Costume illustrator J.P. Targete (John Carter) took part in an interview with us and shared a trio of costume illustration he created — based on designs by costume designer Lindy Hemming — for Wonder Woman.
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Before getting to the artwork, let’s take a quick moment to see how the film is performing financially. As it was predicted going into the weekend, Wonder Woman scored its second consecutive win at the North American box office. Dropping just 45% from its debut, it pulled in a robust $57.2M in its second frame. Its domestic total now stands at $205M, putting it slightly behind 2005’s Batman Begins ($206.8M) and 2013’s Thor: The Dark World ($206.3M). At the international box office, Wonder Woman scooped up $58.1M, pushing its overseas total to $230.2M.
From start to finish, can you describe your process for illustrating Queen Hippolyta’s costume?
J.P. Targete: Out of all the designs I illustrated, this was the most important as this was the queen. It started out with a plain template of a posed woman. Once that was done, the costume designer would print that out and roughly sketch his design over that. We would also gather material references such as leathers, metals, and any other materials. I would then start the process of rendering and painting color and texture over his initial design. For me, I wanted to make sure the embellishing I did was clear and as realistic as I could do it yet capture the essence of what the costume designer wanted.
How’s if feel to be part of a film that shattered the glass ceiling for female directors and female-led superhero films?
J.P: It feels fantastic and is a bonus honor as it was unexpected. I always go into a job trying to do my best work; however, understanding I have no control over how good the movie will turn out, so I’m elated with the results. I’m hoping we see more females and minorities directing more of these films but also more of them working as concept artists and costume illustrators. Being a minority myself, this is a great step in that direction.
For young artists that want to one day become a professional artist like yourself, what advice would you give them?
J.P: My advice would be work hard, but also watch and enjoy movies and art, read comics that you like. Furthermore, create your own content: films, comics, paintings. The world can never have too much ‘art.’ This is a great part of what connects us as human beings.
Amazons – Queen’s Guard and Penetralium Guard
What was the most challenging part of illustrating the Amazons’ costumes?
J.P: For me, the challenge was making sure I didn’t go over the top with color and texture, as I’m more of a creature designer. I had to keep a measure of restraint so we didn’t go over the top. These designs had to look tactical yet elegant and unique.
Since the Amazons are practical, how did influence the decorative elements of their costumes?
J.P: The Costume designers introduced a bit of Greek influences but also brought a little bit of original motifs such as the intertwined ‘W’ shapes and eagle shapes we see in much of Wonder Woman’s design and Hippolyta’s costume.
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- Patty Jenkins Reveals Wonder Woman’s Age
Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny.
Joining Gal Gadot in the international cast are Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, David Thewlis, Danny Huston, Elena Anaya, Ewen Bremner and Saïd Taghmaoui. Patty Jenkins directs the film from a screenplay by Allan Heinberg and Geoff Johns, story by Zack Snyder and Allan Heinberg, based on characters from DC Entertainment. Wonder Woman was created by William Moulton Marston.
The film is produced by Charles Roven, Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder and Richard Suckle, with Rebecca Roven, Stephen Jones, Wesley Coller and Geoff Johns serving as executive producers. Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with RatPac-Dune Entertainment, an Atlas Entertainment/Cruel and Unusual production, Wonder Woman.
The film will be released on June 2, 2017.
