Ian Sta. Maria -- The Man Behind the Brick
In 2015, the comicbook community was shocked when Ian Sta. Maria (artist of Skyworld and Sixty-Six) announced that he will temporarily leave the country and work for LEGO in Denmark. It was surprising because this announcement came right before the release of his new book, Sixty-Six, with Russel Molina.
Ian's journey to LEGO wasn't part of the plan. All the while, he thought that he would grow old drawing komiks for the local market and collect Hot Toys for a living. But that all changed when Mervin Ignacio (writer of Skyworld) was hired as a creative manager for LEGO.
After a couple of months, Mervin showed Ian’s portfolio to his boss without Ian knowing. Much to Ian's surprise, he was invited by LEGO for an interview via Skype. After impressing the executives, Ian was invited to Denmark so they can personally meet the talented artist. Ian had doubts early on as he wasn’t ready to leave the country. He was persuaded by LEGO by taking him to the LEGO museum. This didn’t convinced Ian to work abroad. Having told his boss, now, that working abroad is nerve-wrecking, she took him in a dark room inside the LEGO museum. When she opened the lights, Ian was mesmerized with the many LEGO Star Wars sets surrounding him.
It pretty much shows that LEGO knew how to court Ian. He wasn't able to resist and he immediately signed the contract. Now, Ian works as a Senior Concept Artist and a Story Driver for LEGO in Denmark. Part of his work is to come up with ideas for new characters and stories for potential original LEGO lines. The Dark Knight Philippines got an exclusive from Ian, himself. He told us that he is heavily involved with the LEGO Elves season 3!
As a fan of LEGO and his affinity for art lovers in the Philippines, Ian Sta. Maria donated the TWO (2) artworks found bellow for the Lego Batman Movie Fan Screening Experience as raffle prizes. Better get your tickets now before it runs out! These artworks are ridiculously amazing and highly detailed. Plus, its Ian Sta. Maria! An established komiks artist and a senior concept artist for LEGO in Denmark!
Paolo Ollero, 27, working law student, is a comicbook enthusiast who recently expanded his collection to action figures, memorabilia, movie posters, and statues. He is one of the admins for The Dark Knight Philippines -- the premier Batman group in the country. He also contributes reviews and write-ups in Geekend Gladiator.
