Q: How do you adopt trends in the industry or do you ignore them? Why? 
A: Adopt/adapt or die… As long as the trends help make the process more efficient and the art more beautiful. If we don’t adapt – we’ll be a step behind. Gotta keep up!"

Q: Who encouraged you to explore an artistic path? Any mentors that stand out? 
A: My great Uncle Jack Barkla was my earliest influencer. He was an incredible and renowned artist in Minneapolis who literally pushed me toward my dream."

Q: If you could give thanks or credit to people in your life you feel you don’t give enough credit to - who would that be and why? 
A:
1. My wife Miriam – who has supported me every step of the way. 
2. My parents for supporting my meanderings when I was trying to figure it all out. 
3. My first boss + mentor PR Brown – who was a genius and a savant. 
4. Jack B (see above)

With a career that spans nearly 25 years and roots in both coasts, Peter Stark has carved out an impressive legacy in the advertising and design world. From his early days in New York and Vermont designing iconic Blue Note album covers, skis, and beer labels, to his nearly two-decade run in Los Angeles as one of entertainment design’s most inventive minds, Peter’s journey is as diverse as it is inspiring.

Peter's body of work speaks for itself, with multiple awards—including a Key Art Awards Best of Show (Star Trek) and a Grand Clio (Tar)—highlighting his remarkable ability to create visually stunning, boundary-pushing campaigns for nearly every studio and network. His hands-on approach to creative direction has led to over 100 renowned campaigns, blending artistry with strategic precision, and earning him a well-deserved reputation as a leader in the industry.

During our conversation, Peter not only shared his fascinating journey and love for his beautiful family—his two daughters, and his wife —but also offered some invaluable insights into the world of key art photography, an area I’m eager to explore more of.  Below are a few topics we discussed.

Behind the Lens with Peter Stark:
A Visionary in Entertainment Design