We continue our weekly creator spotlight with the series concept artists, the talented individuals working hard on artwork to help inspire the look and feel of the series as a whole: Alpha Centauri is Watching You, Jana H.S. and Kashmir.
Artist: Alpha Centauri is Watching You
What’s your journey with Doctor Who? Did it inspire your art?
I started watching Doctor Who in the summer of 2012 after having stumbled across some videos of it on YouTube. I binged the two existing Matt Smith seasons in a day and then caught up with the RTD era just in time for watching “Asylum of the Daleks” live with the rest of the world. So really, I’ve been with Clara’s journey from the start. I remember reading all the wacky theories and fabulous meta being written at the time. For me, Clara is a character tied to experiencing the show as a collective. It’s quite fitting that she now lives on through people coming together to tell new stories about a character they all love.
What are you most excited about when it comes to doing art for this series? What do you think are/will be the greatest challenges?
One thing I really love about this project is the back and forth between creators. For most of the concept art we are given a short prompt or description to get the creative juices going and it's really fun to sort of run with that and see which bits jump out to you and how to capture those incredible ideas. And then again in return I think there is something really exciting about having your designs be described by these people that are so much more eloquent than I could ever hope to be.
On the other hand the whole process really makes me appreciate all the work that must go into the real TV show. Working in the constraints of a Doctor Who story really brings up some strange questions. But there is something fun about making the whole process of designing a spaceship all about how cool it will look when it inevitably gets wrecked by some poor alien.
Can you give us some non-spoilery teases about the concept art you’re going to provide for the series?
There are some beautiful worlds existing in the minds of these writers that's for sure. Just looking at the notes I took to describe my first impressions, I’ve written down phrases like 'Space Vegas', ‘Vaporwave Canada’ and ‘Too big to be this silent’. And of course a time traveler is nothing without her TARDIS...
Artist: Jana H.S.
Tumblr: dreamfaller63.tumblr.com | Instagram: @dreamfaller63
What’s your journey with Doctor Who? Did it inspire your art?
I discovered Doctor Who two years ago, right during the exam period for my A levels. I was so stressed out because I desperately wanted to get a good grade but after the first week of exams I just didn't have any energy or motivation left. Cue the Doctor. I had seen this blue box all over social media and got curious. I started with "Blink" - Series 3 and it was amazing. Escapism at its finest, but so much more. It got me excited about life and the universe, and the enthusiasm of the Tenth Doctor was utterly addicting. Suddenly all the studying didn't feel like a chore anymore (well, not as much anyway), but instead it felt like the Doctor was sitting next to me saying: "Look at this! Isn't it amazing! Isn't it fascinating how the world works?!" And while of course I spent a significant amount of time watching Doctor Who instead of studying, I did manage to get a pretty good final grade. Even though I love all of Doctor Who, the Twelfth Doctor's era struck a chord with me, especially his relationship with Clara and Clara as a character. I had drawn and painted before but only every once in while and never with any ambition. Until I saw those two and suddenly all I wanted was to be able to capture the beauty of them and their relationship. It was definitely a huge inspiration.
What are you most excited about when it comes to doing art for this series? What do you think are/will be the greatest challenges?
I think just being part of such a large group project with so many talented people is the most exciting thing. Also, working out concepts together with the writer was a lot of fun. The biggest challenge is probably motivation. Especially since the work I've been doing for TUA has definitely made me break out of my comfort zone as an artist. When I'm a little insecure about a task at hand I tend to procrastinate a lot.
Can you give us some non-spoilery teases about the concept art you’re going to provide for the series?
There is such imagination in what the writers have come up with, which I've tried to reflect in my art. I loved to play with the unearthliness of the places Clara's journey takes her when it comes to architecture and overall mood. I've also done some concept art for her costume and it was a lot of fun trying to reflect her emotional journey, the beginning of which we see in Series 9, in her clothing. Clara Who?
Artist: Kashmir
Instagram: @bubblymochi
What’s your journey with Doctor Who? Did it inspire your art?
I started watching Doctor Who in 2013 when Clara first officially debuted as a character. I have been watching it ever since and just can’t quite give it up. Doctor Who was a huge inspiration on my art and was a large reason behind my constant drawing. Although back then it was quite bad in fact.
What are you most excited about when it comes to doing art for this series? What do you think are/will be the greatest challenges?
The fact I get to be involved with a huge project along with some of my favourite Doctor Who artists that I look up to as well and get the excuse to draw Clara constantly. And so far? Me’s weapon. I have a really good design that I’ve done some sketches for but it’s just the technicality and further developments I have to work on.
Can you give us some non-spoilery teases about the concept art you’re going to provide for the series?
Honestly? I’m like Tom Holland when it comes to spoilers. So I can’t say too much really (but oh it’s so exciting) except for the fact I’m making a really cool jacket for Clara. I feel like it might just be as iconic as Eleven’s tweed.
