2009-10-21

Here is an interview with deviantARTist Rapsody. She does some really beautiful digital art, and here's what she has to say about it.

1. A bit about yourself?
A. I'm a mother/wife and my profession outside that is a computer aided draftsman. (Utilizing AutoCAD to draw equipment for kitchens and bars on a commercial scale. Sounds glamorous, not really.)

I was born, raised and remain in the Los Angeles area. I think it gives me a unique perspective on 'beauty' and art. As far as the extent of education it's 'some college'. B

Brief art instruction in middle/junior school and then more in high school (Freehand drawing, Commercial art, art basics) but nothing after that.

2. How long have you been an artist?
A. I want to give that stereotypical answer of "all my life" but really I'm sure I was more like eight or nine when I really sat down and started devoting time to being an artist. I particularly remember a trip to Oklahoma the Summer I was nine, where I illustrated a journal of the trip.

3. How did you get started?
A. I've always had a desire to create things, and I've always admired beautiful artwork/illustrations. I can remember as a child my favorite picture books were ones with really amazing artwork. My father is creative in a 'right side of the brain' sort of way. He's an artist and a scientist. But he never pursued art after my parents had children. My mother is very creative in other ways such as literature. I guess it's in the genes.
Art is not really my career. It's more of a 'hobby'. Though I think that category dismisses it to something less meaningful. Art is my escape. My relief from the daily grind and responsibilities.

4. What software do you use?
A. I primarily use Photoshop7 because I got it from a friend several years ago and I just haven't had the desire to upgrade. I've yet to really tap into its usefulness. I'm self-taught.

5. How did you get started digital anime?
A. I don't really see myself as a digital anime artist. If I understand it, anime is animation. Which is really not my forte. But if this is in reference to a certain style influenced by the animation art made popular from Japanese artists, then maybe a couple of years? I've admired the art style but never really attempted it myself until recently. I've always drawn in a more classic Western style. (whatever that means)

6. What inspires you?
A. Wow, lots of things! Mostly art by other artists. I can spend hours in art galleries and museums just admiring the workmanship. Technique is interesting to me. Color really draws me in and things that are very unique.
As I said a lot of things inspire me though-- music, film, what I see in the world.

7. What other artists do you look up to?
A. My long time favorites have been Nagel, Mistretta, Norman Rockwell, John Waterhouse - to name a few.

8. Any tips or tricks for aspiring artists?
A. Practice. I know, you've heard it before but it's the best advice I have. Learn all the technique you want but if you don't apply it and practice you won't improve.

I always keep a sketch book on hand. No matter where I am (love those 5x7 sized pads, or smaller) I have something to doodle on. That way if you are inspired by something then you can refer to it later when you have time to sit down and create.

Be willing to put some effort into your work. If you don't, it shows. People don't take artists seriously that don't put in the effort. You'll constantly hear things like 'I know you can do better'. Art is not fast food.

Try to have your own 'voice' in art. Your own style. That's what's going to make you stand out. Always be open to trying new things. The world of art and its many mediums is vast.

9. Anything else you think is important?
A. If you really love art, love to create then never stop. Do your best to keep it in your life.

2009-05-30

When I picked up Resident Evil 5 I had high hopes since Res 4 is one of the best games ever. Over all, the new Resident Evil has lived up to my expectation, especially in the multiplayer arena. The co-op play is a must, brining a whole new level of fun to the game: blowing apart faces with your friends. It also alleviates one of the games largest flaws, the irritating AI of your partner. I have 4 chapters to go and so far it's been nothing but ridiculously awesome boss fights, standardly awful Resident Evil dialogue, and some very unnerving ambience.

This brings me to another one of my small beefs with the game. Although the atmosphere in the game can be particularly scary leading up to an encounter with whatever zombified creature you'll have to kill, the second you encounter them and pull the trigger on one of your numerous weapons of death, most of the tension vanishes since you always seem to be exceedingly more devastating than anything you encounter. I feel unnerved right until the point when the licker jumps out and I blow it apart with my shotgun. It was scary until it showed its face, but then I blew it apart with extreme ease. Much of the "Oh Shit" factor held by a normal enemy in games such as Resident Evil 2 is gone. This is partly because the game is much more action-based, and also because you have the ability to replay any checkpoint throughout the game that you've already completed in order to gain more treasure and ammunition. Thus, the only thing keeping this a survival/horror game is the 9-slot limited inventory.

The story seems to be wrapping up all the loose ends of the series thus far, so this may very well be the last game in the series. The gameplay itself is incredibly fun, especially when playing with a friend either on or offline there is very little than can be said against it. The biggest grief I have with the game is that it seems to stray very far from the original source material. I mean, I'm not even killing zombies anymore.

Stay tuned for a full review later. 

2009-07-16

Summer tiiiiiime! And the living is eeeaaasy! Yup, that's basically been my life right now. Free time equals time for projects, equals lots of procrastination. We started our costumes for Connecticon, they're simple, we've had plenty of time, and we're totally behind  Question, do emoticons count as punctuation? I always kinda feel like they should because . just looks strange. Well, either way, the sisters are going as Harvest Moon 64 girls for Connecticon: Popuri = me, Elli = DuCiel, May = Haley. Haley's at a tricky age, because she's getting too big to be the little kids, but too small to be a normal person...there aren't many pre-teens in anime. We make due though. Mostly by sticking to the little kid side of things until the last possible moment.

So! I'll have a few items of merchandise at the SYS table at Connecticon! I hope... I'm making these really cute lion bags, but so far I haven't finished the first one, and I'm gonna need at least a few to sell. So that's the aim and we'll see how it goes. Anyway, come visit us if you'll be there!