For this Insider, I’d like to introduce one of our three staff artists, Andrea Uderzo. Andrea and I have been working together on concept art and illustrations for HORDES, WARMACHINE, and the Iron Kingdoms for almost two years. Working with an artist like Andrea is a dream for me as an art director, because he always makes me look so good.

Because we live on opposite sides of the globe, Andrea and I have never really had a chance to chat and get to know more about one another. Today, I’d like to take a moment to talk about how he got his start at Privateer and to learn more about what makes him tick as an artist. So, without further ado, here’s a quick Q&A with artist Andrea Uderzo.

—Mike Vaillancourt, Art Director

What was the first illustration you worked on for Privateer Press?

The first illustration I did was for an article in No Quarter #10 about the Vanguard mercenary warjack. The Vanguard was firing into a squad of Khadoran Winter Guard in a trench. At that time I knew very little about WARMACHINE, and the only reference material I had at my disposal were photos of the miniatures from the Privateer Press catalog and a few illustrations from the books.

The fight scene wasn’t very hard, but the other illustration in the article was much more challenging: an exploded view of the Vanguard. I was nervous because I had never done that kind of illustration before, and it seemed really complex. It was even more complicated back then because I did the drawings traditionally, with pencil and paper on a light box, then scanned them and colored the line art on my computer. It was difficult, but I discovered I had fun creating technical drawings. Those two pieces were a test to see if I could continue to work for Privateer Press, and luckily I passed!

I actually used that Vanguard explode as reference a couple of weeks ago, and I would have never have guessed it was only the second illustration you did for us! Some of my favorite work of yours has been the more technical pieces. What is your favorite subject matter to illustrate, and what is your favorite illustration or concept you’ve done?

I really like to illustrate monsters and robots! That’s what I’ve wanted to do since childhood, and I was able to make it a real job. What I’m less comfortable drawing, despite its beauty, is the female figure. In the past I probably focused too much on drawing monstrous figures and neglected to delve further into human anatomy; however, I try to improve every time I illustrate a woman. Whether it’s for sci-fi, fantasy, or steampunk, I have the most fun creating dynamic figures.

There are various illustrations I’ve done for privateer Press that I really like, such as the Pirates of the Broken Coast cover, but if I have to choose one it would be the WARMACHINE Prime Mk II cover. I have always been amazed by illustrations of huge armies with a lot of detailed figures clashing in furious battle. That piece was a challenge for me, and it surely marked another step in my professional growth.

For concept art, I really like to work on trollkin. I had fun working on the concepts for the upcoming HORDES book Exigence in particular, and I really enjoyed designing the Convergence of Cyriss army. That was my first huge project after having only done a few designs for other factions. My task was to visualize and create the overall look of the new faction following direction from Creative Director Ed Bourelle and others in the studio. My favorite design in that faction is Iron Mother Directrix. This was an important and exciting experience for me; I never would I have imagined I’d get to help create an entirely new faction for WARMACHINE!

The Iron Mother concept was one of the first things you and I worked on together, shortly after I started working at Privateer. The first concept I saw for Convergence was Forge Master Syntherion, and I was immediately hooked. Your line art was so clean and clear that I was blown away! Based on your experience creating both concept art and illustrations, do you have any advice for an aspiring illustrator or concept artist who would want to work for Privateer?

The Iron Mother would have been the third concept. We started to work together on the Prime Axiom concept and a Forge Master revision. I designed his “Swiss army knife” arms upon an already existing body.

I have always had a strong inclination toward clean lines and details. When I studied at the school of fine arts, my painting teacher (who had a strong, loose style) jokingly called me “the unbearable illustrator!” I’ve always had a clean and detailed approach to illustration, though lately I’ve been trying to use some more “painterly” techniques to make my artwork fresher and more vibrant. It’s hard to abandon my need for clean line art in my base drawing, but I’m making some progress there. You never stop learning, and this new direction makes the work more mentally stimulating.
Working for Privateer Press, my natural propensity to visualize and manage 3D shapes in 2D art helps readability for the various shapes on warjacks and armor. I just hope this makes the sculptors’ work a little easier when they’re translating my concepts! What also helps is the ability to be as flexible as possible. I have to be able to transition from illustrating a dynamic composition with figures in motion to a more technical style conceptualizing mechanical objects.
One thing I haven’t worked on yet is the Bodgers Games line, which I’d really like to tackle at some point, given my previous cartoon experience. I think the key word for aspiring Privateer Press illustrators and concept artists is “versatility.” It also helps to have a strong understanding of the Iron Kingdoms’ aesthetic.

Is there anything else you’d like to say to all the WARMACHINE, HORDES, and Iron Kingdoms RPG players reading this?

I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to create concept art and illustrations for the Iron Kingdoms. My only goal is to produce art that captures the essence of the world and helps players feel immersed in the setting. I hope the community likes my art as much as I enjoy making it!
Thank you for the interview, Mike. It was a pleasure!

It’s always great talking with you, Andrea. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this!