Tuesday, November 15, 2011

F.A.Q.'s


OK, wanted to answer a few common questions I get. Also wanted to post this Spider-Man piece. The two have nothing in common, but that's just the way my brain is working today.

1. What is you technique?

Fairly simple. Pencil, ink, graphite, and ink wash. I still do things fairly traditionally. The drawings go from lose pencils to line art form in ink. From there I render on top of the ink with pencil and then go back on top of that with ink wash to darken areas further and blend. In the past few months, I've integrated the CINTIQ into my process, but mainly just for pencils and colors. I've been experimenting with laying out things digitally so that I have more freedom to play around. It's been very liberating, and hopefully will allow the drawings to have more life at the end of the day. I then print them out on board, ink them and finish rendering the same way as before.

2. What tools do you use?

F and B pencils, microns for line work and Da Vinci synthetic brushes (They only last a few pages but I love the way the ink flows). Ink is Windsor Newton. In the computer I use Photoshop and occasionally Painter.

3. Do you use photo reference?

Yes, when I can, though I like to keep things as reference free as possible. Sometimes I'll take a quick photo in photobooth of myself if I need to see how gloves or sleeves fold, and for covers I've taken full on reference when dealing with particularly tricky poses. Generally, though, I'm very lazy when it comes to shooting ref. I like to draw things first and then use a picture after wards to tweak and add little elements of chaos I wouldn't have thought of. This seems to be the best way for me to avoid things looking too overly photographic. Also, it's great ref for your ref. ;) Obviously, there's a lot that you just can't photograph. Batman is a perfect example. He comes from that fucked up place called my head.

4. Do you think Carlos D'Anda is one sexy mofo?

Yes.

If anybody has anything else they'd like to know, ask below and I'll try to answer them from time to time.

8 comments:

  1. I have a few questions ^^ lol.
    1. what made you realize that this is what you wanted to do?
    2.What would you say to art students who wish to enter the same profession as you? Any advice or tips?
    3. Was the road to get where you are now a hard one?
    4.Will you be my teacher??(lol this one is for me personally, forgive the fanboyism)
    5. Did you have anyone inspire you? And if so who?

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  2. Would you ever consider illustrating a children's picture book?

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  3. 1. How long does it take for you to do a page?
    2. What made you choose the tools you use?
    3. Do you use photo reference?
    4. Was the TDK Joker influenced by the way your Joker looked or was it just coincidence?

    Also, I love love love your Joker GN.

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  4. I cannot get enough of your Spidey Lee! Is this a commission?

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  6. Hey there Lee! Huge fan of your work and your style. A question: Do you make separate mixes of your washes? like a light, medium, and dark? If not how do you get your different shades?

    Thanks!

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  7. What do you think of the current state of the comic book industry in America? Do you think of working for the Europian Bande Desinee market? What are your thoughts on downloading or scanning comic books without the creator approval? Thanks : ) Also, what do you think of the phrase "Art must reflect your culture".

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  8. How do you approach drawing you backgrounds?

    how did you break into the business?

    Will you be attending any conventions soon?

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