Eriq Chang interviews the master of concept art and returns with a quick exclusive!

I can remember the first time I saw concept art by Michael Freeman. I was working on the box art for "Al Emmo and the Lost Dutchman's Mine" and Chris Warren shot me over a zip file full of development materials. I was immediately glued to the three or four comic panels by Michael. Clean lines. Expressive, emotive characters. Simply beautiful and refined concept art - all trademarks of his unique style. I recently shot a handful of questions to the ever-elusive Mr. Freeman and he was gracious enough to share some insight and, lo and behold, a fresh new piece of hero-themed artwork. Enjoy!

What was your first experience with Quest for Glory?

When I was a kid, my brothers and I used to play adventure PC games at home. I remember when I first played Quest for Glory, it was called Hero's Quest. I didn't like the role playing game (RPG) element in the game and rather went exploring into the woods. Of course, I got stuck and was forced to learn the RPG system. It was not as bad as I thought and eventually I got hooked into the series.

Do you have other favourite Sierra games? or adventure games in general?

Colonel's Bequest, Full Throttle, and Sam & Max are some of my favorites. Colonel's Bequest had a such wonderful, engaging story that kept me guessing. The art direction in Full Throttle and Sam & Max are top notch, in my book The fan-made King's Quest II: Romancing the Stones took me by a surprise. I thought the story was done very well - especially for a game free of charge.

Any particular artists and game designers you're a big fan of?

That's tough. I have lots of favorite artists. Here are some; Hideo Kojima, Yoji Shinkawa, Kojima Productions, Shigeru Miyamoto, and the creative minds at Rockstar. I am a huge fan of Todd McFarlane as well.

When creating a concept, tell us your process.

I find inspiration, brainstorm original ideas on paper, gather different creations, and then edit them, narrowing down to something special. I take that and flesh it out.

What is your favourite scene from a Quest for Glory game?

When I was playing Quest for Glory IV: Shadows of Darkness, sneaking around, especially in the castle, was fun.

If you could change one thing about adventure games today, what would it be?

Adventure games today have too much action and complex controls. It's hard to tell them apart (action or adventure). More or full emphasis on adventure gameplay would be nice.

What was it like working with the AGDI team?

Volunteering for the AGDI team was fun, challenging, and flexible. I created and animated the 3D Griffin, which was pre-rendered in the 2D game engine. I did several illustrations as well.

Where did you study and/or hone your skills?

I enrolled at Rochester Institute of Technology in the College of Imaging Arts & Sciences. In 2003, I graduated with a BFA degree in animation.

Any advice for budding concept/background artists?

Practice and learn as much as you can. Being able to meet deadlines is also important.