Frequently Asked Questions Q: How long have you been drawing?
A: I've been drawing since I could hold a pencil. However, I've only been drawing seriously since 1996, roughly.
Q: What program(s) do you use to paint with on the computer?
A: My website contains many works from me, both new and old. Many of my older works were created with Adobe Photoshop LE. Photoshop LE was a program I got free with my first graphics tablet, and is basically a low-end version of Photoshop. Then, in 2001, I got Painter Classic. Painter Classic is another program I got free with my Wacom tablet, and was a low-end version of Painter. Then, in 2003, I was able to get the full version of Painter 7. Painter is a wonderful program that replicates real media extremely well, and I produce all of my current digital works with it. (Corel's website) If you're curious about what a Wacom or a drawing tablet is, please visit my links page and follow the link to Wacom.
Q: So you use Painter/computer programs to draw with for your digital art. Isn't that cheating?
A: In my personal opinion, no. The computer does very little to no work for me. I'm not rendering, I'm painting. The computer doesn't create the image for me. For anyone who's used computer art programs, you know how hard it is to get drawings in it to look like "paint" and not artificial. Painter helps in this aspect, because it "acts" like real media; it seems like you really are painting with oils or watercolors. I can't really stress enough that I approach Painter basicaly the same way I would approach a blank canvas with oil paints. I couldn't draw with Painter like I do if i didn't know how to paint on a real canvas first!
Q: I don't understand Photoshop/Painter/etc! Will you teach me?
A: As much as I would love to take time to spend with anyone to help them out with this, I simply ddon't have the time and resources to do so. There are hundreds of Photoshop tutorials out there on the internet. I've seen some really excellent ones, and have posted links to them in my links section. I've done a few simple tutorials for those who are interested in how I personally use it. Remember that computer art programs, like all art mediums, take patience and hard work to master. It's best if you learn your own style when using it, if you intend to get into art seriously.
Q: How long do drawings take you?
A: This varies a great deal, depending on detail, and subject matter. As a general rule, the more detailed, the more time was spent on it. Also, things that I'm unfamiliar with will take much longer to draw. This is because I usually do research on them, and it takes me a while to get used to drawing unfamiliar things. Size of the image is also a huge factor. The bigger the image, the longer it took. The longest I remember working on a single piece is over 100 hours.
Q: How did you learn to draw?
A: I taught myself. I didn't really do it with the intention of becoming a "good" artist. I just felt the need to capture my ideas and thoughts down on paper, and the world I saw around me. I just sketched and drew, a lot. When I got the internet in 1996, I was introduced to a much broader art world, and then I decided that I wanted to start disciplining myself to become better, so that I could truely capture what I saw in my imagination. I analyzed everything. When I saw a picture I liked, I would ask myself several questions. Why did I like it? What caught my attention about this image? By figuring out the answers to this, I could apply them to my art. If I liked the fact that an image used dramatic lighting to achieve a certain mood, then I would experiment with dramatic lighting. If certain color combinations, such as purple/yellow, caught my attention, then I would try drawing with those colors. I taught myself why certain compositions looked nicer than others. I worked like mad. It didn't come easily. I was harsh with myself. If I didn't like a drawing, I wouldn't just say "this bites". I'd ask myself what I didn't like about it and how I could prevent it in my next drawing. I studied animals, birds, in particular, to make sure that I got them right. I worked to get to this point, and I'll continue working at it forever.
Q: Do you take commissions? Do you do art trades? Will you draw my character for me? Can I get a free drawing?
A: I sometimes take commissions, please contact me! As for trades and requests, I'm usually unable to do trades due to time restraints, and it is with regret to say that I'm unable to do free artwork any more.
Q: One of your drawings looks kinda like my character. Can I use your drawing?
A: It really depends on what you're doing with it! Email me and we'll talk. Even if I wanted to, some of my drawings don't belong fully to me, and I am not allowed to let people use them, so it's really best to check with me. Scroll down for more info on usage.
Q: I'm setting up a webpage / writing a report on (gryphons) and want to use one of your drawings to demonstrate what a (gryphon) looks like. May I?
A: Actually, this is covered in the "fair use" area of copyright law. Because you are using the drawing to demonstrate a point, or to educate, it's okay to use it, as long as you don't make a cent of profit from it. I'd love it if you contacted me, too, and told me you were doing so, so that I could check it out :} Remember that you need to credit sources, too.
Q: How else may I use your art? Can I use it for my computer desktop?
A: Saving art on your computer for your own enjoyment is perfectly acceptable as long as it goes no further than your hard drive or computer desktop wallpaper. The moment you print, recreate, repost, republish, or otherwise spread share or sell my work is when it becomes illegal. If you would like use my art to help you practice drawing, go right ahead: but re-drawn, copied, or directly referenced art may NOT be reposted or published anywhere in any format; it's okay to use to learn, but keep it for yourself and create originals to share with others. AT NO TIME IS IT PERMISSIBLE TO RESELL MY ART IN ANY FORM (prints, on merchandice, or services). AT NO TIME IS IT PERMISIBLE TO CROP OR ALTER MY ARTWORK. AT NO TIME IS IT PERMISSIBLE TO REPOST MY ART UNDER ANY NAME BUT MY OWN. Reselling my artwork in any form without my permission will be met with legal action. If you wish to use my work for a website, forum signature, avatar, icon, or any other means, you must obtain written permission directly from myself. At no time can I be responsible for the content of any webpage that displays my artwork. I reserve full rights to request that my artwork be removed from any page at any time. I never allow the alteration, cropping, editing, resizing or other modification of any of my artwork. Unfortunately this means no, you cannot crop or resize it to use as a forum signature, or for web graphics, or for an icon or stationary. Violation of any of these terms will be dealt with swiftly. If a violation is found and the user is non reponsive or uncooperative, I have no problem going directly to a webhost or ISP. I don't play around- artwork is my mealticket and I take it seriously. I'm really not mean- in a worse case scenario I'll just politely ask you to take the image down. If you like my work, please just link to my website, or take the time to write to me for permission. I usually grant it! Please respect artists and their work. You wouldn't take your neighbor's or friend's stuff without permission, so please don't use art without permission.
Q: I want to buy one of the things you have listed for sale on your webpage. How do I do that?
A: First, THANK YOU! Just email me saying which work you are interested in. Once we've settled that you want to purchase seriously, then we'll exchange addresses. You'll send the payment, and as soon as I recieve the money, I'll package your bought artwork up and send it to you. Buyer to pay shipping and handling.
Q: How do I know you won't rip me off??
A: Well, this is based upon a trust system. You'll have my address, and if you feel it's necessary for your buying safety, then I can provide other information as well. I have dealt with many people in the past, and haven't had a complaint yet. If you like, I can provide reference to them. I will do everything in my power to make sure you get your artwork! However, I cannot be responsible for lost articles in the mail, including payment, so always be sure to keep receipts for money orders and the like. I can insure anything I send, as well, for a (small) fee. I'll do whatever I possibly can to make sure that things go smoothly.
Q: Is there any way to purchase a piece that isn't listed for sale anywhere?
A: Possibly. Email me with your question and I'll see what I can do.
Q: I found some of your art on a webpage other than yours. What should I do?
A: Please tell me! Email me the page and where the image can be found. Often people use images without asking permission. Please tell me, I'd appreciate it to no end.
Q: Where can I learn more about you?
A: Essh, if you really want to. Just go here.
Q: What the heck is a gryphon?!
A: It's rather funny that you got this far without knowing this! Check out the Gryphon's Guild for more information on gryphons.
Q: Are you a professional artist?
A: At this time, yes.
Q: Have you ever had any work published?
A: Yes, I have had work published in a few fantasy and art related magazines in the past.
Q: Are you single?
A: I'm flattered, but no, I am taken! Please don't email me about this.
Have a question you don't see here? Contact me!
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