Tastemaker: W. Scott Forbes

When W. Scott Forbes isn’t working as the Art Director at GURU Studio, you can likely find him out and about in the great city of Toronto sketching cover art for comic books or images for animated pictures. The comic book artist is currently best known for his animated short,  A Good Wife, and impressive cover art work for the likes of Cloaksby Boom Comics, but our guess is that one day soon you’ll see “A film by W. Scott Forbes” on a movie poster near you. We caught up with the rising star to find out more…

Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
I’m a long-time east coast implant currently working as an Art Director at GURU Studio, and I moonlight as a freelance illustrator to purge the office feeling. I’m a twin, I’m a little scattered at times, and people like to tell me that I pronounce “bagel” incorrectly. Oh, and my friends are super cool.

As for my work, I’m mostly known for my thesis film, A Good Wife, along with my cover work for various comic book companies (most recently, the cover for Cloaksby Boom Comics) and a brief but famous stint as a character on an animated show.

Who are your main artistic inspirations and idols?
Growing up, I was inspired by a handful of artists who all shared a rather similar aesthetic – which in hindsight limited my vision, but probably put me on a more focused path. Now, instead of looking at specific artists, I tend to absorb imagery and ideas (usually from Tumblr), letting the art, fashion, music, and photos gestate and evolve through my own eyes and mind to create the imagery found in my work.

What has been your favourite comic movie of the last 5 years?
Hands down Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Aside from it being a great film overall, I’ve always had a fascination with strong, independent women – so having a film with Black Widow, Maria Hill, and Sharon Carter in it makes it a no-brainer choice. (The end credits scene would be the cherry on top.)

What’s always in your art supplies bag?
I’m a minimalist. I only carry my wallet as it gets me where I need to go, my phone to keep me company, and a small sketchbook and pen. My computer is my art supply bag.

What advice could you give a young illustrator just starting out?
Take in anything and everything but know the message and meaning behind the work you want to create. It’s important to think of yourself as a brand as there should be a sense of cohesion and consistency between your work, your imagery, and your visual identity.

Finish the sentence: I love Toronto because…
…it’s big enough to get anything you need but small enough to intimately know its crusty crevices.

What style trends are you currently obsessed with?
I’m not really one to follow trends. I just like layering simple and comfy things. Think of the look as a cross between a hobo and a college student who doesn’t sleep and only eats when he remembers to. Admittedly, I have a thing for bleached eyebrows and young people with grey hair – not that I could ever pull it off.

What’s your favourite restaurant or coffee shop?
I probably give Starbucks more money than a person should but, hey, it’s quick, consistent, and convenient. In terms of frequent haunts, I like going to To-Ne Sushi for easy Japanese, Oh Geul-Boh Geul for hearty Korean and cheap soju, Fieramosca for some rustic Italian, and Le Gourmand for a fancy sandwich.

What are three things you can’t live without?
My right hand (for drawing of course), spicy salmon sushi rolls (because they’re delicious), and red hoodies.

Let’s get social for a mo’. How can we stay up-to-date with you?
I can be found at my portfolio at wscottforbes.com. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.