Interview with Derek

Q1: Let’s start with the common question, if you can kindly introduce yourself.

Hello!  My name’s Derek.  I’m currently an engineer by day, then, I switch gears and become a freelance Illustrator/Fine artist at night.  What that basically means is; I’m very tired all the time.

Q2: How did you get into the field of your work?

Well, working in an office all day for the past ten years made me realize that I have to get back to my first passion, art.  I’ve always sketched, like any other artist, but then years ago I found a website called: conceptart.org.  I happened to see they had workshops where you could go and learn from fellow illustrators.  After I attended a workshop event…the rest was history.  I’ve been painting in PS ever since and just recently started to play with something older people call a “paint brush & oils”.

Q3: Do you have any current favorite artists, comic artists, photographers who may have influenced you to become the artist that you are?

Ha! Who doesn’t???  What’s funny is, I add more influences every day.  I guess I like the process of finding new influences/artists. There is nothing like hoping on the internet and discovering a new artist, and I recommend to every new artist to do the same.  Let’s see, some of my influences over the years have been: Illustrators– Frazetta, N.C.Wyeth, Donato, Boris & Julie Vallejo, James Gurney and Dan Dos Santos.  Comic Artists—Dave Stevens, Michael Turner, Kenneth Rocafort, Frank Miller and Jim Lee.  Fine Artists—Bouguereau, Sargent, Alma-Tadema, Rembrandt, Waterhouse, Daniel Gerhartz, Mian Situ and Morgan Weistling.  There’s plenty more, but that’s all I can remember off the top of my head.  And I’m adding more each day.

Q4: What are the main tools of your trade?

My main tools are Photoshop CS3 and an Intuos3 tablet.  But like I said above, I’ve recently been throwing real paint around.  I’m finding a love for both, digital and traditional art.

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’m a self-taught digital artist.  I recommend snatching-up any and all books, tutorials, workshops and videos that your bank account can handle.  Watch them, then, watch them again…take notes, and then watch again.  Also, let’s not forget the main learning tool, practice! I believe learning what’s already been done is an important part of being an artist, with “practice” taking up the rest of the time.

If there’s a certain artist you like out there, then, do some master studies of their work.  Master studies really helped me learn how an artist executed a particular piece.  And this can be done with traditional or digital art.  Just don’t try to sell the work or place it in your portfolio, these are just studies. And if the artist is still alive, then you might want to ask them before you do a study of their work.  Dammit, now I’m rambling! Next question.

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?

The quick answer is, no.  And here’s the long answer.  As artist, I believe you’re also forever the student.  What I mean is; My process changes with everything I do, I’m constantly trying something new and challenging.  If you’re not, you might have a tough time growing in your art.

Here are the do’s and don’ts of the way I work.  DO everything at least once when painting, and if something doesn’t work DON’T do it again.  I think if I stick by that, I might just become a real artist one day.

Q7: What are the biggest struggles you encounter as an artist?

I personally struggle with having the adequate amount of time to put into art each day.  Like I said before, I have a full time job during the day, which takes away precious art time.  But, you have to eat too, and without that job I wouldn’t be able to pay all my bills.

As an artist the biggest struggle I have is networking, which is very important, especially when you’re a full time artist.  I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wish I could devote more time to getting my art seen online.  Which is why I found this interview to be awesome, every little bit of advertisement helps! Thanks Khuan.

Q8: Do you have any other future plans that don’t involve creative art?

Sure, I’d like to start a family with my wife.  But you guys/gals don’t want to hear about that, you’re more interested in art, right?

Q9: Can you provide words of wisdom from your experiences for those who look up to you?

Words of wisdom…hmmm.  Well, never give up.  It’s as simple as that.  If your dream is to become an artist, then never give up.  It’s a sorry fact, but most artists fail because they think they’ll never be good enough.  It only takes one person to like your art.  Every art director is different; One might think your portfolio is terrible, but the next art director might think your portfolio is the greatest thing they’ve ever seen.  Don’t believe me?  Well, it happened to me.  So the simplest thing I can say is “Don’t give up”.  Work through it!

Q10: What do you think the future will hold for all artists from all backgrounds from now?

Allow me to consult my crystal ball for just a second…and there we go.  The answer you seek is “I have no idea what the future holds”.  But I do wish everyone luck in whatever endeavors they pursue.  And for me, I just want to produce the best art that I can produce…and hopefully there are people out there that’ll enjoy it.

Q11: 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? 

The best spot to find me is at my blog:   http://dcriler.blogspot.com/

I want to give one more thanks to Khuan for sparing space and time for me, and thanks to everyone else for actually reading through my mediocre answers.

Thanks,

Derek