30th May, 2023

How would you describe your art style?

I’d describe my style as a mashup of horror meets fantasy meets old school death metal.

You have designed a couple of pieces for Metallica, which you must be proud of. How did that come about?

I’m pretty stoked to have been able to design for one of if not the largest bands in my lifetime. As with most industries, it’s all about who you know and creating connections. For this reason I like to focus a lot on clear communication. I wish I could say the band plucked me out of a sea of designers and asked for me specifically but this just isn’t how it works. I was part of a group of designers who all submitted designs for a brief on a speculative basis, I just so happened to hit the mark and get a few of the approvals!

How would you describe your art to someone you just met?

I’d tell them I draw skulls, skulls, and more skulls.

You have also done a few shirt designs for Thy Art Is Murder. How did you come to work for them?
Was it word of mouth from working the scene, or had you met them previously?

I’m pretty sure it was exactly that. Word of mouth. I did a shirt design for them back in 2014 and the rest has been history. I’ve worked with CJ and Andy on a bunch of stuff since and have all the time in the world for those legends.

What other music artists have you worked for?

I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with a huge array of artists in my career. Pink, Def Leppard, Queens of the Stone Age, Slipknot, Pantera to name a few of the big ones. That being said I try to pride myself on giving every commission that hits my inbox the same amount of attention to detail.

Why heavy music? What is it about this style and sound that attracts you to it?

I’ve always loved all kinds of music but heavy metal has always resonated more with my brain. There’s no specific attraction or reason. My brain just enjoys it and I indulge that.

How did you first discover and get into metal?

One of my first CDs I bought as a kid was a Rob Zombie album and the rest was history

Do you play an instrument?

I used to dabble in guitar but basically came to a crossroads of either pursuing art or music. For some reason in my mind I couldn’t pursue both and so I chose art.

I was always a fan of Pushead’s artwork for Metallica, and Derek Riggs’ iconic Iron Maiden artwork. Who are your heroes in the art scene? Who inspired you to want to do this?

I’d say some huge inspirations to me have been: Frank Frazetta, Godmachine, Grindesign, Syd Mead, H.R. Geiger, Katsuhiro Otomo, Junji Ito, Gerald Brom, and many many more.

Was there a defining moment that made you decide that this was the career path for you?

In 2011, I finished a bachelor’s degree in games graphic design with RMIT, basically learning how to be an artist for the video game industry. In this same year, three of the biggest games companies in Australia shut their doors, leaving veterans in the industry looking for the same jobs as graduates. Instead of launching straight into the games world I decided to take a year or two, work hospitality and take on odd jobs/ commissions to make a little extra cash. This tiny ember of freelance sparked a flame in me that I didn’t know I had, and has propelled me to where I am today.

Were your parents supportive of your choice to become an illustrator?

I’ve been lucky enough to always have supportive parents who fostered my interests in art and music from a young boy, pushing me always to keep a creative mind.

How are your ideas and concepts conceived? Is it song lyrics, prompts from the client, etc…?

This is a tough one; some clients have an idea in their mind that you need to try and decipher through their brief. Some clients leave the ball entirely in your court – it’s up to me to try and tap into that train of thought. I love going with gut feelings and seeing what the reference(be it visuals, or song lyrics) spark in me, but this is not necessarily always the best approach.

Specifically, what tools do you use to create your designs?

These days I mainly use a combination of Clip Studio Paint, Photoshop, Ipad Pro, and a Cintiq Pro.

Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got into art?

I’ve apparently always leaned heavily into art as a small child. It’s always been something that has come quite
naturally to me and how my mind works.

How did you learn your skills – courses, online, etc…?

I have only done that one bachelor’s in games graphic design. That is the only form of learning I’ve officially done. Some other notable sources of knowledge would be Youtube and conceptart.org (long dead now, sadly)

Any tips for someone wanting to get into, or just starting out in illustrating and design, and looking to build a career in this field?

I’d say keep drawing. Draw, draw, draw. Did you just see a cool movie that inspires you ? Draw something using
that feeling. Listen to a rad new album ? Draw something. Keep using your creative brain and think of it as a muscle – the more you work it, the more it will give. Showcase your work online and make sure you have a portfolio.

What are some of the daily challenges you face as an artist?

Some of my daily challenges are probably time management, Finding new sources of work, Balancing life and work – I’m pretty sure everyone has this challenge!

What have been some of the most memorable pieces to date that you have worked on?

I’d say the latest “Surgical Precision” long sleeve design for Thy Art is Murder is one of my most memorable designs I’ve worked on. It was a huge homage to Cannibal Corpse and I couldn’t be more stoked on the result.

Who’s your bucket list artist to work for?

Great question – I would love to work for a slew of bands. Here’s a few that would make my heart flutter: Ghost, Municipal Waste, Wintersun, Frozen Soul, Iced Earth, Amon Amarth, Scar Symmetry, Rammstein, Soilwork, just to name a few.

What’s the last concert you saw?

The last concert I was lucky enough to see was Sleep Token. It was insanely good and left a huge impression on me.

Do you have time for any other hobbies outside of your artwork?

I play a lot of video games. That, and watching movies are like my two biggest sources of inspiration for my work.

Favourite holiday destination, and why?

Croatia! My beautiful wife and I were lucky enough to visit a few years back and it was absolutely perfect.

What music artists, old or new, are you listening to currently?

I’m a bit all over the place with music right now. I’ve been vibing a lot of jazz recently, but I’d have to say the heavy hitters in my current rotation are: Sleep Token, Cattle Decapitation, The Acacia Strain, Vektor, Jakub Zyteki, Stephen Taranto, and Atavistia.

What new bands should people check out that deserve some recognition?

I’ve got a few:
Atavistia – they are a Canadian power metal band for fans of Wintersun.
Melancolia – they are a local (Melbourne) blackened deathcore group who are absolutely insane.
RO1 – another local who is an absolute keyboard wizard. For fans of Liquid Tension Experiment and Dream Theater.

Cats – lovable family members or Satan’s spawn?

All fluffballs, be it Feline or Canine, can both be Satan’s spawn and a lovable family member at the same time.

What does 2023 have in store for ThrashWolf, and Logan Francis Gray?

Work, work, and more work! I’m loving where I’m at with work currently, and really want to keep pushing myself as much as possible.

Logan Gray : @thrshwlf