Keith Batcheller: Fine Artist & Illustrator - Epi. 242, Host Dr. Mark Sublette

I had fine artist and Illustrator Keith Batcheller on the podcast
today. He went to ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, got
his BFA, and worked with all these interesting folks afterward,
including Bob Peak, Mark English, and Bernie Fuchs. 

When Keith became a professional illustrator he worked with big
firms in New York, Chicago, and L.A.  He eventually started
working for Walt Disney Productions and did artwork for massive
animated films like Pocahontas, Beauty and the Beast, the
Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, and my personal favorite -
Lilo & Stitch.

Disney still uses Keith's illustrations to this day for all sorts
of different reasons, whether it's for a Hercules toy or a Star
Wars celebration event. It's just a fascinating ride. Keith also
worked on the promotional art and packaging for the Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures that took the country by
storm in the late 80s/early 90s. Fast forward to today, and he's
moved on from his highly successful illustration career (like
many of the artists that I've interviewed have) and is focusing
on fine art. 

We talk about the switch from illustration to fine art and
explore the concept of beginning your journey on one very
specific path, only to arrive at a completely different
destination after decades of hard work and dedication to said
path. I think the only way you can do that as an artist is that
you have to be able to pivot. Keith? Yeah, he's done that quite
successfully if you ask me.  Keith Batcheller on Art Dealer
Diaries Podcast episode 242.