Jump to content

Keith Parkinson: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m →External links: D&D Template placement using AWB
added review
 
(86 intermediate revisions by 42 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|American artist (1958–2005)}}
{{copyedit|date=August 2013}}
{{for multi|the rugby player|Keith Parkinson (rugby league)|the English footballer|Keith Parkinson (footballer)}}

{{Infobox artist
{{Infobox artist
| bgcolour = #FBF5DF
| name = Keith Parkinson
| name = Keith Parkinson
| image = KeithParkinson.jpg
| image = KeithParkinson.jpg
| imagesize =
| imagesize =
| caption = Keith Parkinson.
| caption = Keith Parkinson
| birth_name =
| birth_name = Keith A. Parkinson
| birth_date = {{birth date|1958|10|22}}<ref>"United States Social Security Death Index," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JTXM-2Q7 : accessed 12 Feb 2013), Keith A Parkinson, 26 October 2005; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date|1958|10|22}}<ref>"United States Social Security Death Index," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JTXM-2Q7 : accessed 12 Feb 2013), Keith A Parkinson, 26 October 2005; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).</ref>
| birth_place = [[West Covina, California|West Covina]], [[California]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| birth_place = [[West Covina, California|West Covina]], [[California]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|2005|10|26|1958|10|22}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|2005|10|26|1958|10|22}}
| death_place = [[San Diego, California|San Diego]], [[California]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| death_place = [[San Diego, California|San Diego]], [[California]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| nationality = [[United States|American]]
| nationality = American
| field = [[Fantasy art]]
| field = [[Fantasy art]]
| training =
| spouse = Donna
| resting_place = [[Mission San Luis Rey de Francia|Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery]]
| movement =
| works =
| patrons =
| influenced by = [[Frank Frazetta]], [[Roger Dean (artist)|Roger Dean]]<ref name="Dragon #113"/>
| influenced =
| awards =
}}
}}


'''Keith A. Parkinson''' (October 22, 1958 – October 26, 2005) was an [[USA|American]] [[fantasy]] [[artist]] and [[illustrator]] known for his book covers and game artwork for games such as ''[[EverQuest]]'', ''[[Guardians (card game)|Guardians]]'', ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]'' and ''[[Vanguard: Saga of Heroes]]''. After a successful career designing book and magazine covers for TSR and as a freelance artist, Parkinson moved into game design in the 1990s, including award-winning work on ''Guardians''. Parkinson battled leukemia, dying just after his 47th birthday in 2005.
'''Keith A. Parkinson''' (October 22, 1958 – October 26, 2005) was an American [[fantasy art]]ist and [[illustrator]] known for book covers and artwork for games such as ''[[EverQuest]]'', ''[[Guardians (card game)|Guardians]]'', ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]'', and ''[[Vanguard: Saga of Heroes]]''. After designing book and magazine covers for [[TSR (company)|TSR]], Parkinson moved into game design in the 1990s, and co-designed the [[collectible card game]] ''Guardians''. Parkinson died of [[leukemia]] in 2005, just four days after his 47th birthday.


==Biography==
==Early life==
⚫
Keith Parkinson was born in [[West Covina, California]]. Because of his father's career at [[Ally Financial|GMAC]], Parkinson spent his childhood in various cities in the United States including [[San Diego, CA]], [[New York City|New York, NY]], [[Miami, Florida]], and [[Lansing, Michigan]].<ref name="Dragon #113">{{cite journal

===Early life===
⚫
Keith Parkinson was born in [[West Covina, California]], however due to his father's career in the corporate world with [[Ally Financial|GMAC]], Keith's childhood was spent all over the [[United States]] in cities such as [[San Diego, CA]], [[New York City|New York]], [[Miami, Florida]], and [[Lansing, Michigan]].<ref name="Dragon #113">{{cite journal
| last =
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = TSR Profiles
| title = TSR Profiles
| journal = [[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]
| journal = [[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]
| volume =
| issue = #113
| issue = #113
| pages = 60
| pages = 60
Line 41: Line 28:
| location = [[Lake Geneva, Wisconsin]]
| location = [[Lake Geneva, Wisconsin]]
| date = September 1986
| date = September 1986
⚫
}}</ref> From an early age, Parkinson took an interest in [[science fiction]], particularly in [[Spacecraft|spaceships]], and used his artistic abilities to explore his interest.<ref name="Dragon #113"/> However, by the age of twelve, he became more interested in music than art; in an interview he stated, "I got involved with a rock & roll band in high school, and played semi-professionally all the way through high school and into college. For several years, my band toured on weekends. We were into [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] and played stuff by [[Blue Öyster Cult]], [[Rush (band)|Rush]], [[Led Zeppelin]], and other heavy metal monster groups."<ref name="Dragon #113"/> At one gig, Parkinson met his future wife, Mary, who later became the ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' Magazine Advertising Coordinator.<ref name="Dragon #113"/>
| url =
⚫
| format = }}</ref> From an early age, Parkinson took an interest in [[science fiction]], and used his artistic abilities to illustrate his interest; "As a kid, I was in love with [[Spacecraft|spaceships]]. I collected posters and did lots of spaceship drawings."<ref name="Dragon #113"/> However, by the age of twelve, he became more interested in music than art, "I got involved with a rock & roll band in high school, and played semi-professionally all the way through high school and into college. For several years, my band toured on weekends. We were into [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]], and played stuff by [[Blue Öyster Cult]], [[Rush (band)|Rush]], [[Led Zeppelin]], and other heavy metal monster groups."<ref name="Dragon #113"/> At one gig, Parkinson met his future wife, Mary, who later became the ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' Magazine Advertising Coordinator, and they had a son, Nicholas.<ref name="Dragon #113"/>


==Career==
⚫
Parkinson was heavily influenced by [[Frank Frazetta]] and [[Roger Dean (artist)|Roger Dean]] in his own fantasy work.<ref name="Dragon #113"/> Parkinson graduated from [[Kendall College of Art and Design]] in 1980. His first job was with a company called Advertising Posters, where he worked on the artwork for [[pinball]] games and many early [[arcade game]]s, including ''[[Tron (arcade game)|Tron]]'' and ''[[Krull (video game)|Krull]]''.<ref name="Dragon #113" /> "One of the guys in the camera room was a [[Dungeons & Dragons|D&D]] player, and got me into the game. The first night I played a [[Ranger (Dungeons & Dragons)|ranger]] in B1, ''[[The Keep on the Borderlands|Keep on the Borderlands]]'', and I was hooked. We played every week."<ref name="Dragon #113"/>


===Art and illustration===
⚫
In November 1982, he went to work at [[TSR, Inc.]], "I didn’t like a lot of the art I saw on ''D&D'' game products, and the company was in [[Lake Geneva, Wisconsin]], just over the border, so I drove up one day to see if I could do some freelance work. [[Larry Elmore|Elmore]], [[Jeff Easley]], and [[Timothy Truman (writer)|Tim Truman]] had all just joined the company, and the art they were working on was fantastic. It really blew my mind. [[Jim Roslof]], who was the Art Director, hinted that I could join the staff full-time, but I missed the hint. A few days later, I called him about a job, and he had just hired somebody else the day before, but he'd keep me in mind. The next day, he called back, and had an opening.”<ref name="Dragon #113"/> Parkinson also worked on projects including book covers, game boxes, magazines and calendars.<ref name="kpbio">[http://www.keithparkinson.com/bio.php Keith Parkinson's biography]. Retrieved 8 January 2007</ref> Among his book covers are such titles as ''[[Star Frontiers]]'', ''[[Forgotten Realms]]'' and ''[[Gamma World]]''.<ref>http://www.blackgate.com/2011/02/02/art-evolution-20-keith-parkinson-1958-2005/</ref> He is also known for his [[Dragonlance]] art.
⚫
Parkinson graduated from [[Kendall College of Art and Design]] in 1980. His first job was with a company called Advertising Posters, where he worked on the artwork for [[pinball]] games and early [[arcade game]]s, including ''[[Tron (arcade game)|Tron]]'' and ''[[Krull (video game)|Krull]]''.<ref name="Dragon #113" /> Parkinson was heavily influenced by [[Frank Frazetta]] and [[Roger Dean (artist)|Roger Dean]] in his own fantasy work.<ref name="Dragon #113"/> At Advertising Posters, Parkinson was introduced to ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' by a coworker. Parkinson recalls, "The first night I played a [[Ranger (Dungeons & Dragons)|ranger]] in B1 {{Sic}}<!-- In the original; it's actually B2. -->, ''[[The Keep on the Borderlands|Keep on the Borderlands]]'', and I was hooked. We played every week."<ref name="Dragon #113"/>


⚫
In November 1982, he went to work at [[TSR, Inc.]]: "I didn't like a lot of the art I saw on ''D&D'' game products, and the company was in [[Lake Geneva, Wisconsin]], just over the border, so I drove up one day to see if I could do some freelance work. [[Larry Elmore|Elmore]], [[Jeff Easley]], and [[Timothy Truman (writer)|Tim Truman]] had all just joined the company, and the art they were working on was fantastic. It really blew my mind. [[Jim Roslof]], who was the Art Director, hinted that I could join the staff full-time, but I missed the hint. A few days later, I called him about a job, and he had just hired somebody else the day before, but he'd keep me in mind. The next day, he called back, and had an opening.”<ref name="Dragon #113"/> Parkinson also worked on projects including book covers, game boxes, magazines and calendars.<ref name="kpbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.keithparkinson.com/bio.php |title=Keith Parkinson's biography|access-date=8 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060516071201/http://www.keithparkinson.com/bio.php |archive-date=16 May 2006 }}</ref> Among his book covers are such titles as ''[[Star Frontiers]]'', ''[[Forgotten Realms]]'' and ''[[Gamma World]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blackgate.com/2011/02/02/art-evolution-20-keith-parkinson-1958-2005/ |title=Art Evolution 20: Keith Parkinson [1958–2005] |date=2 February 2011 |access-date=2013-08-07 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117091607/https://www.blackgate.com/2011/02/02/art-evolution-20-keith-parkinson-1958-2005/ |archive-date=2016-01-17 }}</ref> He is also known for his [[Dragonlance]] art.
⚫
After five years working at TSR, Parkinson left and pursued a freelance career for seven years. During this time, most of Parkinson's work was painting covers for the New York publishing market. His clients included [[Bantam Books]], [[Palladium Books]], [[Penguin Books]], and [[Random House]]. Some of the authors that he painted covers for include [[Terry Goodkind]], [[Margaret Weis]] and [[Tracy Hickman]], and [[Terry Brooks]].<ref name="kpbio"/>


⚫
After five years working at TSR, Parkinson left and pursued a freelance career for seven years. During this time, most of Parkinson's work was painting covers for the New York publishing market. His clients included [[Bantam Books]], [[Palladium Books]], [[Penguin Books]], and [[Random House]]. Some of the authors that he painted covers for include [[Terry Goodkind]], [[Margaret Weis]], [[Tracy Hickman]], [[Terry Brooks]],<ref name="kpbio"/> and [[David Eddings]].{{cn|date=July 2020}}
⚫
===Game work===
⚫
In 1995, Parkinson's first attempt at game design, ''[[Guardians (card game)|Guardians]]'', was published by Friedlander Publishing Group (FPG).<ref>[http://www.gamingreport.com/article.php?sid=19122 Artist Keith Parkinson Passes]. Damon White, [[GamingReport.com]]. 28 October 2005. Retrieved 13 August 2006</ref> Many other artists worked with him on the project. FPG also published Keith's first book, titled ''Knightsbridge: The Art of Keith Parkinson''. He published two other books containing his artwork in and around 2004: a sketchbook, ''Spellbound'', and a second full-color artbook titled, ''King's Gate''. Other works from this time include a set of art [[trading cards]] and a screensaver produced by [[Second Nature Software]].


During the 1990s, Parkinson created many of the book covers for the multi-genre role-playing game ''[[Rifts (role-playing game)|Rifts]] and its supplements.<ref name=mahg />
⚫
In 2000, Parkinson devoted more of his time to writing and shifted his commercial art focus to the game industry. He produced art for [[THQ]]'s ''[[Summoner (video game)|Summoner]]'' and painted the well-known artwork for the original ''[[EverQuest]]'' as well as its first three expansion packs. In painting the box art, he also created the character Firiona Vie, who has adorned the cover of almost every expansion since. During this time, he became a close friend of [[Brad McQuaid]].


⚫
===Game design and books===
⚫
In 2002, Parkinson was nominated for an [[Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists|ASFA]] [[Chesley Award]], for Best Product Illustration, for his work on ''Shadows of Luclin''.<ref>(October 2002). "Newsnotes: Award nominations", ''[[DNA Publications|Chronicle]]'' '''24''' (10): 6–9.</ref>
⚫
In 1995, Parkinson's first attempt at game design, ''[[Guardians (card game)|Guardians]]'', was published by Friedlander Publishing Group (FPG),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamingreport.com/article.php?sid=19122 |title=Artist Keith Parkinson Passes|author=Damon White|publisher=[[GamingReport.com]] |date=28 October 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018213306/http://www.gamingreport.com/article.php?sid=19122|archive-date=October 18, 2006}}</ref> which also published Parkinson's first book, titled ''Knightsbridge: The Art of Keith Parkinson''. He published two more books of his artwork: a sketchbook, ''Spellbound'', and a second full-color artbook, ''King's Gate''. Other works from this time include a set of art [[trading cards]] and a screensaver produced by [[Second Nature Software]].


⚫
In 2000, Parkinson devoted more of his time to writing and shifted his commercial art to the game industry. He produced art for [[THQ]]'s ''[[Summoner (video game)|Summoner]]'' and painted the well-known artwork for the original ''[[EverQuest]]'' as well as its first three expansion packs. In painting the box art, he also created the character Firiona Vie, who has adorned the cover of almost every expansion since.
Through his reputation with ''EverQuest'', and his friendship with designers Brad McQuaid and Jeff Butler, Parkinson was hired as the art director and a co-founder at Sigil Games Online. He worked there on the [[MMORPG]] ''[[Vanguard: Saga of Heroes]]'' until his death in late 2005.


⚫
Parkinson was hired as the art director and co-founder of [[Sigil Games Online]],{{when|date=July 2014}} and worked there on the [[MMORPG]] ''[[Vanguard: Saga of Heroes]]'' until his death in late 2005. Although Parkinson became ill before he could create the box art for ''Vanguard: Saga of Heroes'', he did create the game's three 'mascot' characters: Jeric, Eila, and Idara. According to Brad McQuaid, when Parkinson knew he could not finish the box art for ''Vanguard'', he hoped that his friend [[Donato Giancola]] would complete it. The left side of Donato's painting emulated Parkinson's personal style, as a tribute to him (the left was used for the box art, similar to ''EverQuest''). Moving to the right, the painting transitions into Giancola's style. As a further tribute to Keith Parkinson, Giancola put a character resembling him into the painting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3722 |title=Vanguard Box Art Revealed|date=11 May 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303220851/http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3722|archive-date=March 3, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thesafehouse.org/mugshots/e32006may10/IMG_2543 |title=Vanguard: Saga of Heroes|access-date=13 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070218005545/http://www.thesafehouse.org/mugshots/e32006may10/IMG_2543 |archive-date=18 February 2007 }}</ref>
⚫
===Death and tributes===
⚫
After a long battle with [[acute myeloid leukemia|acute Myelogenous Leukemia]] (AML), Keith Parkinson died on 26 October 2005.<ref name="kpbio"/> He is survived by his wife, Donna, and sons Nick and Zach. Parkinson was described by his friends and colleagues (and in the eulogy by [[Brad McQuaid]]) as having had a true passion for his work, as well as a friendly and positive demeanor until his death.<ref>[http://www.bradmcquaid.com/ParkinsonEulogy.htm Keith Parkinson Eulogy]. Brad McQuaid. October, 2005. Retrieved 13 August 2006</ref> A small graveside funeral was led at [[Mission San Luis Rey de Francia]] by Vicar David Smith of Faith Lutheran Church in [[Vista, California]].


==Reception==
⚫
Although Parkinson fell ill before he could create the box art for ''Vanguard: Saga of Heroes'', he did paint the game's three 'mascot' characters: Jeric, Eila, and Idara. At the 2006 E3 Expo, the ''Vanguard: Saga of Heroes'' box art was revealed. According to Brad McQuaid, when Keith knew he could not finish the box art for'' Vanguard'', he hoped that his friend [[Donato Giancola]], would complete it. The left side of Donato's painting emulated Parkinson's personal style, as a tribute to him (the left was used for the box art, similar to ''EverQuest''). Moving to the right, the painting transitions into Giancola's style. As a further tribute to Keith Parkinson, Giancola put a character resembling him into the painting.<ref>[http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3722 Vanguard Box Art Revealed]. 11 May 2006. Retrieved 13 August 2006</ref><ref>[http://www.thesafehouse.org/mugshots/e32006may10/IMG_2543 Vanguard: Saga of Heroes]. Retrieved 13 August 2006</ref>
In his 2023 book ''Monsters, Aliens, and Holes in the Ground'', RPG historian Stu Horvath reviewed the role-playing game ''Rifts'' and commented, "[''Rifts''] should be a mess, but the art holds it all together. Keith Parkinson, an iconic '80s ''D&D'' mainstay, delivered many of the best covers for ''Rifts'' books, including the core rulebooks, and it is gratifying to see the game's weirdness fuel the artist's expansive vision. His cover for ''World Book 16: Federation of Magic'' (1997) exemplifies how ''Rifts'' pushed his art well beyond the fantasy standards of ''D&D''.<ref name=mahg>{{cite book| last = Horvath| first = Stu| title = Monsters, Aliens, and Holes in the Ground| publisher = MIT Press| date = 2023| location = Cambridge, Massachusetts| pages = 208 | isbn =9780262048224 }}</ref>


==Death==
⚫
An art expo, called "The Masters of Fantasy Art — A Tribute to Keith Parkinson" went on tour from February–July 2007. Laura Naviaux, Senior Brand Manager for [[Sony Online Entertainment]], explained: "Our goal for 'The Masters of Fantasy Art' tour is to highlight the artistry that is integral to the creation of video games, as well as the influences of classical art on the industry as a whole. By showcasing Keith Parkinson's work on the new ''Vanguard: Saga of Heroes'' online videogame and joining up with The Art Institute, we hope to raise the public's awareness of computer and graphical arts as a discipline."<ref>[http://www.keithparkinson.com/artshowpr.php THE MASTERS OF FANTASY ART - A TRIBUTE TO KEITH PARKINSON]</ref>
⚫
After a long battle with [[acute myelogenous leukemia]] (AML), Keith Parkinson died on 26 October 2005.<ref name="kpbio"/> He was survived by his wife, Donna, and two sons. Parkinson was described by his friends and colleagues (and in the eulogy by [[Brad McQuaid]]) as having had a true passion for his work, as well as having a friendly and positive demeanor until his death.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bradmcquaid.com/ParkinsonEulogy.htm |title=Keith Parkinson Eulogy|author=Brad McQuaid |date=October 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060505144150/http://www.bradmcquaid.com/ParkinsonEulogy.htm|archive-date=May 5, 2006}}</ref> A small graveside funeral was held at [[Mission San Luis Rey de Francia]] led by Vicar David Smith of Faith Lutheran Church in [[Vista, California]].


⚫
==Awards, honors, and tributes==
⚫
In August and September, 2008, Parkinson's alma mater Kendall College of Art and Design, of Ferris State University, honored him and TSR contemporaries [[Larry Elmore]] and [[Jeff Easley]] with a gallery exhibit called "Out of the Dungeons". Director of exhibitions Sarah Joseph said, "We wanted to honor Parkinson [...] It seemed fitting to include Elmore and Easley, since all three of them worked together for a number of years."<ref>[http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2008/08/grand_rapids_science_fiction.html Fantasy artists are focus of show]</ref>
⚫
In 2002, Parkinson was nominated for a [[Chesley Awards|Chesley Award]] from the [[Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists|ASFA]], for Best Product Illustration, for his work on ''Shadows of Luclin''.<ref>(October 2002). "Newsnotes: Award nominations", ''[[DNA Publications|Chronicle]]'' '''24''' (10): 6–9.</ref>

⚫
After his death, an art expo called "The Masters of Fantasy Art—A Tribute to Keith Parkinson" went on tour from February to July 2007. Laura Naviaux, Senior Brand Manager for [[Sony Online Entertainment]], explained: "Our goal for 'The Masters of Fantasy Art' tour is to highlight the artistry that is integral to the creation of video games, as well as the influences of classical art on the industry as a whole. By showcasing Keith Parkinson's work on the new ''Vanguard: Saga of Heroes'' online videogame and joining up with The Art Institute, we hope to raise the public's awareness of computer and graphical arts as a discipline."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.keithparkinson.com/artshowpr.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212081138/http://www.keithparkinson.com/artshowpr.php |archive-date=February 12, 2007 |title=THE MASTERS OF FANTASY ART - A TRIBUTE TO KEITH PARKINSON |url-status=dead }}</ref>

⚫
In August and September 2008, Parkinson's alma mater [[Kendall College of Art and Design]] at Ferris State University, honored him and his TSR contemporaries [[Larry Elmore]] and [[Jeff Easley]] with a gallery exhibit called "Out of the Dungeons". Director of Exhibitions Sarah Joseph stated, "We wanted to honor Parkinson [...] It seemed fitting to include Elmore and Easley, since all three of them worked together for a number of years."<ref>{{cite web |title=Fantasy artists are focus of show |date=24 August 2008 |url=http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2008/08/grand_rapids_science_fiction.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904152046/http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2008/08/grand_rapids_science_fiction.html|archive-date=4 September 2012}}</ref>

In 2014, Scott Taylor of ''[[Black Gate (magazine)|Black Gate]]'', named Keith Parkinson as #7 in a list of The Top 10 RPG Artists of the Past 40 Years, saying "He was never one that got Elmore or Easley props, but he had a style that he continued to evolve and hone until it turned from very, very good into simply outstanding. He was lost too soon to the industry and yet his legacy is something many artists have used to try to model their own careers."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.blackgate.com/2014/02/12/art-of-the-genre-the-top-10-rpg-artists-of-the-past-40-years-2/ | title=Art of the Genre: The Top 10 RPG Artists of the Past 40 Years – Black Gate | date=12 February 2014 }}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 72: Line 67:


==External links==
==External links==
⚫
* [http://www.keithparkinson.com/ Keith Parkinson's official website]
*{{isfdb name |8808}}
* {{Isfdb name |8808}}
*[http://www.pen-paper.net/rpgdb.php?op=showcreator&creatorid=482 Keith Parkinson :: Pen & Paper RPG Database] [http://web.archive.org/web/20050901084259/http://www.pen-paper.net/rpgdb.php?op=showcreator&creatorid=482 archive]
* {{Cite web |url=http://www.pen-paper.net/rpgdb.php?op=showcreator&creatorid=482 |title=Keith Parkinson |publisher=Pen & Paper RPG Database|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050901084259/http://www.pen-paper.net/rpgdb.php?op=showcreator&creatorid=482 |archive-date=September 1, 2005}}
⚫
*[http://www.keithparkinson.com/main.php Keith Parkinson's official website]
* {{Find a Grave|31424742}}
* {{Find a Grave|31424742}}


{{Authority control|VIAF=20746848}}
{{Authority control}}

⚫
{{D&D topics}}


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME =Parkinson, Keith
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH =22 October 1958
| PLACE OF BIRTH =[[West Covina, California|West Covina]], [[California]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| DATE OF DEATH =26 October 2005
| PLACE OF DEATH = [[San Diego, California|San Diego]], [[California]], [[United States|U.S.]]
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Parkinson, Keith}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Parkinson, Keith}}
[[Category:1958 births]]
[[Category:1958 births]]
[[Category:2005 deaths]]
[[Category:2005 deaths]]
[[Category:Dungeons & Dragons artists]]
[[Category:American fantasy artists]]
[[Category:Fantasy artists]]
[[Category:American role-playing game artists]]
[[Category:Deaths from leukemia in California]]
[[Category:Game artists]]
[[Category:Game artists]]
[[Category:Magic: The Gathering artists]]
[[Category:People from West Covina, California]]
⚫
{{D&D topics}}

Latest revision as of 00:06, 2 September 2024

For the rugby player, see Keith Parkinson (rugby league). For the English footballer, see Keith Parkinson (footballer).
Keith Parkinson
Keith Parkinson
Born
Keith A. Parkinson

(1958-10-22)October 22, 1958[1]
West Covina, California, U.S.
DiedOctober 26, 2005(2005-10-26) (aged 47)
San Diego, California, U.S.
Resting placeMission San Luis Rey Cemetery
NationalityAmerican
Known forFantasy art
SpouseDonna

Keith A. Parkinson (October 22, 1958 – October 26, 2005) was an American fantasy artist and illustrator known for book covers and artwork for games such as EverQuest, Guardians, Magic: The Gathering, and Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. After designing book and magazine covers for TSR, Parkinson moved into game design in the 1990s, and co-designed the collectible card game Guardians. Parkinson died of leukemia in 2005, just four days after his 47th birthday.

Early life

[edit]

Keith Parkinson was born in West Covina, California. Because of his father's career at GMAC, Parkinson spent his childhood in various cities in the United States including San Diego, CA, New York, NY, Miami, Florida, and Lansing, Michigan.[2] From an early age, Parkinson took an interest in science fiction, particularly in spaceships, and used his artistic abilities to explore his interest.[2] However, by the age of twelve, he became more interested in music than art; in an interview he stated, "I got involved with a rock & roll band in high school, and played semi-professionally all the way through high school and into college. For several years, my band toured on weekends. We were into heavy metal and played stuff by Blue Öyster Cult, Rush, Led Zeppelin, and other heavy metal monster groups."[2] At one gig, Parkinson met his future wife, Mary, who later became the Dragon Magazine Advertising Coordinator.[2]

Career

[edit]

Art and illustration

[edit]

Parkinson graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design in 1980. His first job was with a company called Advertising Posters, where he worked on the artwork for pinball games and early arcade games, including Tron and Krull.[2] Parkinson was heavily influenced by Frank Frazetta and Roger Dean in his own fantasy work.[2] At Advertising Posters, Parkinson was introduced to Dungeons & Dragons by a coworker. Parkinson recalls, "The first night I played a ranger in B1 [sic], Keep on the Borderlands, and I was hooked. We played every week."[2]

In November 1982, he went to work at TSR, Inc.: "I didn't like a lot of the art I saw on D&D game products, and the company was in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, just over the border, so I drove up one day to see if I could do some freelance work. Elmore, Jeff Easley, and Tim Truman had all just joined the company, and the art they were working on was fantastic. It really blew my mind. Jim Roslof, who was the Art Director, hinted that I could join the staff full-time, but I missed the hint. A few days later, I called him about a job, and he had just hired somebody else the day before, but he'd keep me in mind. The next day, he called back, and had an opening.”[2] Parkinson also worked on projects including book covers, game boxes, magazines and calendars.[3] Among his book covers are such titles as Star Frontiers, Forgotten Realms and Gamma World.[4] He is also known for his Dragonlance art.

After five years working at TSR, Parkinson left and pursued a freelance career for seven years. During this time, most of Parkinson's work was painting covers for the New York publishing market. His clients included Bantam Books, Palladium Books, Penguin Books, and Random House. Some of the authors that he painted covers for include Terry Goodkind, Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman, Terry Brooks,[3] and David Eddings.[citation needed]

During the 1990s, Parkinson created many of the book covers for the multi-genre role-playing game Rifts and its supplements.[5]

Game design and books

[edit]

In 1995, Parkinson's first attempt at game design, Guardians, was published by Friedlander Publishing Group (FPG),[6] which also published Parkinson's first book, titled Knightsbridge: The Art of Keith Parkinson. He published two more books of his artwork: a sketchbook, Spellbound, and a second full-color artbook, King's Gate. Other works from this time include a set of art trading cards and a screensaver produced by Second Nature Software.

In 2000, Parkinson devoted more of his time to writing and shifted his commercial art to the game industry. He produced art for THQ's Summoner and painted the well-known artwork for the original EverQuest as well as its first three expansion packs. In painting the box art, he also created the character Firiona Vie, who has adorned the cover of almost every expansion since.

Parkinson was hired as the art director and co-founder of Sigil Games Online,[when?] and worked there on the MMORPG Vanguard: Saga of Heroes until his death in late 2005. Although Parkinson became ill before he could create the box art for Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, he did create the game's three 'mascot' characters: Jeric, Eila, and Idara. According to Brad McQuaid, when Parkinson knew he could not finish the box art for Vanguard, he hoped that his friend Donato Giancola would complete it. The left side of Donato's painting emulated Parkinson's personal style, as a tribute to him (the left was used for the box art, similar to EverQuest). Moving to the right, the painting transitions into Giancola's style. As a further tribute to Keith Parkinson, Giancola put a character resembling him into the painting.[7][8]

Reception

[edit]

In his 2023 book Monsters, Aliens, and Holes in the Ground, RPG historian Stu Horvath reviewed the role-playing game Rifts and commented, "[Rifts] should be a mess, but the art holds it all together. Keith Parkinson, an iconic '80s D&D mainstay, delivered many of the best covers for Rifts books, including the core rulebooks, and it is gratifying to see the game's weirdness fuel the artist's expansive vision. His cover for World Book 16: Federation of Magic (1997) exemplifies how Rifts pushed his art well beyond the fantasy standards of D&D.[5]

Death

[edit]

After a long battle with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), Keith Parkinson died on 26 October 2005.[3] He was survived by his wife, Donna, and two sons. Parkinson was described by his friends and colleagues (and in the eulogy by Brad McQuaid) as having had a true passion for his work, as well as having a friendly and positive demeanor until his death.[9] A small graveside funeral was held at Mission San Luis Rey de Francia led by Vicar David Smith of Faith Lutheran Church in Vista, California.

Awards, honors, and tributes

[edit]

In 2002, Parkinson was nominated for a Chesley Award from the ASFA, for Best Product Illustration, for his work on Shadows of Luclin.[10]

After his death, an art expo called "The Masters of Fantasy Art—A Tribute to Keith Parkinson" went on tour from February to July 2007. Laura Naviaux, Senior Brand Manager for Sony Online Entertainment, explained: "Our goal for 'The Masters of Fantasy Art' tour is to highlight the artistry that is integral to the creation of video games, as well as the influences of classical art on the industry as a whole. By showcasing Keith Parkinson's work on the new Vanguard: Saga of Heroes online videogame and joining up with The Art Institute, we hope to raise the public's awareness of computer and graphical arts as a discipline."[11]

In August and September 2008, Parkinson's alma mater Kendall College of Art and Design at Ferris State University, honored him and his TSR contemporaries Larry Elmore and Jeff Easley with a gallery exhibit called "Out of the Dungeons". Director of Exhibitions Sarah Joseph stated, "We wanted to honor Parkinson [...] It seemed fitting to include Elmore and Easley, since all three of them worked together for a number of years."[12]

In 2014, Scott Taylor of Black Gate, named Keith Parkinson as #7 in a list of The Top 10 RPG Artists of the Past 40 Years, saying "He was never one that got Elmore or Easley props, but he had a style that he continued to evolve and hone until it turned from very, very good into simply outstanding. He was lost too soon to the industry and yet his legacy is something many artists have used to try to model their own careers."[13]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "United States Social Security Death Index," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JTXM-2Q7 : accessed 12 Feb 2013), Keith A Parkinson, 26 October 2005; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "TSR Profiles". Dragon (#113). Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: TSR, Inc.: 60 September 1986.
  3. ^ a b c "Keith Parkinson's biography". Archived from the original on 16 May 2006. Retrieved 8 January 2007.
  4. ^ "Art Evolution 20: Keith Parkinson [1958–2005]". 2 February 2011. Archived from the original on 2016-01-17. Retrieved 2013-08-07.
  5. ^ a b Horvath, Stu (2023). Monsters, Aliens, and Holes in the Ground. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press. p. 208. ISBN 9780262048224.
  6. ^ Damon White (28 October 2005). "Artist Keith Parkinson Passes". GamingReport.com. Archived from the original on October 18, 2006.
  7. ^ "Vanguard Box Art Revealed". 11 May 2006. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016.
  8. ^ "Vanguard: Saga of Heroes". Archived from the original on 18 February 2007. Retrieved 13 August 2006.
  9. ^ Brad McQuaid (October 2005). "Keith Parkinson Eulogy". Archived from the original on May 5, 2006.
  10. ^ (October 2002). "Newsnotes: Award nominations", Chronicle 24 (10): 6–9.
  11. ^ "THE MASTERS OF FANTASY ART - A TRIBUTE TO KEITH PARKINSON". Archived from the original on February 12, 2007.
  12. ^ "Fantasy artists are focus of show". 24 August 2008. Archived from the original on 4 September 2012.
  13. ^ "Art of the Genre: The Top 10 RPG Artists of the Past 40 Years – Black Gate". 12 February 2014.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Keith_Parkinson&oldid=1243533771"