Star Wars Artist Series: Randy Martinez

And it's Martinez's personality-driven interpretations of many beloved Star Wars characters that make him stand out from other illustrators. Unlike the serious realism many illustrators place upon their drawings, Martinez says thanks to influences from other artists, he likes to have more fun with the characters' facial expressions and humorous situations.

"A side benefit from having artistic parents was growing up around all kinds of artists whom they were either friends or associates with," Martinez says. "I just had so many artists to learn from, it was great. One of my biggest influences was Sergio Aragonez. I've been a friend with Sergio since I was a boy and his sense of humor, and uniqueness really cemented my love for cartoons and gag art. He's to blame for my kookiness."

Other influences include MAD magazine artists Mort Drucker and Jack Davis, as well as the master artists like Toulouse Lautrec, Domier, Degas, and of course Van Gough. However, Martinez also says his fellow Star Wars illustrators and comic book artists are among some of his current favorites.

"I really like Jim Lee's work," Martinez says. "It's very dynamic and new, yet very classic. It's like everything a comic book should feel like to me. But I like styled work too. I also really enjoy the work of Ed McGuinness. It's got a flavor of classic comic book hero art yet it's got a good cartoonist feel to it, which I like because comics should never be taken too seriously. Carlos Meglia is another artist I really enjoy because he's so different, and his characters are enjoyable to look at -- lots of expression, and personality. Anyone that looks that unique, and makes it work, earns a slot in my favorites."

As an avid fan of other illustrators, Martinez has a special appreciation for his own admirers.

"Meeting the fans is very special to me," Martinez says. "Sure it's an ego boost. But being a cartoonist, I think, gives me a different experience than some of the more 'classic' comic book artists. My artwork is trying to communicate a joke, and make the viewer laugh. But I never get to see the fans laugh. At the conventions, I get fans, or people just walking by seeing my work for the first time, and they all laugh, loudly, and sometimes very hard. I can't tell you how special that is to me. To make people laugh means I'm doing my job well, and more than that, I'm making people feel happy. Seeing and hearing people laugh because of my cartoons, is one of the most rewarding things I can think of."

To learn more about Martinez and his work, visit his official site here.