...FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...

Q. I'm a writer, will you collaborate with me on a comic/comic proposal?
It depends. If you are someone with a publishing history and a potential publisher interested in the project (or you have contacts at a publisher), by all means, email me. I'm always looking for new projects. But if you're completely new at this comics thing, and want to put together a pitch and take that wild stab at getting it published, and would like me to work for free on this ... then no. It's so much work to do a comic pitch (I've done a few), and the chances of getting things published without contacts are slim. I can't afford to take part in something like that, especially for free.

Q. Can I use your artwork on my webpage/as an avatar/etc?
A. Things you can use my artwork for: as online icons, for whatever program you are using (BBSes, LJ, blogspot, whatever). HOWEVER, you MUST identify the work as mine, and when possible, provide a link back to my website. Personal usage, such as using artwork for wallpaper on your computer, printing out artwork to stick in your locker/on your wall, using artwork for a presentation in school, is also fine, but again, you MUST identify the work as mine. If I catch anyone using/posting my artwork online and claiming it as their own, I will not be happy. DO NOT PUT MY ARTWORK ON T-SHIRTS. If you see a T-Shirt with my work on it, please let me know so that I can try and find out what's going on. It's stealing to use someone's work to sell crappy t-shirts, and it's really upsetting. Please don't do this.

Q. How long have you been drawing?
A. About 9 years. I started my first year of university (back when I was just a wee English Major), and since I'm graduated and out in the real world .... yeah, that'd be about 9 years.

Q. How did you become a decent artist? (roughly translated)
A. Practice! As frustrating as this may sound, there's no quick road to becoming a good artist. You have to be willing to be obsessed, to sit down pretty much every day and practice your skills... Things such as lifedrawing and observing will help you, but being a type A personality and constantly carrying a sketchbook is how I learned how to draw.

Q. Can you help me/tell me the portfolio requirements for Sheridan College's Animation program?
A. Possibly. If you want me to look over a portfolio and make some suggestions, send me a link to it and I'll try to get back to you.

Q. How do you design characters?
A. Well, I don't actually design all that many characters... I used to, back when I had more free time, but now I'm more content with just drawing the characters I already have.
As for how I designed my D101 and Trilogy characters, I usually start out with a concept and try to fit the overall look of the characters to the idea. Story first, is what I always say (artists tend to differ on this, but I'm of the opinion story matters a lot more than pretty pictures).
Often times I'll look around in life for inspiration... I'll see a person walking by with a hairstyle I like (that's where carrying your sketchbook comes in handy), and I'll doodle it in my sketchbook ... I'll look through fashion magazines and watch movies whose designs interest me, and I'll develop a character from there. There's no such thing as a truly original design, so if you start off with something that's slightly derivative, don't worry. Just take the time to develop the design into something that's truly your own.

Q. How do you create interesting plots/stories/characters?
A. Maturity helps. ;) And experience.
In order to create great stories, go out and get life experience. Visit people you wouldn't normally associate with, read books you wouldn't normally read, view each experience as a potential story in the making. Delve into what interests you, don't try to preach or make a deliberate point in your storytelling, and just have fun. Don't expect a great story overnight; it takes a good couple of years to truly develop a plotline.

Q. How do you draw? Ink? Colour?
A. Everyone has their own method of drawing. There's no right way to do it, so find your own way; don't try and ape another artist.
I like to sketch with blue or red col-erase pencils. They're a soft lead pencil you can purchase from your local fine arts store (Currys, Loomis and Toles), and they won't break the bank. I tend to be very messy when I sketch, so I like these particular pencils, as they don't smudge as much as regular HB leads.
Ink is a more complex idea... I'm pretty good with ink, but that came with a heck of a lot of practice. I like inking with brushpens quite a bit. I use the refillable Pentel brushpens, and while they are expensive (around $20), because they are refillable they are worth it in the long run. I do not recommend any of the disposable marker pens (unlike the Pentel, they do not have an actual brush on the end, but rather a marker), but if you just want to try out something like a brush, the Faber-Castel brushmarkers are decent.
For colouring, I like markers a lot. I use a combination of Tria markers, Copics and Prismacolours. For important colours like skin tones, I use Copics, as they're lovely and rich. However, they're also massively overpriced, so don't buy many of them. For backgrounds and clothing, Trias and Prismacolours are just as good, and only half the price.
I also like a computer program called Painter, which I use to colour scanned black and white lineart. When colouring in Painter, I use a Wacom Tablet. They're worth their weight in gold.

Q. Can you teach me how to draw/colour/ink?
A. Sorry, but I'm just too busy. Many local colleges have after hours drawing programs, and I suggest you check them out. Anything that involves painting, lifedrawing or sketching will help. Any kind of drawing helps, actually. It's all about practice, unfortunately.

Q. Can I send you fanart of your characters?
A. Certainly! I love fanart. I'll be glad to get it. However, I don't normally post fanart on my webpage, due to webspace constraints, but you will still get my gratitude. :)

Q. Will you exchange links with me?
A. No. I don't do link exchanges. You are always welcome to ask me to look at your site, but unless I absolutely adore your work, I probably won't link you. This is a personal site, so I only link those that I personally like.

Q. Will you draw my characters?
A. Not unless you pay me, and I don't normally accept commissions anymore. If I do have an opening, I'll announce it on my blog, so keep an eye on that.

Q. Will you do an art exchange with me?
A. Generally I don't do these anymore (just because I'm busy and whatnot), but you're always welcome to ask.

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