Interview with Elena Dudina

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

My name is, Elena Dudina.

I was born in Russia. My father was a military, a fighter pilot. So, as you might understand, we moved a lot. I spent my childhood and youth from one place to another. From Estonia to Latvia, even from the Arctic to Ukraine and seven years in Siberia. Livin in Spain (Madrid) since 2002. My husband is Spanish and I love this country. I have always drawn and painted, since child. In 2004 started with sculpture too until I discovered Photoshop in 2008. Since then I work exclusively in this field. Think is the summary of everithing I did before.

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

I started dazzled by fractals. I soon discovered how was done and that took me to photomanipulación in all its aspects.

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

I like many photographers and photomanipulatiors but I see them as “colleagues” rather than as an example. My favourite artists are Salvador Dali and Hieronymus Bosch, if interested.

Q4: What are the main tools of your trade?

Just Photoshop and my tablet.

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 started with Photoshop Elements 5 and 6. Expending  many hours each day practicing with Tutorials. Test / error. I’m very stubborn, perfectionist and demanding myself. No hurry. When I tought I knew the program (innocent I) I went to my first photomanipulation course. Then two more for a total of about 200 hours. Most I know I learned there. I´m thankful.

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?

Most of the times I start with a wonderful Stock photo. Especially a model. When this happens I start to imagine her in any situation, who she is and work from that initial idea. I´m  ”forced” to give her to life, to tell her story. Then, often begins to have her own personality, to surprise.

Other times I just start mixing elements. The work goes changing as I assemble the puzzle. It is more self-sacrificing but also has its reward, surprise.

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

Not so many. I still do it as a hobby and I love what I do, so…

It´s different when I work for others. Sometimes do not like what they want but I have to do it, my way, but as  like. It´s a small negotiation. I’m getting used.

Q8: Do you have any other future plans that don’t involve digital art? Would consider working outside that field and into something new?

I never make plans. But I don´t think so, at least by now. I have to keep learning, improving my technique, develop my drawing … no, I do not think so.

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?

When I decide to do something I do it 100%.

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://elenadudina.deviantart.com/

http://www.behance.net/ElenaDudina

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001443970966