THE TRUMAN SHOW / SOPHIE LIM 

Why did you choose this particular scene to illustrate? This is such an iconic scene! When I think about that moment, it’s kind of heartbreaking watching Truman realise that he lives in a fake reality. But on the flip side, the scene is also about Truman finally taking control of his destiny, ditching the familiar and diving into the unknown. Almost 25 years on, the film still hits close to home. In this age of social media, it makes you wonder how much of our lives are curated or staged for everyone else to see. 

What tools and techniques did you use to create this illustration? I mostly work in digital but I always start with a pencil and paper. It sort of brings those ideas into the physical world first. Then, I take the initial sketch to Procreate for some refining before heading over to Photoshop to create the final artwork. I love merging traditional techniques like risograph and screen printing into my digital process. As for tools, my iPad doubles as a graphic tablet when it’s connected to Photoshop on my laptop. I used to have heaps of brushes, but now I’ve downsized to just four or five brushes. I also bring in both my own scanned textures and purchased textures to give that extra touch. 

What’s the ideal way to watch The Truman Show? I’m not entirely sure whether there’s an ideal way to watch this movie, but I find it to be a great choice for when you need to feel the feelings – laugh, feel a bit sad, and happy-cry. And for me, I definitely need salted popcorn! 

KILL BILL / ALICE TRAN

Why did you choose this particular scene to illustrate? O-Ren Ishii is one of my favourite antagonists of all time, so it made sense to draw her final epic sword fight against the Bride. I love the contrast of her soft snow-white kimono and small frame against her reputation as one of the most infamous leaders in Tokyo’s underworld. I wanted to capture the way she slowly unsheathes her sword and her piercing stare – a tactic that exhibits her ruthlessness in a beautifully intimidating way. 

What tools and techniques did you use to create this illustration? I used the drawing app Procreate on my iPad to create the lines and colours. I wanted to add subtle elements of the traditional Japanese woodblock print style, so I overlaid the illustration with handmade textures created out of acrylic paint strokes and paint-splashing techniques on scrap paper. I finished the illustration digitally with a red gradient background – a visual technique often used as a backdrop for skies or water in traditional Eastern paintings – except this time they hint at O-Ren’s intimidation and her bloody fate.

What’s the ideal way to watch Kill Bill? If you’re watching it for the first time, go into it without any expectations. Strap in with one or two of your (slightly grown up) mates and let yourself be taken on the ride. If you’re anything like me, you don’t often spend time enjoying a film. But when you do, you make an occasion out of it with a slightly fancier snack. I would enjoy Kill Bill with some homemade crunchy paprika chickpeas – a delicious, easy snack to pick at while you enjoy the film.

BACK TO THE FUTURE / CATHY HOGAN 

Why did you choose this particular scene to illustrate? I chose this scene because it is the moment that you realise all the seemingly small, insignificant actions and comments Marty McFly makes in the past can drastically change the future. This concept is something I have always found really fascinating, and this movie does it so well! 

What tools and techniques did you use to create this illustration? This was digitally illustrated on Procreate. I started off with a rough sketch (and another, and another) until I was happy with the outline. I chose a limited colour palette based on the scene and filled in the shapes using the 6B pencil in Procreate to add texture.

What’s the ideal way to watch Back to the Future? The ideal way to watch this movie is with your family. Time travel, humour, style from the ’80s and ’50s, romance, action, sci-fi, friendship and “Oh my god, what is going to happen?!” moments – it’s got something for everyone. 

THELMA AND LOUISE / LOUISE BROUGH 

Why did you choose this particular scene to illustrate? Besides the fact that for two hours Susan Sarandon and I shared a name, what I love about this film and the final scene is that it sums up the empowerment and freedom you get from female friendships: how they give you the courage to reclaim control of your life, embrace your crazy and never settle!

What tools and techniques did you use to create this illustration? I went digital and used Procreate to bring it to life while channelling the line “We’ll be drinking margaritas by the sea, Mamacita.”

What’s the ideal way to watch Thelma and Louise? When life’s feeling a bit ‘meh’ and stuck, and you’re craving some rebellious energy, head to the drive-in with your best mate. Load up the boot with every cushion you can find in your house, pack some red wine and order some jam doughnuts at the counter. It’s the perfect recipe for a night of cinematic rebellion and friendship!

This article comes straight from the pages of issue 118. To get your mitts on a copy, swing past the frankie shop, subscribe or visit one of our lovely stockists.