Interview: Raven Mimura

Unknown Stranger: Is this thing on?

I'm... um... Raven Mimura. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design. And I look and dress like I do the kinds of illustrations I do. I like making chocolate chip cookies, but hardly ever get the chance. I'm an Aries, but don't seem like it. When i'm not painting, i'm making armor. I'm fairly fond of grapes. I'm a little myopic, but have found glasses frames that I was told are "rakish." I can juggle. (ok, so what would *you* come up with when asked such a broad, nebulous question?!)

GG: A straight answer (ba DUM bump!)

Give us a list of your Gaming Industry Illustration Credits please!

RM: Well, here's an abbreviated list...

• Gamma World 4th Edition rulebook (WotC)
• 7th Sea CCG/RPG (AEG)
• Legend of the Five Rings CCG/RPG (Five Rings/AEG)
• Doomtown CCG (AEG)
• Providence RPG covers/interiors (XID)
• Polyhedron Magazine interiors (WotC)
• Shadis Magazine interiors, back in the day (AEG)
• Piles and stacks and heaps of paintings/drawings for other random games

RM: Short answer: I went to GenCon with a portfolio of unpublished work and said "Hey, look at me!"

Long answer: I started playing D&D in fourth grade. I always loved the art. By 7th grade, I knew I wanted to do art for a living. When I got out of art school with my (fairly useless in this industry) degree, I started in directly to gaming work. I didn't do my time working as a graphics guy at an advertising agency, or intern at an architecture firm or anything like that. I just jumped right in with both feet. And what was the draw? Well, where else do you get to paint zombies sewing skin to themselves, and battle-weary heroes unleashing extra-planar demons from ancient talismans? It's pretty inspiring subject matter...

GG: What project are you currently working on?

RM: A fairly big stack of cards for the 7th Sea CCG. I get to do a nice set of undead and other nasties.

GG: Which do you like better--Anime, or Animated?

RM: Well, I like my corpses animated...

If this question is basically "eastern vs. western", I don't have a preference. I think each style really can learn a lot from the other. I'm very happy that American animation and cinematography in general have taken a long look at Anime for inspiration.

GG: Is Raven your real name?

RM: Well, it is now. I've gone by that name, personally and professionally, since early high school. It has more recently become officially part of my name. Send me a check, filled out to Raven Mimura and I'll prove it to ya ; )

GG: I'll take your word for it, but I know of one other artist named "Raven"--how many of you Ravens are there?

RM: Um, I'm unaware of any other than myself, actually. But, for the sake of randomness, we'll say seven and a half.

GG: Good.

What's your favorite genre to illustrate?

RM: Fantasy. preferably somewhat dark and gritty. I'd always rather paint a bounty hunter than a paladin. Well, almost always. It's often nice to come out of the grime and paint something lofty and glowing.

GG: Least favorite genre to illustrate?

RM: Well, I'd have to say sleek science-fiction, with clean slippery space ships and prim uniforms, where everyone looks like they work at the Disney Store. I've never illustrated anything like that, but I think it *would* be my least favorite.

GG: What's the meaning of Life?

RM: I'm young. I don't know this one. Though i'm fairly certain it involves chainmail, chocolate milk, and hovercrafts. Oh, and possibly good friends, good will, love, compassion, etc, etc.

GG: Speaking of compassion--time for the CELEBRITY DEATHMATCH question! In the ring is artist ASHE MARLER, known for his work in DEADLANDS! His opponent, the rough and tumble LEE MOYER (known for his art in OVER THE EDGE, among others)

Who would win, and how?

RM: Well, things look pretty grim for Ashe. All eyes (and bets) are on Lee, with his hi-tech plasma rifles, powered body armor, and advanced targetting systems. His glossy look and bright colors have gone over very well in all the pre-fight posters. He is an instant crowd favorite.

We see Ashe, looking rustic with his Civil War Colts and shotguns and bandoliers, spitting slug after slug at his opponent (with somewhat embarassing and excrutiatingly long pauses for reloading). These bounce harmlessly off Lee's armor (injuring, even killing, several audience members) After a few rounds, when Lee tires of this somewhat sad display, he levels a very impressive looking shoulder-mounted blaster cannon at Ashe and spews gleaming, fiery death. The crowd (what is left of it, after dozens of ricochet deaths) stares in hushed amazement at the gaping hole in Ashe's chest, watching him sway on his feet, finally tumbling forward, lifeless. Just as the judge is about to declare Lee the winner, a gurgling, moaning sound is picked up on the mic. Ashe is lurching to his feet! Lee takes a leg off with a blast from his pulse rifle. The leg begins twitching and kicking its way towards Lee. All movement stops for one instant, as Ashe's undead gaze meets Lee's. And then, all Hell breaks loose. The recently deceased crowd members rise and storm the ring. Lee blasts in all directions until his weapons system overheats. There are simply too many of them, all hungry for flesh! They swarm, piling on top of the armor-clad illustrator. For tense moments, he is completely obscured by a writhing mass of undeath.

Finally, the zombies begin to wander away from the center, in search of more flesh... living audience flesh. We see a somewhat gooey pile of hi-tech detritus... all that is left of Lee Moyer. The shambling judge raises Ashe's arm (all that could be immediately located) in victory.

GG: Gruesome!

Any kind advice for those wishing to become Gaming Illustrators?

RM: The best advice I could give (without writing a book on the subject) is this: talk to professionals in the field. Find some contact information on a few illustrators. Not necessarily the big big names, but anyone you can find. Be polite and let them know you are trying to break in the biz. Start a dialogue with those who respond favorably. I've found that the freelance illustrators in this business, by and large, are *extremely* friendly, and very willing to help out newer talent. I've been helped a great deal by some really wonderful people, and in turn, I've done what I can to help others out. So, my advice: ask us for advice. Get to know some of us, and the illustration world will open right up to you. We're a very busy group of individuals, but most of us really are very open to this sort of thing (I've found, anyway)

GG: How sad--it's time to say goodbye! Are there any final thoughts you wish to share with us?

RM: Final thoughts? What are you implying?! I'm too young to die!!

Seriously, though, please feel free to contact me. I like being a part of the overall gaming community-- publishers, freelancers, and players. The general community aspect of the field is one of the great perks of the gaming industry.