Brushstrokes of Inspiration: Unveiling the Artistic Fusion of BGaming and IAMEELCO

The long-awaited iGB Live exhibition in Amsterdam is just around the corner! We can’t wait to showcase our amazing portfolio of freshly-baked gambling games to booth visitors and are excited to share our plans for upcoming releases. And of course, BGaming will astonish delegates with a unique collaboration with a local artist!  Welcome to BGaming's exclusive interview with the amazing I AM EELCO.

As we gear up for the highly anticipated iGB Live event in Amsterdam, we are thrilled to have Eelco van den Berg aka I AM EELCO, one of New York City's Top 10 street artists, joining us in this conversation. BGaming recently announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Eelco, where he will be bringing his artistic prowess to some of our most beloved characters from popular games like Aztec Magic, Elvis Frog in Vegas, and Book of Cats.

Renowned for his exceptional talent and recognized for his awe-inspiring artwork commissioned by brands like Philips, Levi's, Jack Daniels, and Heineken, Eelco's unique style and vision have captivated audiences around the world. Beyond his artistic endeavors, Eelco also imparts his knowledge as a guest lecturer at the prestigious Willem de Kooning Academie.

In this interview, we will delve into Eelco's creative process, his thoughts on the collaboration with BGaming, and the incredible journey that lies ahead! 

1) Can you tell us a bit about your background and what influences your work?

I've been drawing since I was a young boy, and in the late 80s, I got into graffiti painting. Graffiti has had a significant influence on my work. Additionally, being a skateboarder, the graphics of late 80s skateboarding have also played a major role in shaping my artistic style.

2) How did the collaboration with BGaming begin and why did you choose to work with them?

When BGaming reached out to me, I found it intriguing to participate in a collaboration that I had never experienced before. It was an opportunity to explore new creative avenues and see how my own style would transform their content. The challenge of adapting their work into my artistic vision excited me, making it a compelling project to undertake.

3) You will be creating artistic representations of some of BGaming’s most famous game characters ahead of iGB Live in July. Can you tell us how you will recreate them in your artwork?

The process typically starts with sketches. For many of them, I rely heavily on intuition - the less I overthink, the better the outcome. The artwork will revolve around inspiring themes, sometimes guided by the flow of nature. Even during the creation of sketches and final artwork, there may be adjustments made along the way. I am currently immersed in the work, feeling confident in the choices I'm making!

4) Which of BGaming’s titles are your favorite from an artwork point-of-view and what do you like about them?

I particularly enjoy the Aztec-themed titles. They resonate closely with the style of work I typically produce.

5) What do you think of game design across the online gambling industry in general?

Well, my son plays a lot of games! It's interesting to see how game design has evolved over time. When I was a kid and first encountered games, they were entirely different. Nowadays, some game designs can be highly intricate, sometimes even overly detailed. My son plays games, and there are times when I don't even know where to begin. Overall, I find it fascinating because the design and illustrations draw you into the experience. Games have certainly evolved.

6) What were your favorite collaborations and artworks you made so far? Can you tell us more about them?

One standout collaboration was with an individual from Canada who purchased an old castle and transformed it into apartments. The castle was situated in the middle of a forest, making it a truly unique living space. I was asked to paint a mural on the castle, and it was an incredible experience. I've also created several skateboard designs that I am quite fond of, as I have a deep appreciation for old-school skateboarding. With numerous projects under my belt, it's sometimes challenging to recall them all. However, I always strive to keep my artwork engaging and avoid repetitive patterns.

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Want to be the first to witness the results of our collaboration with the extraordinary artist and get an exclusive gift created in partnership with I AM EELCO? Make sure to visit our booth N62 at the iGB exhibition from June 11th to 14th in Amsterdam! You can meet our team and schedule a meeting right now by clicking here.