ABOUT ME

Kevin Ishioka, somebody who always loved putting pencil to paper, a visual storyteller. I started this journey getting a Bachelor of Science degree from CSULB in Industrial Design. I went to LB state to follow my idol Joe Johnston. Joe was one of the Art Directors at ILM. His duties included designing and storyboarding the tech for the original Star Wars series. I purchased all literature I could find with Joe and Ralph McQuarrie’s work. I must include Ron Cobb and Syd Mead to that artist list. Star Wars, Blade Runner, Brazil and Alien were the films that most influenced my decision to make this my career. Funny enough my beginnings were in miniatures. I loved crafting with my hands. I excelled in school making the prototype models. LBSU was a hotbed for many in the film business. John Dykstra, Jim Dow, Joe Johnston, Steve Gawley along with many others attended LBSU. Our curriculum included illustration, model making, drafting and manufacturing techniques….. I joke with my peers saying Mr. Lucas knew where to find cheap enthusiastic multidimensional help. My background in Industrial Design created somewhat of a niche for me. I started as a set designer. Many in this field came from Architecture and Theatre design. Sets involving unique shapes were a bit challenging for most. My ID background taught me how to draft organic shapes. I soon became the spaceship, boat and car guy. Contrary to my passion for Sci-fi films, I actually followed directors: Ridley Scott, James Cameron, Terry Gilliam, Peter Weir, Wolfgang Peterson, Christopher Nolan and of course Clint Eastwood. These directors were not genre specific so I adapted to cover each unique style/perspective. I did not want to be type-cast. I love all film. I really have a fondness for independent and foreign film. I also follow animation and video games. Not to mention the latest trends in design. Our audience is evolving and without examining what is happening in our world we may miss an amazing inspiration. I love film and truly feel I found my dream job.