The Art & Work of Marc Lee
COFFEE & PERSPECTIVE
A pencil, ink, and a white pencil to make magic happen. That's how Marc Lee work, an illustrator from Singapore. You might have seen some of his work without knowing it.
Operators from all corps, countries and continents, drawn with a very characteristic style that you won't forget after reading the magazine.
Best of all, we have gathered what few illustrators show to the public: their drafts. Get ready to enjoy a session of special forces by the hands of the illustrator of Coffee & Perspective.
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When we checked your poster of “Infil Exfil” (documentary based on former MARSOC Michael Golembesky, author of best seller Level Zero Heroes who we interviewed some issues ago) we couldn't resist to show it to him and he was shocked. Did you ever think that the protagonist of the documentary would see your work?
Didn’t expect that it would get to him, but I am glad he got to see it. The real world operators are always the unsung heroes.
¿Who is Michael Golembesky?
Michael Golembesky is a former MARSOC and author of "Level Zero Heroes" (a true bestseller!) where he tells his experience in Afghanistan as part of this special operations group. Golembesky later released a new book, Dagger 22, where we can relive his experiences during the harsh winter in the valley of Bala Murghab, Afghanistan.
He is not the only “guest” that joins 0'20 with you – 6 degrees theory that joins everyone here! One of your works is based on a photography of Dominique Andre – author of Flashbang Magazine – interviewed by 0'20 too. How was the experience?
Dominique takes really excellent shots of global special operations units, his photos are always inspiring to see.
We heard you talking about your “insane interest for the military” – which we share – but, what about airsoft? Have you geared up like in your illustrations and tried out our hobby?
I enjoy checking out all aspects of military related stuff, mostly infantry and special operations. I used to be in a Recce unit back in my army days for the local national service, so I would say maybe yes? haha.
From all the operators that you have drawn, there is one that stands out, one from science fiction with your own style: tactical Boba Fett (inspired in Galac-Tac International). Will we see more Star Wars characters in the future? Are you more a “Rebel” or “Empire” fan?
That was a very fun piece of artwork to do. As for Empire or Rebel, neither. I am more of a Boba Fett fan. :)
Neither can we forget about Tyrion Lannister's tee, wearing gear proper of DEVGRU. Giving an M4 to any character is a part of your “insane interest for the military”? Because we love it!
There will be more of these style of nods to GoT in the future, possibly with more dragons.
You don't only create illustrations of operators which our readers are amazed with since they started reading the interview. Tell us more about your work.
Before the military artworks, I am an illustrator and artist at heart. So many different aspects of artwork, from fantasy to sci-fi as each genre has something to offer and to inspire. Art and illustrations in general give as the visuals to inspire and to see the stories that we only can dream about. That said, I do like to experiment with different styles as I believe different themes need different expressions to best represent the artwork too!
The work about the French policeman, after the tragic terrorists attacks in Paris, is probably one of the most expressive. In your fanpage, we see the Work In Progress or unfinished projects. How can our readers see the final versions? Can they be purchased?
The Paris attacks, like so many other acts of terror was a tragic event. I can only hope that in time things globally may get better again, and that we all see that we only have one life and one world that we all share. A simple concept, but not one that everybody can understand I am afraid. Apologies for my rambling.
But at the moment I do sell the occasional prints on a personal request basis since I do not do large orders for now. Just message my facebook for more details..! :)
One of your works became a cover for Stephen Knight's and Scott Wolf's book: “These Dead Lands: Immolation”. A zombie story that we like, in which the US Army 10th Mountain Division will face the undead nightmare.
I have yet to get hold of a copy of the book as well, it was a very good experience working on that piece since there was a ton of detail that had to go into the cover. Some small easter eggs and tongue in cheek jokes are hidden in there too.
“These Dead Lands: Immolation”
Stephen Knight, author of the bestselling novel "The Gathering Dead", presents a zombie apocalypse situation in which the United States is falling before the largest army of zombies never seen. Captain Phil Hastings, leading a group of survivors of the 10th Mountain Division of the US Army, will have to defend Fort Indiantown Gap, a National Guard training facility in the woods of Pennsylvania.
We will only ask you one more thing: don't stop astonishing us with your illustrations. From now on, many of our readers will follow closely your fanpage: “Coffee & Perspective – The Art & Work of Marc Lee”.