Q1: Let’s start with the common question, if you can kindly introduce yourself.
A: I’m an American Pin Up artist named Mike Renzine
Q2: How did you get into the field of your work?
A: I started out doing Sequential samples and showing them around. I knew a Marvel comic book artist and showed him some samples and he gave me a bad review. I got discouraged and backed off of doing sequentials. About a year later I was allured to the girls of Maxim magazine and a particular model named Kim Smith in particular caught my attention from the cover. I had to draw her. She is so Beautiful. Since I haven’t been drawing for the year I was rather pleased with my first attempt at Pin up art. And so came another pin up and another after that one. About a year later I was going to Studio on 46th and 7th that had a couple of the most Talented, Inspiring artists in comics even til today. And one of them said, I think you would make a Great Pin Up artist, I think this is yours if you choose to do it, because I mentioned that I’d like to draw comic interiors and he saw the energy and effort I was putting into the Illustrations pin ups and gave me something to think about for the next couple of weeks.
Q3: Do you have any current favourite artists, comic artists, photographers who may have influenced you to become the artist that you are?
A: Absolutely. Of course in the 90’s when I was living, breathing, sleeping comic books I followed the works of Todd Mcfarlane, Jim Lee, Marc Silvestri, Travis Charest, Jae Lee, the Great Michael Turner, Sorayama, Olivia, Steve McNiven, Neal Adams, Jay Anacletto, Shinkiro, and Simone Bianchi.
Q4: What are the main tools of your trade?
A:Technical Drafting Pencil, Vinyl erasers, dividers, French curves and circle templates, blending sticks, Bristol smooth 300 series, Velum for the drawing and Photoshop for the colors.
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?
A: I took about 2 ½ years of college courses in Fine Arts at Suffolk. I was working on a degree but dropped out. Then a couple of classes at the Arts Students League in NYC and the rest was self taught.
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?
A: I try for realism. Sometimes I miss the mark but I try to put as much detail in as possible. I try to visualize it finish when I start and then do the drawing in stages. The rough sketch, the corrections and tightening of lines, then details, shading and then the blacks. If you erase a lot, use a vinyl eraser, it’s easier on the paper. Jay Anacletto uses a smooth glass plate to rest his hand on when doing fine details so there isn’t as much smudging during the course of the drawing, I use a piece of paper and I get the same results. I always do the blacks last because of the softness of the graphite and there is less of a mess and when you’re dealing with pin point details like in the corners of the mouth or the eyes or under the breasts, the smallest smudges can throw them off, to me at least.
Q7: What are the biggest struggles you encounter as an artist?
A: Coming up with that WOW factor when figuring out, what is gonna’ draw the viewer into that world I’m trying to portray. I try to submerse myself in images of women and just get inspired and I have a particular taste in what I want to strive for and years ago all I did was look at women on line, in magazines, and I know what I like and most people seem to agree. It’s not just T-n-A, there are hips, there are different shapes, sizes and as many different ways to show them.
Q8: Do you have any other future plans that don’t involve creative art?
A: Politics? I’m very involved and listen almost 24/7. Not gonna run or anything, but I’m sure someone out there can use an artist like me for there campaign or just to get some points across. The world is ON FIRE and it is everyone’s duty to get involved because we all live in it and benefit from it in some way or another.
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?
A: A picture says a thousand words is one. I also think of looking at a blank piece of paper and mentally prepare where I need to put all kinds of information on there to create the picture. First of course is the concept and the drawing. Once I’m done with that phase I think in terms of shading. Looking at a lot of black and white photos help and I also convert images from color to black and white in photoshop to better understand the translation.
Q10: What do you think the future will hold for all artists from all backgrounds from now?
A: There will always be a need for artists thankfully. What I have noticed over the last 15 years is I’ve seen the ante being upped. Especially in comics. What I see is more use for them in all industries. Movies, advertising, newspapers, video games, magazines. Styles will come and go but I see the field becoming more disciplined and polished. Better networking, social media, art sites, ebay. Like in art the more you do it, the better you will be at 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?
A: http://www.Mikerenzineart.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Michael-Renzine/1245495695
Deviant Art http://www.mikerenzine.deviantart.com/
Q12: Ok this question is optional for you, you and I know that art theft is so common now in the internet world, so are there any words you want to share or shout at to those who steal people arts?
A: ABSOLUTELY PATHETIC BOTTOM FEEDERS!!! These are the people of the world that can’t make it on their own merits. They have to lie and steel and backstab the people that work hard. Now imagine what their soul is like. DARK. EMPTY. LONELY. FAILURES.
