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Ciruelo Cabral:
1. Tell me a little bit about where you were brought up and the area you
now reside at.
I was born in Buenos Aires , Argentina in 1963. The economic situation was
always hard for me during my childhood. I didn't even have the basic tools
to paint and draw. However, I became a professional illustrator when I was
nineteen, working for an advertising agency. In 1987 I moved to Spain with
mi wife, where we still live.
2. What are the basic steps to becoming such a wonderful Artist?
There are not many secrets in this field: the hard work and dedication is
the basic component to an artist's career. I would reccomand a good teacher
as a guide too, that's something that I didn't have. I learned basically
from artbooks but I would have saved time if I would have study with a good
painter from the beggining.
3. If you were stranded on a desert Island, what things would you want to
have with you?
Books to read and paper and pens to write and draw. Also a guitar.
4. When did you develop the first piece of art that you were truly proud
of? What was it?
It was a piece called Engendro that I painted when I was 16 for my rock
band. That illustration shows the strong influence that Roger Dean had in me
at that time and the relationship between art and music.
5. What are your biggest inspirations? Which are your favorite Artists?
As I have just mentioned Roger Dean is a great influence, others are:
Michelangelo, Alma Tadema, Bouguereau, Brom, Nine, Chichoni, Frazetta, and
so on.
6. Do you listen to music when you paint? What kind?
Music is very important in my life and it's also a big influence in my art.
I always listen to music when I work but I also play instruments myself:
guitar, bass and keyboards. I really like all kind of music: Argentinians
like Spinetta and Lito Vitale, Beatles, Mozart, King Crimson, Yes, Genesis,
Pat Metheny, Steve Vai, Brasilian music: Djavan, Caetano Veloso...and so on.
7. How many hours a week do you devote to Art?
I work on art from 9 am to 1 am. That means: all day, seven days a week the
whole year. Since my studio is at my place my personal life is not separated
from my work. During the day I do many other things alternatively for that
reason there is not a strict routine in my life. I have two kids now who
take a great part of time of my attention.
8. What are some do's and don'ts that you can give to the up and coming
young Artists out there?
Finding a teacher is the first one. Then I would say, that if they want to
be creators, they should think that creativity has to be developed as if it
was a muscle, so, find the way to free your minds to be able not to block
your own creativity. Working hard is also important. Don't see art as a way
of making easy money, don't see your career as a race against others.
9. How do you see Art changing for the future?
The big change in art has been the digital revolution, however, the
traditional media will never disappear so, the most important thing will be
always the same: creativity and concept. There will be many new technology
developments that will open the ways to new artistic expressions but the
idea behind the work will prevail.
10. What challenges do you have yet to fulfill in your life?
My challenge is mainly to let my inner being to manifest. That's either
important for my art or my private life. I try to learn how to let my
inspiration flow. For that I would say that the main task is to break the
obstacles that the society tends to put to all of us. That's a diary
exercise.
11. How would you describe you style of Art?
My style is Fantasy Art. I want to depict the fantastic aspect of this world
and the technique is realistic.
12. Do you have a style that you like over your other styles?
One branch of my art is Petropictos, the art of paining on stone, a
technique I developed 9 years ago and that's very special to me because of
the very nature of the work.
13. What other studies, hobbies, pursuits or learnings have assisted you in
portraying your Art?
As I said before, music is very important as a source of inspiration.
Literature and films are also important. Studying the Nature has always
being my passion.
14. Tell me the history behind what I consider your best piece of
art....Flying Dark Dragon.
Well, I remember that I had that vision when I was riding a bike through the
hills around my place, actually I was viewing a beautiful medieval castle as
they are common in the Spanish landscapes. I usually have flashes or visions
that inspire paintings.
15. Tell me about the time you usually spend on studying your subject
matter.
I devote a lot of time to the subject matter on my paintings. For that I am
creating for myself now rather than working on commissions.
16. Do you feel as if you'll be leaving a legacy behind for other Artists
and Art lovers to cherish?
I hope that something of what I do can be useful or inspiring for others,
but my main goal is to learn about that endless universe that lays inside
our spirit. That's the source for art. And the source of knowledge. The
source of love too.
17. Where would you direct anyone if they wanted to buy some of your works?
If you want to buy some art I would just say: buy what you like best.
18. Anything that I may have missed that you'd care to comment on?
I travel to several conventions during the year because I like to talk to
people who like my work. It's the only moments in which an artist is in
touch with his public because normally our job is very solitary.
19. What's in the future for Ciruelo?
I'm preparing several exhibitions right now, where I show my Petropictos and
my paintings. I'm also writing tales and producing books with text and
illustrations. That's what I want to keep on doing in the future.
Thank you and good luck !!
Lauren K. Canyon:
- Tell me a little bit about where you were brought up and the area you
now reside at.
I live in a small town in the middle of the woods in New Jersey, USA. I've
been here since I was a toddler – it's quiet and boring and infested with various forms of woodland animals. I love it.
2. What are
the basic steps to becoming such a wonderful Artist?
Practice, observation, imagination, and motivation.
3. If you
were stranded on a desert Island, what things would you want to have with you?
A good book, a comfy pillow, and sunblock.
4. When did
you develop the first piece of art that you were truly proud of? What was it?
I've yet to create an artwork I've stayed proud of – I'm always happy with a picture when I finish it, but in
a few days or weeks I look back at it and I find all sorts of things I don’t like about it.
5. What are
your biggest inspirations? Which are your favorite Artists?
All of my artwork is centered around the worlds I've created for myself, which are also being written as novels I
hope to publish one day. So, in the end, although I am inspired by countless
things in the world, my main inspiration would be my own imagination. My favorite
artists are Linda Bergkvist, Katherine Dinger, Jean Tay, and Socar Myles. Much
credit must also be attributed to Mana, who is not an artist in the sense that he paints, but he is, in my opinion, an artist
of the highest caliber and I've taken a huge amount of inspiration from his music and his visuals.
6. Do you
listen to music when you paint? What kind?
Yes, nearly always. I mostly listen to visual kei artists Malice Mizer,
Moi dix Mois, and Dir en grey. I also listen to Tori Amos and movie soundtracks
from films like The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Requiem for a Dream.
7. How many
hours a week do you devote to Art?
As many as I can. Whenever I have free time, I'm either drawing or writing.
8. What are
some do's and don'ts that you can give to the up and coming young Artists out there?
Listen to criticism, practice, explore your creativity as much as possible.
Don't get stuck inside a box, don't let someone tell you want you want to draw is incorrect, and don't think you can
get away with never mastering the basics. No matter what style you want to pursue,
learn realism first.
9. How do
you see Art changing for the future?
Ah, who knows? I don't pay much attention to the world-wide art scene. I suppose that digital art will become more accepted and mainstream, but in terms
of what sort of art will be made… I've no idea.
10. What challenges
do you have yet to fulfill in your life?
I don't know, really… I'm still young; I have my whole life ahead of me.
I'll be going to college in a year, and from there I'll have to get a job and establish my own life. I expect to be challenged with finishing my novels for years to come, as well as forever trying to obtain
the level of skill I'd like to have in art.
11. How would you
describe you style of Art?
It's constantly evolving itself. Mostly dark, sometimes beautiful and
sometimes strange.
12. Do you have
a style that you like over your other styles?
I like everything from near-photorealism, painterly styles, conceptual styles, super-intricate styles like art nouveau
to more advanced forms of anime/manga.
13. Tell me the
history behind what I consider your best piece of art.... To Kill The Rain.
To Kill the Rain portrays the main character in a story I'm writing which will carry the same title. It's set in a world in which some people are born with a disease that the rest of society shuns them for. It's the story of seven individuals – three of which are afflicted with the
disease – whose lives intertwine. It's very relationship-driven, and many
of the characters have deep bonds with each other… but it isn’t a love story, it's a hate story. It's very dark. I felt I owed it a share of my artwork (which
is usually directed towards another writing project, a series that will be entitled Totem.)
14. Do you feel
as if you'll be leaving a legacy behind for other Artists and Art lovers to cherish?
Right now? No. But I hope
that one day, should I ever reach the level of skill I want to, I'll be able to.
15. Where would
you direct someone if they wanted to buy some of your works?
To myself, of course. I'm available for commission, I'll be selling prints
of my artworks soon, and I'd also be willing to sell some of my originals, depending on the piece.
16. What's in the
future for Lauren?
College. Aaah!
Carlos Cartagena:
1. How would you describe your particular style of art? How long have you been using this style?
Pin-Up art style and started it in 1990.
2. This is a rather juvenile question, but I enjoy the many different responses that I get from it. If you were stranded
on a far off island,what items would you want to have with you?
A lighter, a knife, a shotgun with lots of ammunition, and a gorgeous female.
3. When did you create your first meaningful piece of art?
Probably in the late 80’s.
4. Did you do well with art in school?
Yes, unfortunately only in Art!
5. What are your biggest inspirations and who your favorite artists?Who are your favorite pinup artists?
My biggest inspiration is Norman Rockwell and my favorite pinup artist is Gil Elvgren.
6. Do you listen to music when you paint? What kind?
Sometimes but it distracts me when I need all my full attention in my painting.
7. Is traditional art a 'lost art'? What direction do you think digital art is going?
Digital art is here to stay and will be the art of the future but I think that will always be that person that will want
to appreciate in person the detail of an original artwork made by hand.
8. How many hours do you devote to art each week?
Not enough!
9. What are some of the main do's and don'ts that you can suggest to the upcoming artists.
Do find the topic that you are pensioned about it and specialize in it and don't be all over the place with different
styles.
10. Could you see art going through more big changes as it did in the Renaissance and Pre-Raphael periods? In what ways
could you conceive these changes?
Life itself is always about change and I could never pretend to have any idea of where we are headed in regards to future
changes in art, sorry!
11. What other studies and interests are you involved with (outside of art). What makes Carlos tick (hehe).
I play some music with my piano not with my ear but more like by ear.
12. Tell me about your close up: Barbara Moore. I love the stylization and content of it. It seems like such a classic
pinup work.
Thank you Dale, you are probably talking about that specific composition, a big monochromatic portrait with a small full
figure pin-up next to it. I liked too.
13. Tell me about your close up: Flirt.
Just another girl of my dreams.
14. Without giving away all your trade secrets, tell me a little about how your art takes shape. For example, how much
studying and research at the point of conception.
Researching for the right photo references is a very essential criterion to the process and development to a good pin
up illustration. Take whatever time necessary to find the right photo references.
15. Modesty aside, do you feel that you could leave a legacy behind for other Artists and Art lovers to cherish?
At least that is what artists like me strives for.
16. Now, for the benefit of yourself and others. What link would people need to go to if they wanted to buy some of your
art?
Please go to: (carloscartagena.com/Contact.htm)
17. Anything I left out, or that you may want to expound upon?
It's really only up to you how good you can get in your trade, wherever that trade may be.
18. What's in the future for Carlos?
I need to recharge my batteries and create something new.
19. Finally: What challenges to you still want/need to fulfill?
To recover the control of my weight and good physical condition.
Thank you very much, I really enjoyed doing this interview. I wish you all the luck in the world! I hope we can stay
in touch.
Thanks a million Dale for your warm wish and I also wish the very same for you buddy, I am also apologize about my bad
grammar.
Rob 'Lunatique' Chang:
1. First off, tell me a little bit about where you were brought up and the area you now
reside at.
I was born in Taiwan, then moved to California in 1984. Then in 2001, I visited China and met a girl here then got married.
We're now waiting for her immigration visa so we could return to the States. I also lived in Malaysia for seven months from
2003~2004. I'm now still in Fuzhou, China, but am looking forward to returning to the States.
2. What are the basic steps to becoming such a wonderful Artist?
I have a pretty low opinion of myself as an artist these days, since I can't seem to paint the way I want,
so I don't know if wonderful is the word I'd use to describe myself as an artist. As far as giving advice to others, I think
as long as you love doing it, and remain passionate and work hard at improving, you'll get there. Seeking out knowledge is
extremely important--looking at the works of masters, reading up on the different techniques and theories about colors, values,
composition..etc, or posting your artworks in art forums and getting critiques. Working smart is always better than working
hard. Some people will draw/paint blindly for years, not knowing how to improve. They could've easily looked for a few excellent
books on art techniques and theories and learned far more in a much shorter time period. If you have the money, art school
is also a good way to learn--just make sure it is a good school with reputable teachers.
3. If you were stranded on a desert Island, what things would you want to have with
you? There would be no power on this Island.
A solar-powered generator, my computer, wireless internet connection, Wacom tablet, my Triton Le Music Workstation,
my camera, and my entire collection of CD's and DVD's, and a shelf full of all the unread books I've collected all these
years. I gotta have my wife there too.
BUT, if I must be without a solar-powered generator, then I'd just have the wife and the books. I'd like a typewriter
and a gigantic supply of paper too, so I can write novels/screenplays.
IF this was a plane/ship crash scenerio, then I guess I'd realistically only have the wife, whatever book I brought with
me to read, and the mp3 player I always pack whenever I go on trips.
4. When did you develop the first piece of art that you were truly proud of?
What was it?
It was when I was four-years old. I did a crayon drawing of Mazinger Z, an old anime giant robot. I knew then that I
could draw much better than the other kids. I was probably the only kid in the entire school that not only drew something
easily recognizable, but also with consideration to proportions and detail.
5. What are your biggest inspirations? Which are your favorite Artists?
My inspirations are not limited to art. I am inspired by films, television, music, photography, literature, life itself..etc.
Some of the most important inspirations for me as a creative person were:
When I was four~seven-years old - Japanese animation and manga (Doraemon, Gotchaman, Mazinger Z, Candy Candy..etc).
When I was nine-years old - Richard Clayderman's piano music.
When I was eleven~thirteen-years old - Choose Your Own Adventure books, Fighting Fantasy books, Robotech.
As a teenager - Anime (Macross: Do You Remember Love, A Wing of Honneamise, Urotsukidoji, Bubble Gum Crisis, Arion, Black
Magic M-66, Kimagure Orange Road..etc), Appleseed (the manga, not the anime), artists (Mikimoto Haruhiko, Yamashita Ikuto,
Masamune Shirow, Takada Akemi, Kamijo Atsushi, Jon J Muth, Boris Vallejo, Michael Whelan, Bouguereau, Naoyuki Ohnda, Umetsu
Yasuome), fantasy novels (Caught In Crystal by Patricia C. Wrede, Sword Dancer by Jennifer Roberson, Taming the Forest
King by Claudia J. Edwards..etc), alternative/electronic music (Depeche Mode, Bigod 20, New Order, The Sundays, 808 State,
Young American Primitive, LFO, Kraftwerk, The Cure, Front 242, Nine Inch Nails, Camouflage, Secession..etc), jazz fusion music
(David Benoit, The Rippingtons, Hiroshima..etc), Avant-Garde music (Sakamoto Ryuichi, In the Nursery..etc), anime soundtracks
(Macross, Megazone 23, Kimagure Orange Road, A Wing of Honneamise, Bubble Gum Crisis..etc), Japanese music (Psy-S, Boowy,
Barbee Boys, Morikawa Miho, Kawai Sonoko, TM Network..etc), Chinese novels, (Journey by Yun Ching, Night Frost by Zhu Qing
Juan, Rainbow Colorful Fly by Cheon Yau), films (Aliens, Black Rain, Bladerunner, A Moment of Romance, The Breakfast Club,
Michi, ..etc).
As an adult - artists (Richard Schmid, John Singer Sargent, J W Waterhouse, Jeremy Lipking, Pino, Chen Shu-Fen &
Common, Craig Mullins), composers (Debussy, Ravel, Satie, Sakamoto Ryuichi, Stravinsky, various film scores..etc), contemporary
music (B'z, Pig, Curve, David Sylvian, Lisa Ekdahl, Blossom Dearie, Hooverphonic, Korean music, and all the stuff I loved
as a teenager I still love now), films (Trois Couleurs: Rouge/Three Colors: Red, Un Coeur En Hiver: A Heart In Winter, Goodfellas,
Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans, Emma's Shadow, La Cite Des Enfants Perdus/The City of Lost Children, American Beauty, Sabrina
(the 1995 version), Pulp Fiction, Waking the Dead, Leon, Contact), animation (Kiki's Delivery Service, Iron Giant, Cowboy
Bebop, Golden Boy), TV shows (Firefly, Band of Brothers, The Sopranos, My So Called Life, Kids In The Hall, Tokyo Love Story),
video games (Half-Life, The Longest Journey, Counter Strike, Unreal Tournament, Aliens VS. Predator 2), books (Ex Libris:
The Confessions of a Common Reader, Wizard's First Rule, Smilla's Sense of Snow)
6. How many hours a week do you devote to Art?
Depends. Sometimes I go for months without drawing/painting anything. Sometimes, I paint 8~ 12 hours a day for weeks
straight. It depends on whether I'm inspired or have a deadline. Art is definitely not my favorite creative thing to do. I
prefer music, film, writing, photography..etc more than art.
7. What are some do's and don'ts that you can give to the up and coming young Artists
out there?
Do:
Acquire good taste. Technical proficiency is great, but if you can accomplish more than just make pretty pictures, then
your work will be even more worthwhile for people to look at. Inject your emotions, intellectual thoughts, profound statements,
or compelling narratives.
Don't:
Make excuses as to why you can't draw/paint your way out of a paper bag by claming that your artwork is filled with all
kinds of deep intellectual bullshit, or that technical proficiency is irrelevant. You need to learn your art foundation
as well as express yourself--not just one or the other. Even punk rock musicians can play their instruments well enough for
live gigs.
Do:
Remain humble and listen to critiques with an open mind.
Don't:
Be an ignorant and arrogant idiot by biting off the heads of people who gives you critique and offer advice.
Do:
Interpret reality by injecting your own creative flair.
Dont:
Smudge photos or apply filters to photos and claim that you painted it. Also do not blindly copy photos. What's
the point of being a human photocopy machine? Showing off your awesome rendering skills might impress some people, but you
will not impress the real advanced artists--because all the advanced artists out there can do it easily--so what else can
you contribute to the art world other than copying photos?
8. How do you see Art changing for the future?
Anyone who believes he/she could answer this question is a fool. No one can predict such a thing. Trying would just be
ignorant and arrogant.
9. What challenges do you have yet to fulfill in your life?
To finally find my true calling and be recognized in that field. At this point I still can't force myself to just
do one thing. I love writing, film, music, photography, but I've gotten tired of art and do not want to do it for a living
anymore. Ideally, I will write/direct feature films, then release a music album once every couple of years or so, do photography
as a passion, but not necessarily for a profession, and have novels published whenever I finish them. Maybe one day I'll paint
seriously again, but I don't know.
10. How would you describe you style of Art?
Idealized and ethereal.
11. Do you have a style that you like over your other styles?
I want to paint more impressionistic, but I can't do it. I'd love to be able to paint like Sargent, Schmid, Pino..etc.
12. What other studies, hobbies or learnings have assisted you in portraying your Art?
Everything in my life. Especially photography because the understanding of light qualities, focal lengths, and field
of view.
13. Tell me everything that you can about your Melancholic Princess work of Art.
Her name is Ruu, and she is the main character of a sci-fi/fantasy epic sage I wrote called Tellurian Sky. I hope
one day I will be able to direct it either as a CG feature film or a liveaction film. I wanted to make her the most idealistic
beauty based on my preferences in feminine beauty. I gathered some photos of actresses that I liked (Alexis Bledel, Rachel
Leigh Cook, Anna Paquin, Thora Birch, Athena Chu, and Katie Holmes) and layered them in Photoshop, and tweaked the
layers until I had a composite of someone that didn't exist, but looked somewhat real. I then used that as reference and painted
the Princess. She ended up looking quite different from the reference, because the reference was just a springboard to take
off from.
14. Tell me about the time you usually spend on studying your subject matter.
It's an ongoing process. I've been doing it since puberty--looking at everything around me. Studying how light reacts
to different materials, how clothing folds, the subtleties of body language and facial expressions..etc. For each piece of
artwork it's different. I really can't tell you. It's a part of the painting process--to constantly observe and correct your
mistakes.
15. Do you feel as if you'll be leaving a legacy behind for other Artists and Art lovers
to cherish?
I seriously doubt I'll have that much impact in the art world. If it'll happen, it'll just happen. It's not something
I think about or hope for. It's already wonderful that I get emails constantly from people telling me how much they appreciate
my work and how much I inspire others--it makes me happy that I'm doing for others what others have done for me. Creative
people influence and inspire each other--from one generation to the next, and one century to the next.
16. Anything that I may have missed that you'd care to comment on?
Every single interview I've done was about me as an aritst, but like I said earlier, art is my least favorite of all
the creative things I do. Why don't people interview me about the other creative stuff I do? Maybe it's because I haven't
accomplished as much in the other fields?
17. What's in the future for Rob?
I just want to be able to do what I love and make a comfortable living doing it, and
getting recognition/critical acclaim for what I do. I want to leave my art career behind and establish myself as a writer/filmmaker,
and do photography and music as hobbies on the side.
Thank you very much and good luck !! I consider you one of the finest Artists out there!
Thank you for the kind words. ^_^
Rebecca Cox:
1. Can you tell me a little about yourself, your family and the area where you grew up.
Well I grew up in Tampa, Florida (which I dearly miss), but now I live in North Florida near Gainesville. I'm single,
and I live near my parents and my oldest sister and her children. I also live with my older sister, who is disabled, and I
act as her caretaker. We live on her disability income and what little money I can scrape up with my art.
2. What are your primary personal interests? What is it that really makes Rebecca happy?
My interests are art (I've always been creative), music (I used to sing and play guitar, and now I'm teaching myself the
violin), reading books (especially really good science fiction), and movies. I have a huge collection of movies that I'm quite
proud of. I'm also crazy about my 3 cats, and I admit to a guilty pleasure of loving reality tv.
As for what makes me happy... take-out Chinese food wins me over anytime!
3. What studies, hobbies or learnings assist you in your art?
Well I had a few art classes in high school, nothing serious, though. I worked at a bank for 12 years and in my spare
time I did all sorts of creative things like oil paintings (I actually sold a few, too), I made and sold my own jewelry at
one point, and I created custom made teddy bears, too. In 1998 I was given the opportunity to leave banking behind and go
to school for graphic design, so I got my A.S. degree in 2000. I would love to go back for more classes in traditional art
and in multimedia production because I think you should never stop learning and growing. I think every creative thing I've
ever done has helped me trust in my own "vision".
4. What influences caused you to get into art?
I think probably my mom and my older sisters, but mostly my mom. I can remember at an early age watching my mom paint
with oils, and her paintings hung all over our home. My dad made my mom a custom art box and I used to sit and play with it,
and all the tubes of paints, brushes, and pastels inside. My sisters were both musical and artistic, so any kind of creative
activity was always encouraged. My mom always told me that if she hadn't had a family, she would have become a serious artist.
I think it gives her a little bit of pride now that I can say I'm a professional artist because I probably get whatever talent
I have from her.
5. What are the basic steps to becoming a great artist?
I don't know, ask a great artist. Ha! Seriously, I don't consider myself a great artist, there are so many more deserving
of that title. And as for steps, I don't think there are any specific steps. In my case it was just being very stubborn and
not giving up. I think determination to do something is about %90 of the work. I once had a complete stranger comment on one
of my images, and he/she said "She studies, she emulates, and then she becomes", and I was floored at how perfect
a description that was for me.
6. How could you best describe your art style?
You know, every digital artist always asks their friends if they have their own distinctive style, because none of us
ever think we do, and I'm no exception. But if I had to nail down a style, I guess I'd say modern fairy/fantasy art.
7. If you were stranded on a desert Island, what basic things would you want With you (there'd be no electricity).
No electricity??? Gah! Well I guess I'd need food, shelter, medicine, and someone I love to keep me sane. I'd probably
pick up a stick and try to draw in the sand...lol.
8. What was the first piece of art that you developed that you were truly proud of and wanted the whole world to see.
Every single piece, honestly. With each piece of art, I'm convinced it's the best I've ever done, and I'm proud of it.
Creating art is a journey, and a learning journey at that. Now I look back at stuff I did 7 years ago and I cringe, but at
the time I wanted to show what I created to everyone. I think that's only normal.
9. What are some important do's and don't regarding art in general?
Oh goodness, this is going to be like "do as I say, and not as I do" because I truly am my own worst critic,
but here goes:
Do:
Be proud to be an artist, no matter what leg of the journey you're on.
Never stop learning and improving
Network...talk to other artists, ask questions, make friends, hang out with them, whether online or IRL. They will be
more than happy to share their knowledge with you!
Practice, practice, practice.
Know when to back away for a bit. Some artists say force yourself to create when you're blocked, but to me, I have to
back away and relax and let it happen when it's ready. I'm guided by my muse and my muse does not like to be forced.
Don't be afraid to try new things or new mediums. If you're a digital artist, don't be afraid to try watercolors, or drawing,
or sculpture, or anything else. It's all a part of the journey, and remember, it's supposed to be FUN!
Don't:
Sell yourself short, underestimate the value of your talent. Don't give freebies (or VERY rarely). People don't value
what they get for free.
Don't be afraid to charge for your work. You wouldn't ask your friend to go to work in their office for 8 hours for free,
would you? Same thing.
Don't compare yourself to other artists. ( Ok, every artist I know does this, including me, but we know we really shouldn't
).
Don't be your own worst critic (and let the rest of us artists know how you did it so we can do it too!).
10. Who are your biggest inspirations?
Andy Simmons, who I'm proud to call a good friend. Linda Bergvist, Linda Tso, Nene Thomas, Jasmine Becket-Griffith, there
are so many up and coming artists right now that just blow me away. I also love the Pre-Raphaellites and Art Nouveau.
11. Do you listen to music when you paint? Which music?
Heck yeah I do!! Music puts me in the zone faster than anything else. I listen to anything that sounds good to me; The
Shins, My Chemical Romance, Chris Daughtry, Avril Lavigne, Nickelback, Hinder, Blue October, Mika, Evanesence, Breaking Benjamin,
and anything from the 60's-now. Probably the only thing I don't listen to is country and rap.
12. How many hours a week would you say that you devote to art?
It all depends on if I have a commission that needs to be done, or if my muse is being stubborn. It changes all the time.
I also take quite a bit of time bringing my disabled sister back and forth to doctors, so every day is different.
13. What sound advice would you give to young artists out there?
Don't give up, ever. No matter what anyone tells you.
14. How would you promote Sapphire Designs, your website, in a paragraph or two?
Digital fantasy and fairy art by Rebecca Cox, a person who daydreams too much, and tries to make others daydream too.
(Honestly I suck at promoting myself).
15. I tried to limit myself to commenting on two of your pieces of art, but couldn't. So I choose three. Can you tell
me a little about the piece: Joanna.
Joanna was created using a picture of an online friend named Joanna Nelson. The pic was just a head shot, but I loved
the way her hair looked, and I wanted to do a fantasy ballgown type of image. She kindly allowed me to use her image as the
reference, and she said she loved what I did with it.
16. Can you also tell me a little about the piece: Moonbeams. It evokes such wonderful feelings and the luminescent quality
of the wings are beautiful.
I think Moonbeams is by far my most popular piece, everyone seems to just love it. I used an image of Kate Hudson that
I saw in a magazine as a reference for the pose. She was sitting on a porch, but I thought it would be pretty to have her
sitting on the moon with all the stars around and gossamer wings. I got the inspiration for the wings from dragonfly wings.
I love how in the right light they look very opalescent and you can see so many different colors.
17. Can you tell me about a piece of art different from the first two.... EPII Premier. To have such a wonderful gift
to do illustrations like is truly amazing!
Thanks! Well I have to admit that I love Natalie Portman, she is an artist's dream. I see pictures of her and I want to
paint her, and I have done several images of her already. She's one of those people that you can zoom in really close on her
face, and the closer you get, the more perfect she is. I wish I looked like her!
18. How do you see art changing for the future? Is it for the better?
I think right now is a really exciting time in art due to the creation of digital art, and I'm proud to be involved in
the birth of a new medium. I do think it is for the better, although I think digital artists will be fighting for respect
for a while yet. The respect is given more to traditional artists, but I think that will eventually change. As for the future,
I think 100 years from now we won't even recognize what art has become, or the new mediums it will take. I think clothes will
become moving works of art, and that is already starting to happen with clothes that can show moving images. I wish I could
be around to see it, I love dreaming about the future!
19. On a deeper note, what do you feel you still have to accomplish in life? In Art?
Wow, you really ask the deep questions, don't you?? LOL Well in life I'm sure I will accomplish what I'm meant to accomplish.
I hope when I die I can look back and say that I learned lessons, that I grew as a human soul, and that I loved well.
As an artist, I would love to see the day that I have a gallery showing of my art, but galleries still prefer traditional
art. I'd love to see my art licensed in places like Hot Topic, too. I just want to keep growing and learning as an artist
and being the best I can be.
20. Do you feel that you'd be leaving a legacy behind, however big or small, with regards to your art?
If I do, it will be a small one. I don't in any way count myself as a "great artist" or a "great talent".
I'm just proud to be part of a new art revolution in digital art, fighting for the respect that digital artists deserve.
21. Who are your very favorite artists and why do you like them?
Well I love Linda Bergvist's art because it is dark and wonderful, and because the amount of realism she attains just
blows my mind.
I love Andy Simmons' amount of detail he can put in an image, especially his trees. He can show me a hundred times how
he does his trees, but I still can't do it the way he does. The man literally breathes life into his trees, and now he's doing
the same with oceans as well.
Nene Thomas can create the most amazing wings, and the folds that she puts in her dresses just make me want to cry, they
are so beautiful.
Kinoko Craft because she is just perfection.
I also adore Tim Burton's movies because of his unique style.
Honestly, all my friends are my favorite artists, too, because they are all so wonderful and unique.
22. Where would you direct someone if they wanted to purchase some of your art works?
They can purchase my art as prints, or on different merchandise like bookmarks, mousepads, t-shirts, notecards, etc, by
visiting my page at Ellen Million Graphics located here. (http://www.ellenmilliongraphics.com/fantasyart/emgartist.php?profile=25)
If they would like to purchage packages of my images to use as Paint Shop Pro tubes, signature tags, or email stationary,
they can visit my page at CILM located here. (http://www.creativeimagelicensing.com/a-n-p/c/cox/rebeccacoxpackagea.shtml)
They can also see my artwork in the 3d game "Intrigue at Oakhaven Plantation" which can be purchased here (http://www.mysterymanor.net/Oakhaven/index.htm).
I created all the inside rooms in the plantation and all the graphics for the individual games and puzzles inside the game.
23. What's in the future for Rebecca?
Hopefully more commissions and sales so I can pay my bills...lol. I did work on a 3d role playing game last year, and
it was such a success that I've been asked to do all the graphics for a new game this year, so I will be working on that in
between doing client commissions, and creating my own art. My website is also desperately in need of a new design, too.
24. Is there anything that I may have missed that you would care to comment on?
Save the whales!! (Just kidding). I'm flattered and honored that you wanted to interview me, and I hope I haven't been
too boring!!
No you haven't been, Rebecca. It's been nice interviewing you!
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