Kacper Giłka x Vault Editions: Artist Interview

Kacper Giłka x Vault Editions: Artist Interview

Kacper Giłka is a Polish illustrator whose work has been commissioned by clients worldwide. His illustrations have appeared in projects for bands such as Whitechapel, Epica, Caliban, Sylosis and Matt Heafy of Trivium, as well as for the MetalDays Festival and brands including Soundgrowler Brewing, The Bookish Box, and Grains of Wrath. His artwork has been featured in books published by Heavy Music Artwork and Out of Step Books Press. His artwork has appeared on a wide range of formats, including book covers, vinyl, game art, posters, t-shirts, beer cans, and digital media. A proud husband and father, Kacper continues to grow an expansive portfolio, offering both custom commissions and pre-made illustrations available for print and licensing. 
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Kacper Giłka x Vault Editions: Artist Interview


Kacper Giłka is a Polish illustrator whose work has been commissioned by clients worldwide. His illustrations have appeared in projects for bands such as Whitechapel, Epica, Caliban, Sylosis and Matt Heafy of Trivium, as well as for the MetalDays Festival and brands including Soundgrowler Brewing, The Bookish Box, and Grains of Wrath. His artwork has been featured in books published by Heavy Music Artwork and Out of Step Books Press. His artwork has appeared on a wide range of formats, including book covers, vinyl, game art, posters, t-shirts, beer cans, and digital media. A proud husband and father, Kacper continues to grow an expansive portfolio, offering both custom commissions and pre-made illustrations available for print and licensing.

Vault Editions caught up with him to talk about his creative process, artistic influences, and the stories behind his richly detailed visual world.

Artwork by Kacper Giłka

1. Your work has a distinctive atmosphere, it is highly detailed, and steeped in symbolism. How did you arrive at this visual language? What were the early influences that shaped your style?

Thank you! Aside from my childhood (in school, instead of taking notes, I often just drew in my notebooks :) ), I started out drawing with a pencil. Later, I became fascinated by ink works. Medieval illustrations by authors like Albrecht Dürer, Lucas Van Leyden, etc. Besides illustrations, I've always loved horror/thrillers, especially from the 70s-90s, which probably contributed to the fact that I often draw "dark" illustrations, though not always. I also try to create more "bright" artworks, and I'm always open to these kinds of projects to work on!

Artwork by Kacper Giłka

 


2. When you look back at your earlier work, do you notice ways your style or approach has evolved? What's changed, and what's stayed the same?

Skulls are definitely still a feature (I love them, that's for sure :)), and my fascination with details and ornaments, etc. As for what's changed... maybe it's just me who notices it, but I'm definitely trying to use more contrast in my work – this is where my inspiration and fascination with comics comes (by fascination, I mainly mean the visual aspects, not necessarily the stories (although some are indeed captivating)).

Artwork by Kacper Giłka

3. You've worked with many big names from the metal world, including artists like Whitechapel, Caliban, and Matt Heafy of Trivium, in addition to producing book covers, packaging, and merchandise. Do you approach music-related commissions differently from publishing or product-based projects?

I think I approach all projects the same way. In fact, initially, they were mostly for music bands, and I admit that I've always been fascinated by designing posters, CDs, and T-shirts, but I also have a lot of fun drawing book covers, wine or beer labels, or just alcohol and any other packaging in general. I also get enormous satisfaction when my premade designs sell, and that's happening more and more often.

Artwork by Kacper Giłka

4. There's often a strong narrative feel in your illustrations, almost like a single frame from a larger myth. Do you imagine backstories for your characters or scenes as you draw?

It varies. Sometimes I try to visualize a particular image in my head, but it doesn't always work out right away. Sometimes I simply sketch characters or animals and choose something from those sketches to take further. My designs revolve mainly around characters and animals surrounded by ornaments/jewelry and plant elements (and, of course, skulls ;)).
I'm also very inspired by mythology (practically from all over the world, although I won't be original and admit that I have a particular fondness for Greek mythology, and of course, Slavic mythology, because I'm Polish).

Artwork by Kacper Giłka

5. When creating for clients, how do you balance your own style and voice with someone else's brief? Have you ever had to compromise in a way that surprised you creatively?

To be honest, I don't recall such a situation, although I've heard of such cases from my fellow illustrators, where someone expected them to create a design in the style of, for example, Mr. "X," which is absurd, to say the least :)
I know this doesn't answer the question, but perhaps it's slightly related - I once refused to create a design that conflicted with my views.

Artwork by Kacper Giłka

6. When you sit down and work, is there a song, a tool, or even a ritual that helps you get into the right headspace? Do you begin with music, a sketch, or something more abstract to shape the direction?

I've been thinking for a while now that I should develop a less chaotic scheme for this process, but I haven't done it yet...
Sometimes it actually is a song (I'm particularly fond of "The Valley" by Emma Ruth and Thou ) but it's very wide range of music I like to listen to, sometimes it's some lo fi beats, 80s music (I love Miami Vice soundtrack ^^ and the whole series, my wife and I are re-watching it!)

Artwork by Kacper Giłka

7. What's one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were starting out, or something you've learned that's stayed with you?

This advice would be "Never compare yourself to anyone, do your own thing consistently, and the rest will take care of itself."

8. Your work often feels like it draws from mythology or metal culture, but are there any unexpected sources of inspiration that people wouldn't guess influence your art?

It's true, I already mentioned mythology in question 4, but I'm definitely also inspired by video games (although I don't have much time for gaming, being a father and running my own business). But yes, games are definitely inspiring, and characters from various RPGs or simply fantasy games are a truly great source of inspiration. I also love thriller/horror movies, BUT mainly from the 70s-90s; modern ones are less compelling to me, with a few exceptions.

Artwork by Kacper Giłka

9. Is there a dream project or collaboration still on your list, someone or something you'd love to create artwork for?

Yes and no :) I mean, there are bands I like, or potential clients I'd like to do a project for, but I've learned not to chase anything. I'm not trying to be arrogant, but I assume that I always have great clients, and if someone likes my illustrations, they'll contact me :)

Artwork by Kacper Giłka

10. Is there a book (art-related or otherwise!) that's had a lasting impact on you or your creative process?

There would probably be several such books, but two come to my mind - a book with Godmachine's work, which I once received as a gift from my wife and friends, and also, when it comes to drawing characters, an absolutely brilliant title is the book Drawing and Painting the Undead by Keith Thompson, which I received from my friend Natalia a few years ago, and I send my regards :)

By the way, I would also like to thank my wife for her daily support and belief in me when we "started" (she is the one who runs most of my social media :) )

Thanks so much, Kacper - it's been a pleasure. We're excited to see where your work takes you next!


Artwork by Kacper Giłka

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