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ART
Q - When did you start drawing? Can you teach me?
A - Like a lot of other artists, I've drawn for as long as I could hold a writing implement - that's back to when I was 2 or 3. I LOVE to help teach people, but I really think it's best for artists to learn from LOTS of sources - art classes, personal study of textbooks, observation of things in real life, study of art through history, and so on. It's best to learn from a LOT of different things, rather than just one or two sources, because that way you're more likely to develop your own style. However, I can point you in the direction of some good books and tutorials; see the next question!
Q - Can you recommend some good drawing books or tutorials?
A - DEFINITELY! I HIGHLY recommend How to Draw Animals by Jack Hamm, as well as his Drawing the Head and Figure. Also excellent are The Art of Animal Drawing by Ken Hultgren and Animal Drawing Anatomy and Action for Artists by Charles R. Knight. All of those are inexpensive in softcover, too! For a different take on drawing, try The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. I've compiled a Recommended Tutorials Page, too!
Q - Can you give me some drawing tips?
A - Draw from life as much as you can, and draw EVERYTHING! Study light and shadow, color, trees, machinery, folds of cloth, bones and anatomy, anything you can find. Be open and willing to experiment and try new things, and don't worry about what other people are doing! Leaf through a book on art history. Take some art classes if possible (sometimes libraries offer them for free). Try out different styles once in a while. Don't be afraid to fail. Never stop learning! And most of all, PRACTICE!
Q - What do you use to draw and paint?
A - I LOVE LOVE LOVE mechanical pencils, like the Quicker Clickers by Pentel. I often use click/stick erasers like the Sanford Tuff Stuff and Pentel Clic Eraser Stic. I like to use gray-paper stumps or tortillons to blend pencil. RSVP pens are great, too! I'll draw on almost anything, but I most often use bristol, illustration board, or cardstock, and sometimes specialty papers for fun. My most favorite sketchbooks in terms of great quality paper, interesting covers, size range and convenience of use are the beautiful ones made by Michael Rogers Press (you can also find them in art supply stores and bookstores in the journal section). I LOVE to paint in oil, but because I don't have room to let paintings dry, lately I've been using gouache and watercolor. I also used markers and colored pencils a lot in the past, but nowdays I've been using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Streamline to color art more often. I have a weakness for woodburning (pyrography) as well.
Q - What sort of art classes did you have?
A - I really didn't have special art classes when I was growing up. Though we moved around a LOT, my parents tried to send me to some art classes here and there, but I repeatedly ended up quitting because the instructors usually taught by having me copy things (and I didn't think copying = learning). I didn't go to a special art high school or anything, either - I was too tied up with Honors classes, and my high school didn't offer much in the way of an art department. So, I did a lot of learning on my own - which I'm glad about (this was pre-internet, too); that allowed me to develop my own style, not worrying about trends or what sold or whatever. Since I was very private about my art and very shy, not a lot of people knew I drew! However, I apparently learned enough on my own to get into art colleges, where I thoroughly enjoyed drawing and painting classes, life drawing, design workshops, color theory, typography, and more.
Q - Did you copy *insert pic name here* from a book?
A - That must be the #1 question asked of artists! For me, I get bored REALLY easily, and few things bore me more than copying; I usually end up doing my own thing. I use photos for references, certainly (it's necessary for many things at work, and a great way to learn!), but for personal art I rarely will copy a whole photo (many of my creatures I made up, anyway). However, if I use a reference or am inspired by something I try to be truthful and give credit where it's due. It's only fair!
Q - Is your mom / dad / brother / relative an artist who taught you?
A - No, but I have to say I am extremely grateful for all the ways my parents helped and encouraged me along the way! They took me on trips to zoos and museums and libraries, bought me art supplies when they could, and gave me all the support any growing artist could ever ask for. I'm very thankful for that!
TECHNICAL
Q - Is Synnabar based on *insert animated character / videogame creature / character from a book / RPG game / consulting firm here*?
A - No, she is most definitely my own creation! I've been drawing her for decades now. She's sort of a symbol of things I like (fire, the color red, leopards & big cats, dragons, horns, etc.) and things about me (gold mane like my blonde hair, blue eyes like I have, 11 horn segments and 7 tail rings for my birthday - 7/11, and so on). I do NOT think I am really a hellcat! Any resemblance to any other creature is a coincidence - sometimes different people can have the same ideas about what looks cool. She's in no way related to or inspired by the RPG game "Synnibar" (I don't play RPG board games like Dungeons & Dragons, video games like Final Fantasy or online games like World of Warcraft - no time). or Synnabar Consulting; she's been around a lot longer (here's a cameo of her from part of an old college project from 1992 - she's in the upper-left corner), and I officially used the name "Synnabar" as an AOL screen name back in the early 90's, which as far as I know was before either the game or the firm existed.
NEW! - I have assembled a mini "Synn FAQ"; for more information and to see other images of her, see here. I'll be adding to it now and then.
Q - Can I make up a hellcat character, too?
A - Well, of course! I don't OWN the idea of hellcats any more than I own exclusive rights to Cerberus, night-mares, the Chimera, Anubis, werewolves, dragons, etc. They're just creatures of myth and legend, and ANYONE can draw them. Just use your own ideas of what appeals to YOU!
Q - Can I use your art on my site?
A - Sure, go right ahead (I'd be honored if you did!), as long as you don't alter or copy it, and you leave my name on it, and don't sell it or whatever. A link back to my site would be cool, but it's not necessary. For more info please see my Art Usage page. NOTE: NEW! If you plan on using my art for tubes, signatures, brushes, etc., you DO NOT have to email me! See my Art Usage page for info.
Q - Can I use your art for my avatar / character info picture / logo / etc.?
A - Well, that depends. A lot of my art lately has been FOR other people, OF other people's characters, so if you had something in mind it would be best to contact the character's owners or creators before using an image for your own avatar. As for Synnabar, since she symbolizes things about me and things I like, it would be silly for someone else to use her as she doesn't represent anyone else but me.
Q - Where did your Guest Art section go?
A - I really love and appreciate all the gorgeous, thoughtful works of art people have done for me, but I had such a hard time keeping it updated! So, to avoid hurt feelings from people who didn't see their work up, I took it down for now. Maybe someday I will have the time to update it all, though!
Q - Where did *insert picture name here* go?
A - As I do new artwork, I'll take down older images to make room for new stuff. However, a lot of my older art can be seen in my Archives; just look for the older dates.
Q - Can you draw my character for me?
A - I'm sorry, but I just don't have time! Please don't be offended if you email me and I decline - I hate saying no, but at this rate I have to, unfortunately. Maybe someday I'll win the lottery and do free pics for everyone (I would LOVE to draw for all of you - you've all got such great ideas and characters!), but for now I can't accept any new art trades, requests, or commissions.
Q - Can I link to you? WIll you link back to me?
A - You're welcome to link to me - you can use one of my banners (just download a copy to your own server), or make your own. However, I only have so much room to post new links and banners, and I don't update often, so please don't take it personally if I don't link back!
SUBJECTIVE
Q - How would you categorize your art?
A - I don't! I hate labels, because I think labels = limits, and I hate putting limits on art. I just draw what I like!
Q - What's your favorite kind of art?
A - I don't have a favorite. I tend to draw somewhat-realistically, and pay attention to anatomy, but sometimes I'll do really graphic, design-y stuff, or do some pyrography (woodburning), or just let my imagination loose. I LOVE to incorporate symbols, special colors, or elements from various other cultures (both ancient and modern) in my art, too.
Q - So if you do kinda realistic stuff, you don't like cartoony things, right?
A - Goodness, even though I may tend to draw certain things myself, I LOVE ART OF ALL KINDS! I love cartoony work, I love expressionistic stuff, I love cute things, I even like modern art. I love sculpture, jewelry design, and graphic art. You name it, I can probably find something to like in it. I like to stay open to art of all kinds, and I can appreciate the work that goes into art, no matter what the style. I think if you close yourself off to other kinds of art you're missing out.
Q - Why don't you draw "adult" stuff?
A - Well, I've had my share of life-drawing classes and I do think the human body is beautiful in all shapes and sizes. However, I just don't enjoy drawing "adult stuff" (though I do firmly believe people should draw what they enjoy, so if you like it, go right ahead).
Q - Who are your favorite artists online?
A - I do NOT have favorites - I try to see the good in everyone's art! :D
Q - What are your inspirations?
A - I am inspired by everything - music, books, woodgrain patterns on the floor, animals, motions, moods, color, dreams, movies and tv, ancient and modern art - you name it. if you'd like to see some artists who inspired me when I was growing up, see my Art Inspirations page. Note that I think "inspirations" are different than "favorites"!
Q - Do you think you're better than / worse than anyone?
A - Uh, no... I don't rank myself or compete with other artists. What's the point? Art is not a competition. I mean, really, unless you're actually in a contest, who is to say who's the best when we ALL have different opinions about what looks good? Besides, what's the point of doing art if you're only doing it to "beat" someone else? You end up spending more time worrying about what OTHER people are doing than actually doing art. Sure, it's good to be aware of what else is out there, and to continuously strive to learn and grow and do your best, but if you're only doing art to "beat" other people, are you really doing art for the right reasons?
PERSONAL
Q - Do you attend *insert Convention here*?
A - I really have a hard time finding time and money to attend Art Conventions, though it's great to meet so many wonderful people! If I do plan on attending any conventions, I will certainly let you know via my website, mailing list and LiveJournal. Sometimes I'll mail my art to a convention I am not able to personally attend, as well.
Q - Where's your height / weight / age info? Why don't you have a photo of yourself on your site?
A - I actually don't know what any of that has to do with my art, so I didn't include any of it. Some of it you can figure out if you "decode" Synnabar's appearance, anyway. Besides, I'd rather people liked / disliked me because of who I am, not what I look like!
Q - Are you free to talk / chat / be pen-pals?
A - I DO try to keep up with online things and be sociable, but really, I have a busy, offline life too - with a wonderful husband, pets, bills, errands, a long commute and a 9-to-5 job. That doesn't leave much time for socializing, so PLEASE don't be offended if I don't talk / write / reply more! Plus, I'm really shy. :)
Q - Hey baby, what's your sign?
A - *rolls eyes* Okay, now that's just silly! :D Thanks for reading this far - YOU ROCK! :D
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