Meet Liz Masters | Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Liz Masters and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Liz, what inspires you?
Chilly autumn evenings, nocturnal creatures, and the nostalgia of trick-or-treat night inspire me to paint, draw, and write.

But I would not have such great love for everything spooky and strange if not for my late Mom (Vicki). She was the first person to color and craft with me, and we watched lots of monster movies, too. She would sew my sister and I a handmade Halloween costume each year and walk with us from home to home. I often think of her yearbook photo and its caption, “Victoria M. Churchill — Commercial Art.”

Today, I am a professional artist. I hope I made her proud.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After falling in love with the book “Faeries” by Brian Froud and Alan Lee while pursuing the local library in high school, I decided that Illustration was the right path for me. The enchanting mix of folklore, danger, and whimsy, depicted with delicate washes and energetic line work, was captivating. I soon discovered that Froud served as the conceptual designer of The Dark Crystal, and I was hooked. I dreamed of designing creatures for film and publishing my own dark fantasy tales.

This was just the beginning of a long journey for someone who grew up on the other side of the country, far from where most films are produced and studied. I studied Illustration in college, and while I was skilled, I was also repeatedly told to stop.

“You are delusional.”
“You need to try something realistic.”
“Can’t it just be a hobby?”
“Only the best get to work.”

Often, the concerned party is trying to steer the creative soul down a more traditional path: something stable, a safe bet. But sometimes, a lot of times, the dark advice is spewing from a place of fear, jealousy, or, worst of all — control.

Fortunately, I didn’t drink the poison.

I firmly believe that talent is a dirty word. It will take complete dedication, thousands of hours, and a deep well of fortitude to turn creative passions into a career, but it can be done.

I kept going (for years). I listened to encouragement, accepted positive critiques, and made changes. I connected with creatives who emerged victorious from the gauntlet of doubt and dread. My best memories come from figure drawing with other artists, attending museums and shows, collaborating on projects, and surviving intense deadlines together. 

Don Bluth once told me to leave the studio (more often). Though this advice should not have been surprising, it was. Several years ago, when this conversation took place at CTNX, I knew that my artwork was better when I lived life. I was better. You have to be in the world to stay inspired and to have stories to tell. Nurturing yourself and breathing fresh air is a key ingredient for reveling in your brief time on Earth and creating something beautiful to give back.

For the past decade, I have illustrated predominantly for entertainment advertising clients and motion picture studios. I am called on to replicate various styles, from animated features to realistic character portraits based on live-action films, which requires me to change and adapt how I work for each new property. Flexible artists get work, and I am a style chameleon. I am thankful for all of the creative projects I was called upon to assist with—I am honored, really.

But most recently, I have been making a big push to create more work in my own voice. I adore storybook illustrations, horror, fairytales, and watercolor, and I will incorporate those themes and styles into my artwork. This new journey of self-expression is already proving to be incredibly rewarding. I can’t wait to share the signature style I am developing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When my sister flies out from the East Coast, we do something a little different each time. Last summer, we attended Midsummer Scream in Long Beach. It is an ever-growing Halloween and horror convention featuring vendors, previews of upcoming events, panels, and performances.

During the fall, we love to visit various haunted attractions in the area, check out vintage shops on Magnolia Blvd in Burbank, and get outside for a hike. I am also a member of Descanso Gardens, which is incredibly gorgeous. One of my favorite SoCal experiences was spending a weekend at The Black Carriage on Elsewhere Farm in Topanga Canyon.

No matter what you are into, you can find it in Los Angeles. My boyfriend and I like to joke that we take regular weekend vacations in our home town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am grateful to so many illustrators and mentors who have helped me along the way, but I wouldn’t be creating today if it were not for my Mom, Victoria Masters. As I mentioned in the interview, I also owe much of my inspiration to pursue illustration to Brian Froud and Alan Lee, particularly for their book “Faeries,” published in 1978.

Website: https://lizmasters.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizziempress/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizmasters/

Twitter: https://x.com/LizMasters

Youtube: https://youtu.be/VYZb9YRnORg?si=deR6QL3htkjpGxCe

Other: Enamel pins, stickers, tees, and books: https://lizziempress.com/

Image Credits
All illustrations are © Liz Masters
The photograph was shot by Andrew Beatrice (I have permission to use the photo)