Q1: Let’s start with the common question, if you can kindly introduce yourself.
My name is Lukasz known as Drake. I’m 21 years old photo manipulator from Poland. Currently I’m studying IT Technology on the Military University of Technology in Warsaw.
Q2: How did you get into the field of your work?
A long time ago… I decided to create signatures for my friends from some polish forum. They said “Awesome!”, so I created more and more. I noticed I began winning competitions on the biggest polish graphic board – GrafArt.org. The rest is easy to provide – I’ve made lots of small pieces and at some point my imagination had not enough space. That is when I’ve started with manipulation.
Q3: Do you have any current favourite artists, comic artists, photographers who may have influenced you to become the artist that you are?
Lots of artist shaped my style, but I think the people from Slash3 and Intrinsic Nature are worth to be mentioned. Currently I’m a member of IN and this membership brings me lots of useful experiences.
Q4: What are the main tools of your trade?
Photoshop CS5 and Tablet Bamboo One for now.
Q5: How was it for you to learn the process of that? Did you teach yourself, take classes or learn from other existing artist’s tutorial?
I mainly teach myself, but some effects I knew from online tutorial. In my opinion experimental work are very important during searching own style.
Q6: Do you think its possible for you to describe the process of your art style, what are the dos and don’ts, the important aspects you set yourself to achieve your style of design?
Some times per week I browse lots of stocks from the web. When some picture brings some an idea for a manipulation, I download it and expand the concept using more photos. After that it’s time for playing with light and colours. When I haven’t time for full manipulation, I often retouch my friends’ photos.
Q7: What are the biggest struggles you encounter as an artist?
Even you aren’t appreciated and awarded you have to do what you love and do everything in order to become the best.
Q8: Do you have any other future plans that don’t involve creative art? Would consider working outside that field and into something new?
After courses in studying, I hope to get job as a programmer. But I am also seriously considering about creating computers games. I know one thing for sure, graphics will be part of my life forever and even If I’m gardener, after work I’ll manipulate flowers from my photography.
Q9: Do you have any personal mottos, quotes or existing quotes that motivates you to do what you love doing? Can you share it with us or provide words of wisdom from your experiences for those who look up to you?
Unfortunately I haven’t, but I can say that when you do what you love, you don’t need anything else.
Q10: To round off the last question, where can your fans and new fans find updated news and progress from you, - Where can we find you?
http://drake1024.deviantart.com/ – my devianart, there are all of my artworks
www.facebook.com/drake1024 - face book’s fan page
wiktorzak.com.pl – new personal portfolio, finally I would like to thank Khuan Tru for the interview and look forward in receiving comments and critiques about my manipulation.
