitious video game or epic narrative. I think those yearnings stayed with me well into my adulthood. My first real design gig was working with Relevant Magazine in the fall of my Junior year. That was really the catalyst into making a career out of it.

Movement II
Movement VII

2. Where do you get your inspiration? Are there any designers who you follow?

Most of my inspiration takes root in music or literature. I’ve never taken an art class before and didn’t major in design in college so I’m actually fairly ignorant when it comes to the historic design world. I know what I love when I see it, but I typically don’t know who crafted it. Obviously, the modern greats like Mark Weaver have had a profound impact on myself but even on a good day, I certainly can’t name-drop, that’s for sure. I do, however, have an avid love of fiction. I’d say most of my personal work is created out of a sense of wanting to tell a story.

Movement V

3. What software do you use and how do you use them in your artwork?

Most pieces are split between Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign but the majority of the workflow and ideation happens in Photoshop. I’d say that consumes around 90% of the buildout. Illustrator is used as a fairly auxiliary form of design for more of the graphic narratives unless I’m working in abstraction. InDesign handles all the typesetting and layout needs.

ActVIII TheCartographer
ActV TheOracle
ActIX TheSymphonist

4. What are the most important tools and techniques you use in Photoshop?

I’m not always the most efficient designer when it comes to the duration of the task. I’ll always favor doing the shading and lighting by hand rather than rely on any filters or effects. There’s a lot more flexibility you get when you don’t use any presets and then you can account for every line and shadow on the canvas. I work with an array of blending modes and will typically never use any brush other a soft one.

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