Why does your website look funny?

If you notice certain elements don't seem to be aligned correctly or certain graphics have out of place artifacts appearing on them, you probably are not using Mozilla Firefox.

What do you use to draw?

Blood.

But usually I use Open Canvas 1.1, Adobe Photoshop CS2 and good old paper and pencil. On the computer, I usually draw and ink all of my images in Open Canvas. I switch over to Photoshop to do most of my coloring. Occasionally I use things like Oekaki or drawing applets like you find on Sketchfu.com.

When working with traditional media, I usually draw in colored pencil then refine my pictures a lot with graphite pencil. I ink the images using a lightbox and a clean sheet of paper. Then I usually like to color with prismacolor markers and colored pencils. Otherwise I'll just scan the image into the computer and color digitally.

Do you have a drawing Tablet?

As a matter of fact, I do. I have a Wacom Intuos 2 and a Wacom Cintiq 21 UX (my baby).

How long have you been drawing?

For as long as I can remember. I've always loved the idea of being able to put anything I saw in my mind on paper. However, it did take me years before I could do my imagination any justice. And I'm still working on it.

During the summer before high school was when I really started thinking of art as a serious career path instead of just a kid's wild fantasy. I always did want to be an artist, but I never really understood the possibilities. Since then, I've been working really hard to hone my skills.

Of course, it's all thanks to the support I've had all my life. I was lucky to have encouraging teachers and parents to back me up morally and financially with whatever endeavor I seek to pursue. It has helped me to believe in myself, and that really is crucial!

Can I use your art on my website/for an avatar etc?

If you give me written credit or link back to this website / my deviant art account, it's all fair game. However, all of my work is my property so if you can not follow those guide lines, realize it's copyright infringement, and when I find out about it, I'll report you to somebody. :P Unfortunately, it has happened before a good many times.

Will you create graphics for my website?

Will you pay me? Send me an e-mail and we'll talk :)

Will you critique my art work?

First of all, in no way do I claim to be an expert on anything! But if you would like my opinion / advice, I'd be happy to help you out however I can. Send me a link!

Are you an Animation Major?

For some reason I get this question a lot. The answer is: not yet. :)

Do you take requests?

I do have alternatives, however. I accept commissions. Information is available here.

I also will occasionally accept prompts. The difference between a request and a prompt is, for one, that the direction a picture takes and how far it goes is completely of my own discretion. I am free to accept prompts when they suit my needs and I don't have to worry about who it's for or when it should be finished. In addition, since the finished piece will be for me, I don't have to worry about what is being done with the image after I present it. At the same time, if you don't want to spend any money, sending me a prompt may result in something turning up that you've been wanting to see :)

Will you do an art trade with me?

Maybe! It all really depends on... well, a lot of things. My schedule, obviously. The subject matter, of course, and what kind of mood I'm in. But it could never hurt to ask! :)

Do you do collaborations?

Yes, sometimes. Same thing applies as art trades, pretty much. But if you're interested in trying something, go ahead and send me an e-mail or a deviantnote.

In addition to two-part collaborations, I like to do OC 1.1 networking collaborations sometimes. So you might consider that too :)

Can I talk to you on instant messenger?

Yes. I use Gtalk and MSN messenger. Information is under contact :)

How do you draw _____?

Probably with lots of practice! Reference is always a handy tool. The more you draw from life, the better you will understand it. Before long you'll have a repertoire of visual information and it will be easier to draw without reference.

It's an important skill as an artist to be able to look at an image and figure out how it can be recreated. Once again, looking at real live examples, photographs and other artist's work is a really good idea.

 Though I'm certainly no expert nor an authority on any matter, you can find more information about the techniques I use by checking out the tutorial section :)

Will you make me a layout for my website?