Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

"Frequently Asked Questions"

I'll answer some common questions I get via PM:



1. What's up with the food banners in the PLAG auction ?
- You mean this above pic ? *laughs* There was a hidden message behind the creation of those banners. The reason why there were water droplets on the food was based on an old saying, "It's so good, it will make you cry." This was a reference to the talents of the various artists that took part in that auction. It's a confident stand of everyone's abilities, not a cocky one. It was quite a sight to receive PM's saying how "hungry" most people were during that auction. I also do food art which explains my avatar's attire.


2. What type of media do you work with ?
- Mechanical pencil, tech pens, dip pens, acrylics, watercolors, scratchboard, etc. As for digital media, I work with Adobe Photoshop 7, Illustrator 10 and InDesign 2.0.


3. What's the difference between a freelancing graphic designer/illustrator and a "fine artist" ?
- Graphic Designers, like many artists have methods to their madness. It's more than just designing a neat little envelope with a four color spot job. There's a lot of research I do prior to creating a project (fonts, company history, paper type, etc.).

In-house designers have the comfort of a constant salary, medical benefits, etc. This is a better way to start for those new to the field.

Freelancers like me on the other hand have a lot of freedom. However, there is a lot of responsibility that comes with being "independent". You have to take care of your own medical coverage as well as file for taxes. For those that are just starting, it will be hard.

For those that wonder what it takes:

* You need good communication skills.
* If you do anything that has to be printed (books, packages, etc.), prepress knowledge is a must.
* Knowing what software your client uses to send to print (QuarkXpress, InDesign, Freehand, etc.)
* Being proficient in your software. (If you do just anime art in Photoshop and you can't even restore an old photo or prepare CMYK separations, this is not for you)
* Think of ideas quickly.
* Work within a client's budget.
* Know how to run a business.
* Maintain a lot of discipline and professionalism. You can't whine about being stuck in a rut.
* Maintain a solid portfolio. Do not put weak pieces in it.

Mind you, we are not "sellouts", we're just everywhere.

4. Are macs only used for graphic design ?
-That's a HUGE misnomer. They have as many uses as a PC does. This would be a whole new thread of its own. For the sake of the auction, please don't start any Mac/PC debates here. Save your computer rants for the C&T forum.


5. What do you like drawing ?
- Mechs, Anime, Realism, Food art, Dragons, Demons, etc.


6. What don't you like drawing ?
- Ecchi, Scat, Shota, Lollicon, Yuri, Yaoi, Hentai, Guro, Furries. Every artist has their preference and reputation to uphold. Besides that, these things are also against the ToS.




Want to add a patch ? Here's the code: