1. Let's begin with telling a little about yourself.
My background is in traditional illustration but since the computer came
along I've been fascinated with technology and trying to find ways to bring
my art onto the computer. I love the precision that vector art can bring so
that's the angle I've pursued.
I'm currently employed as a creative director for a local company creating
compelling online interactive health information.
I do freelance illustration in my spare time but not enough to pursue it
full time.
I'm also married and have one daughter and a dog :-)
2. How do you go about creating your pieces; what is your general creative formula?
I wouldn't say I really have a formula at all. In fact just the opposite.
I'm actually quite worried when I begin that it isn't going to turn out as
planned. I learn from one piece to the next and have been getting better
with each one I do.
A lot of the more realistic work I've done with the mesh tool can be
considered glorified tracing but it does take a lot of skill and knowledge
of shading and form to pull it off even though you are working directly over
a photo.
The other vector work I've done is less realistic and thus takes more
interpretation to pull off.
3. Whom and/or what do you find inspiration from?
I'm always looking at different things but I must admit my favorite subject
is the human form. So just about anything that has people in it inspires me,
I love to draw people. Drawing from live models is best but I've not done
that with a computer just traditional materials.
Magazines and the internet provide a lot of study and figure materials to draw from.
4. On the subject of your artistic style, who influenced you to start and who influences you today?
Early on I was a big Frazetta, and Vallejo fan. I also was a big fan of
Nagel and think his style today would be done on the computer.
5. Besides creating this beautifal art, have you any other Interests/hobbies ?
Thank you, I really appreciate that!
I would have to say my family comes first, I love spending time with them.
We're big into the outdoors like camping, mountain biking, tennis, soccer
etc...
6. What are your tools/programs of choice?
Illustrator is my workhorse tool. My day job as a creative director also
allows me to work with flash in combination with illustrator. But
Illustrator is definitely far and away my favorite program.
7. What tips could you give to aspiring artists, traditional and digital alike?
I would say draw, draw, draw! I wish I could follow that advice more myself!
Picking up pencil and paper and just whipping out some sketches of what you
like to draw is a great way to stay in practice for all the artwork you may
do. I truly believe that good fundamental drawing skills are the basis for
all good artwork.
As I mentioned before, I'm a big fan of the WOW series of books. If you're
looking for inspiration in a particular program, check these books out they
are usually pretty good!
8. What websites do you frequently visit?
I'm actually quite a geek and visit a lot of Mac related web sites. I'm a
big fan of the CGSociety, I also like to poke around Deviant art and some
design sites like digital thread and the like to keep up on industry trends.
My main illustrator site is illustratortechniques.com, I've written a few
articles for them so I'm biased but it is a nice site and magazine!
You've got a great site going with addictive hobby. When I get more time I
plan on digging into it more as well!
9. What are your plans for the future?
I really enjoy my work so I'll keep doing that as long as they'll have me. I
do enjoy doing freelance illustration on the side but since I'm not in a big
market I'll probably never be a full time freelancer.
I would love to do some work to put in galleries but so far computer art
doesn't seem to be a big seller since the "Original" is intangible and can't
really be sold.
10. Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions Dean, we wish you nothing but success in your future.
Thank you very much, I really appreciate the opportunity. Keep up the good |
