Posted: May 21, 2018
Northwest College alumnus Russell Walks was born and raised in Billings, Montana, and began drawing before he could speak. As an avid science fiction fan, Walks spent a most of his childhood years reading. When he wasn’t exploring the exciting worlds created by authors like Ray Bradbury and Robert Heinlein, he was watching “Star Trek” or scanning the television for anything with an astronaut or alien.
Still a science fiction enthusiast today, he can pinpoint the moment he realized his interest could be the beginning of something greater.
As a youngster, Walks one day spent a rainy May afternoon at the local multiplex under the spell of American filmmaker George Lucas, and though he was captivated by the excitement he saw on the screen that chilly Saturday, his heart was captured by something much deeper.
“Star Wars affected me in a way nothing else had,” Walks recalled. “The characters, situations and music in that movie struck a chord in me so strong that even today, years later, the smell of theater popcorn reminds me of the afternoon I saw Star Wars. Deeply inspired, I walked out of the theater that day positive that somehow, I could reach the stars, if only I believed hard enough.”
Now, in his adult life, Walks has transformed that inspiration into a career. As a full-time artist and teacher of design and illustration at the Billings Career Center, his busy days are filled with teaching his students, working on illustration projects, spending time with family and, of course, watching movies.
“Mostly, I'm inspired by stories, and by the same themes that have inspired humanity forever—adventure, heroism, nobility and innocence—that type of thing,” he said.
Walks’ illustrations and designs have become prominent images for clients including Lucasfilm, Paramount, Time/Warner, Disney and Marvel, and he vividly recalls when it all began at Northwest College.
“I remember learning from John Giarrizzo (associate professor of drawing and painting at NWC). I remember the newness and size of the art studios. I remember loving Cody Hall—which was brand new—and being an RA there,” Walks explained.
“I was in a ‘New Wave’ phase when I went to NWC, and I remember people being puzzled and irritated by my amazing mullet and skinny neckties,” he joked. “I remember my car overheating just outside of Frannie and pouring three quarts of Gatorade in my radiator to get me the rest of the way to Powell. I loved my NWC experience.”
As an alumnus, Walks offers this piece of advice to current Trappers: “Have fun, but remember that the things we do in our youth can affect the way we live our lives as adults. Think about the consequences of your actions before you take them. Also, don't ever, ever be afraid to try. If something seems interesting—try it!”
(Photo courtesy of Billings Gazette)