Interview with Nick Hiatt, Art Director

By Leonard Teo - November 22, 2013

Image credit: Nick Hiatt

nick_hiatt Nick Hiatt is an Art Director, Matte Painter and Production Illustrator based out of Los Angeles, California. His career began working with visual effects studios such as Digital Domain, Rhythm and Hues, Disney and Sony Imageworks. He currently owns and operates Attack FX, a visual effects studio that specializes in matte painting, production illustration, concept painting and 3D environments. Nick has had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects including Thor: The Dark World, Oz the Great and Powerful, Oblivion, Wrath of the Titans, Elder Scrolls and Star Wars the Old Republic.

Originally from the mountains of Southern Virginia, Nick was drawn to visual effects through a deep love of art and a curiosity for how our world is put together. At an early age he had a talent for art and mechanical drawing. This led him to pursue a degree in Media Arts and Animation from the Art Institute of South Florida. He currently resides in Southern California and is Creative Director/CEO of Attack FX.

Nick will be teaching a course at the Gnomon Online Master Classes 2013, Dec 16-31st. Definitely check it out!

How do you want to impact the world?
I provide imagery to assist in the entertainment industry.

What do you want to be remembered for?
It’s better to be overlooked than be looked over too much! I’m not sure I want to be remembered.

What advice would you give to other artists?
Work harder than the guy beside you!

What’s your favourite quote?
Success emerges from the quality of decisions you make and the quantity of luck you receive. Since you can’t control luck, you must control your decisions.

What’s your passion and what gives you meaning?
Life!

What does success mean to you?
Freedom.

Why did you become an artist?
It’s how the planet made me.

What will you be teaching at the Gnomon Master Classes?
My process of creating imagery from ideas.