innner-view #10 [dare to dream]

My dear dreamers,

Today I have with me the talented multimedia-artist Elly Ang, from the Philippines. Welcome Elly and thank you for your time!


DLC Photography Profile by ~angelelly93 on deviantART
1. Tell us a little about yourself. What was your biggest conquest? What’s your most treasured dream?

Hi! I’m Elly Ang, a Chinese girl who lives in the Philippines, and speaks better in English than in Chinese, but I try. Haha! I love art, and when I was in my first year in high school, I already knew that I’d be taking Multi-media Arts in college. A bit weird because I wanted to be a vet when I was a kid, but hey, dreams change.

My biggest conquest would be surviving arts and design college. I’m in my 3rd year now and to tell you the truth, I have competition, and there are a lot of people that are better than me. In some ways I surpass them, and in some ways they surpass me. But I still do my best and persevere. I can’t be good at everything but I have to keep trying.

My most treasured dream, next to being happy, is to work for Pixar Animation Studios someday. It’s a longtime dream of mine, and despite having a hard time in 3D and 2D animation, I’m willing to keep doing my best.


Disney Ladies Chalk Photography: SLEEPING BEAUTY by ~angelelly93 on deviantART
2. You did a wonderful project for school, combining photography and drawing. What did you learn along the process? And how long did it take from the draft until the final project? 

Thank you! Actually, I did learn a lot of things, like when you shoot outside, the weather can’t be changed, you have to adjust to the weather, if it’s super sunny, you either wait (if you don’t have a choice because your photo will be overexposed) or you can adjust your camera. I also learned that big projects like that would take so much time and patience.

It took at least 4-5 days, the first day was coming up with an idea for my final project for photography class, and it counts as a big impact to my final grade. Then I saw the chalk photography in the Internet and I thought, why not? I pitched my concept to my professor and he approved it.

Then I talked to my sister to help me out, and then got two of our cousins to be the model. Thank god it was school break for everyone except me (because we have 3 semesters per school year). My sister helped me with the concept, she’s an artist also (except she’s an Interior Designer), we planned it out, printed some photos of Disney characters and such. Then we bought supplies, a lot of chalk and black poster papers.

First day of shoot was a failure, because the poster paper was too light so we had to tape it to the floor or the garage, the problem was that the wind would still pull it. It took so much time that we gave up after two scenes.

Second day of shooting was so much better; we used black illustration boards instead, which was heavier and better. We did six Disney ladies in one day.

Third day of shooting was a bit rushed, but we did great. We finished the four ladies and I finished the layout and editing, then immediately went to the printing place to print the book that I have to pass to my professor. He wanted it in a hardbound album type thing.

Anyway, I was prepared, so I have a back-up plan, because the first shooting day was a failure. But I always remind myself that anything that can go wrong WILL go wrong at some point, DOUBT everything and prepare.

If you want to see the behind the scenes photos of the shoot, you can visit my blog at: danger-in-design.


Disney Ladies Chalk Photography: ALICE by ~angelelly93 on deviantART
3. Which Disney princess would you like to be? Why?

I’d say Mulan but that might be because she’s Chinese and I want a dragon. Haha! I think it would Alice (is she included in the Disney princesses?) in Alice In Wonderland, because she’s so curious in life and she has adventurous streak, and she doesn’t care what other people thinks.


Disney Ladies Chalk Photography: MULAN by ~angelelly93 on deviantART
4. Which tools do you use in your creative works? Which one do you feel more comfortable with?

I use a lot of things; I’m a Multi-media artist. I use a camera, a tablet, my laptop, and a whole lot of programs. I have to adjust to all of them so I’ll feel more comfortable, I can’t really choose because I have to learn all of them. It’s not just photography; I also do advertisements, covers, videos, and whatnot. Jack-of-all-trades, I guess.


Disney Ladies Chalk Photography: JANE by ~angelelly93 on deviantART
5. Do you keep a notebook to register all your ideas? What could we find in there?

I don’t have a notebook or a planner that I keep my ideas in. I’m basically a scatterbrain. Haha! One time, I tried to keep a planner, I ended up writing for a few days and I suddenly stopped. I don’t know. I really just can’t keep a planner.

Usually, my ideas are written in stickies or whatever notepad or word file in my MacBook, sometimes I write them on scrap paper or my sketchbook, which I forget and lose. I have no hope for memos. When I’m desperate, I use Post-Its and slap it on my MacBook so I’ll remember it the next day. I guess some ideas just retain themselves in my brain.


Disney Ladies Chalk Photography: JASMINE by ~angelelly93 on deviantART
6. What and when was the last movie you absolutely adored? What made you feel that way?

WRECK-IT RALPH. The last movie I watched and I ABSOLUTELY adore it. I don’t usually like some of Disney’s animated movies (except Tangled), but I really fell in love with this one. If you haven’t watched it, you definitely should.

Anyway, Wreck-It Ralph is a great movie because of its idea and plot, it’s simple but different, and I was never bored during movie, I also cried in some parts, and I rarely cry in animated films unless it’s a Pixar movie. Wreck-It Ralph is imaginative, funny, and definitely inspirational.


Disney Ladies Chalk Photography: WENDY by ~angelelly93 on deviantART
7. What was the bigger obstacle you had to surpass? How did it help in your future works?

The biggest obstacle that I've surpassed recently would be the Disney Ladies Chalk Photography. Because I have never been THAT diligent in my life. I started it early instead of cramming it and frankly, I really did find my passion in photography there. But I don’t see myself being a photographer in the future, but I definitely found out that I was good at it.

That experience helped me with my next photography class and it inspired me to do a lot better in my other works.


Disney Ladies Chalk Photography: POCAHONTAS by ~angelelly93 on deviantART
8. Are you a morning or a night person? Do you have a special time and place where you get more creative? 

I’m a night person, definitely a night person. Because I schedule my classes during the night. Well, usually. Because I find it so hard to wake up in the morning. I’m totally a night owl. I usually feel really creative when I have inspiration, but that’s hard to come by when I’m doing so many things, so creative ideas get to me when I’m in my busiest mode or in my cramming mode.

Cramming is definitely a bad habit of mine, but during my desktop publishing class, I crammed most of my work and they were all great and I got the highest grades. The best ideas come to me when I’m under pressure. I should really work on getting over my procrastination. LOL.


Disney Ladies Chalk Photography: MEG by ~angelelly93 on deviantART
9. What is the characteristic that most defines you?

This is a tough one. I’d say I’m calm. Because even if I have a deadline or I’m in a middle of a fight, I always remain calm. I don’t let emotions like anxiety or anger get the best of me. I don’t see the point in making a mountain out of a molehill when I can simply ignore it or find another way to overcome it.


Disney Ladies Chalk Photography: CINDERELLA by ~angelelly93 on deviantART
10. If you could make a change in this world with your work, what would it be?

I've always wanted to make everyone smile or make them happy. That’s why my blog is full of happiness most of the time. And when I’m angry, I don’t show it to people because I believe that what emotion I show will affect people around me. You pass hate and they’ll pass it on to someone else. It’s a domino effect.

I would love my art to pass on happiness and inspiration. I haven’t figured out how to do that yet, but I would dedicate my work on making people pass on the happiness and inspiration that my work has pass on to them.

Disney Ladies Chalk Photography: TINKERBELL by ~angelelly93 on deviantART

You can find more about Elly at her deviantArt profile, check it out!

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Read my other inner-views here!

inner-view #9 [life is a big joke]

My dear dreamers,

After a big delay, I present you a ironic, dark but very funny writer: SCFrankles. She's an UK girl after all! I want to thank her for having the patience to answer all my questions. Let's read her inspiring words:

1. Tell us a little about yourself. What was your biggest conquest? What’s your most treasured

dream?

I've always enjoyed reading and writing but I've only been writing fiction regularly for about six years. A couple of years ago I entered my first writing competition and came third in my category. It was just a small local contest but it was the first time I truly thought of myself as being a writer. Psychologically it was a big step. I’m not naturally outgoing but I felt able to stand up in front of an audience and read my story out to them. Some months later one of my stories took first prize in another local competition, which convinced me that the first time hadn't been a fluke.

I do sometimes wonder about earning a living from writing, which would be wonderful, but I think that’s probably unlikely.

Comedy: an instruction manual

Avoid lamppost.

Then fall down manhole.  

© SCFrankles

2. What do you find more difficult to write: short-stories or six word stories?

Short stories, definitely. I appear to have a natural aptitude for six word stories and flash fiction. Rules and restrictive word-counts inspire me. Writing a six word story feels like solving a puzzle. I find it very satisfying.

The longest short story I've ever written has only been 2,500 words long. My heart belongs to flash fiction but I would like to be able to produce 5,000 word stories and novels too. It’s something I’m going to have to work on.

Close to the Edge 

"Crikey, that's a steep drop! Karen..?" 

© SCFrankles

3. Do you use the same strategies to both of them? What are they?

I do use the same strategies for writing, no matter how long the piece is. I turn ideas around in my head until I can see what the shape of the story is – what the story should be. Then there’s just the small problem of finding the right words…  With six word stories it’s vital to make every word count but I think that’s something you have to attempt with all literature anyway. Obviously, the longer the story is, the longer on average it will take to write, but I can spend several days even on a six word story. I sometimes do research for six word stories too - I take them as seriously as longer pieces.  I truly believe in the artistic worth of the six word story.

Having said all that, some stories – of every length -  just pop into my head almost completely fully formed. That’s the way the very best ones generally come.

Musical Chairs 

Three women. 

Three bladders. 

Two toilets.

© SCFrankles

4. You have a dark humour, sometimes gore, sometimes surreal. Is it something that born with you or that you had to work on?

My sense of humour has always been there – I certainly have never consciously worked on it – but it’s developed and got darker as I’ve got older. It’s probably the same for everyone – in middle-age you suddenly understand the great universal joke and start using humour to cope with life.

I do love comedy – I watch sitcoms, sketch shows, films, read humorous fiction, listen to radio comedies. Other people’s work inspires me to try and create my own. Not all my pieces are humorous but I think I produce my best work when I’m trying to make people laugh.

The Zombie's (Ex-)Wife 

Your lips taste sweet. 

Eyeballs next. 

© SCFrankles

5. What was the best, and the worst critique, you received until today?

I think in general the worst critiques are when no-one comments on my work at all. This must mean the piece hasn’t moved anyone enough for them even to say they don’t like it.

The best indirect critique was the first time I read out a story in front of an audience. People listened attentively and laughed. (At the correct moments, happily.)

Marquis de Sade 

"Thanks for the pain."

"My pleasure."

© SCFrankles

6. What songs are in your playlist right now?

I don’t have a playlist as such but a song I’ve been playing a lot recently is “Freewheel” by Duke Special – a song about the joy of being alive, which actually does make me feel joyful and positive.

I’m not terribly musical. I tend to listen more to radio comedy programmes, both old and new: Round the Horne, Take it From Here, Hancock’s Half Hour, The Random Jottings of Hinge and Bracket, I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, Cabin Pressure, John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme, That Mitchell and Webb Sound.

Fan Fic 

John punched Sherlock. 

Sherlock detected animosity.

© SCFrankles

7. Do you have any writer or any other artist that gives you motivation to improve yourself? Who is it?

Every good piece of writing I come across motivates me to try harder and improve my own work, whether it’s by an amateur or a professional; by a contemporary writer or a classic writer. I do particularly admire the plays of Tom Stoppard. His talent and erudition are astounding, and he also understands the importance of silly jokes. I could never hope to reach his level of ability but you should always aim high.

Trouble in Paradise 

"Adam..." 

"Dearest?" 

"You're not my type." 

© SCFrankles

8. What do you like more about writing? What’s the most challenging part about it?

Well, it’s something I’m fairly good at: it makes me feel intelligent.  I love that sensation of having started with nothing but now a story exists. I love having readers – people who enjoy my work and tell me they’ve enjoyed it.

I would say the most challenging part is getting started – coming up with ideas; finishing a first draft.

The Power of Broccoli 

"Six foot..." 

"Pretty average."

"He's six."  

© SCFrankles

9. What is the most valuable lesson, in writing or in life, you had the chance to learn?

What I’ve learned about writing is to keep going. (Which applies to life too.) I’m constantly reading much better work than mine and sometimes I think it’s pointless for me to continue. However, though I know I’m not brilliant, I believe I do have some talent, and writing (when it goes well) does give me a lot of pleasure. I think I am improving bit by bit.

Emigrant

Spoke English.

Always thought in Italian.

© SCFrankles

10. After you die, what you would like to be written in your epigraph?

I suppose in reality it will be “beloved daughter, sister and aunt”. Which isn't bad, is it? But I have written a six word autobiography. Perhaps that would do:

Bereavement. Failure. Unemployment. 

Became comedy writer.

To read other stories by SCFrankles just look at her gallery!

inner-view #8 and a half [crazy sample]

- The Crazy Series!

My dear dreamers,

I had this idea to spice up my inner-view section. It's being a lot of fun to know a little bit more the persons I admire and which inspires me. However, I want to take one more step in these stairs I'm walking and do a series with Crazy Inner-views. Anyone interested can join, just send an e-mail to: innerview[dot]designingdream[at]gmail[dot]com.


Questions will be:

♠ a little more personal (but not too personal ;))

♦ will involve deep thinking (but it always do ^^)

♣ you'll have to think outside the box (so it's a challenge!)

And I answered the questions myself! Take a look:

1. Sell me an invisible pen.

Imagine the pen of your dreams. Now imagine I'm selling it to you.

2. What are three positive character traits you don't have?

1 - I'm always right.
2 - I never ask for advice.
3 - I'm perfect.

3. If you were a genie and a person asked you this wish, “I wish you would not grant me this wish” what would you do?

I would say: "I didn't, now you have two wishes left".

4. If you had to lose one of your five senses, which would you choose?

Taste. I'd still have the chance to imagine it by smelling. Why not the other way around? Because my memories are very related to smell.

5. If there was a next life, would you reincarnate in yourself? Why?

Yes, I don't know how to be anyone else, maybe I would screw them.

6. If you could have only 3 electrical appliances in your house, what would they be and why?

1 - Oven (to make delicious meals and desserts!)
2 - PC (to work and have fun)
3 - Tea machine (or another hot beverage, because I love them)

7. If you could choose between always being obese and living a long life, or never getting fat but only living until 40...what would you chose?

I love being alive so: welcome, fat world! (OK, this goes against my healthy life style, but if I live long that means I have a healthy life, right? And how sad it is to trade years of life just to be thin?)

8. What's your first memory?

It's one of the best memories I have and (yes!) it's a smell memory! I remember when I was on kindergarten and in the afternoons, right after lunch, we slept in a kind of an attic, with our favourite teddy and the mattress smelled like naphthalene  I didn't know that at the time and it was a nice smell to me because it was attached to a good moment. I only realized what naphthalene smelled like some years ago (3 or 4!).

The other one (happened at almost the same time so I don't know which is the first one) is also a smell memory: at the age of 3 I was trying to help my father taking the car off the garage. He didn't notice me so one of my fingers got pinched on the garage's door. I don't remember much of that, just the situation on itself, no pain is in my memory. That only comes later. My finger lost some meat and I went several times to RED CROSS to make the bandages. I remember that it hurted a lot. The all place smelled like ethylene. As I spent a big part of my time there, that smell also makes a good impression on me in spite of not being the best of my memories (but it's also not a bad one).

9. If you had the chance to be a you-version of the opposite sex for one day what would you do?

I would examine how my brain&heart works and see if there's much of a difference with the actual me.

10. And for the last one: If there was no wolf, which one of the 3 little pigs would you be?

I'd be Willie, the wood one. I'd like to live in an eco-friendly house and with some comfort.


♥ What crazy question would you like to ask?

inner-view #8 [art is emotion]

My dear dreamers,

We start our innerviews in a Friday, 13th to give us luck. I brought to you the amazing words&work of Andrea B. Grigore. She's is known as ImaginaryRosse in Deviantart and has many, many followers.

Andrea is a Romanian Digital Artist and her works are surrounded of mystery, darkness, emotions and fantasy. It was a great pleasure to talk with her. Thanks Andrea for your time!

So, are you ready to scoop this Friday's inner-view?



Kyanite by =ImaginaryRosse on deviantART

1. So, tell me about yourself. What is the biggest fear you overcome? What is your most treasured dream?

Hello!

Everyone gets to the point in which they might ask their self „What is my biggest fear?” and the truth is...there isn’t only one big fear. I think there are many, such as the fear of failure, the fear of death, and so on. But one of my biggest fears – which I had to overcome recently – was loosing someone I loved and cherished. I always wondered how will I react and how will I move on, and it seems I had to do it no matter what.

My most treasured dream? To get far, far away in this life...

daemonya by =ImaginaryRosse on deviantART

2. As you say in your biography, you started as a drawer/painter, switched then to photography and then to photo-manipulation. Do you think these are important skills to do a balanced work in your area?

First of all, talent is the most important skill you need when stepping into the arts world.

Of course, knowing and understanding as many areas as you can it’s helpful, but it’s not that important. Because, when stepping into photo-manipulation, sooner or later you learn to understand many fields. I can’t say it didn’t helped me, but paper is different from digital. Knowing how to paint or draw on a plain paper, it doesn’t mean you will know how to paint on a digital tablet. Knowing how to do a composition in a picture it doesn’t mean you will know to build a manipulated scenery.

Because both photography and drawing/painting will let you do exactly what you want, but when doing a photomanipulation, sometimes you need to stick to the stock images you have or find – and sometimes your idea needs to be altered or changed completely. But, returning to the main question – it does matter but not that much.

Soul Collector by =ImaginaryRosse on deviantART

3. What is your biggest challenge when doing a photo-manipulation? What do you usually do to overcome the obstacles in your work?

I hate cropping. Everyone knows I hate cropping stuff out of images. But I also hate stuff cropped by someone else, so like it or not – I gotta do it! Uhmmm, but cropping isn’t quite a challenge isn’t it?

The biggest challenge is representing exactly what I have in my mind. If I start with an idea, and I already see 80% of the image in my mind, it must look the same on my screen. But, here comes the challenge – sometimes I can’t find stock to exactly match my own idea, and that is when I spend half of the day seeking for stock and sometimes ending up in creating my own stock. It’s hard to match your imagination with reality. But when you do – that’s when you know you are a winner! 

The best way to overcome this particular challenge, is patience to find stock; or "take" the stock in your own hands and create it...

blue by =ImaginaryRosse on deviantART

4. When we look into your portfolio we enter a world of an emotional, dark and dramatic fantasy, which I find very alluring. What pulled you into this fascinating world?

Emotional is my favorite category out of all those you mentioned.

I’m the kind of person who can’t express her feelings within words. And sometimes I seem cold to many people. Or arrogant. I was called arrogant by many people inside dA’s community and outside of it.

But I found I way to express my feeling: doing art.

All of my images have either their own story – either some little symbols hidden within. And they are like memories. I look back within my gallery and I remember what I felt when doing each of my work.  It’s an easy tool I use whenever I have emotions I want to express and I just can’t find words for them.



Forever by =ImaginaryRosse on deviantART

5. If you could become one of your works of art, which one would you choose?

This is one of the most interesting question I ever got! Well...

As I mentioned before, I put a tiny part of me in all my emotional works, in one form or another.

But I guess becoming Catwoman for a day would be really interesting!

Seaside Premade Background by =ImaginaryRosse on deviantART

6. As an artist loved by so many, did you ever had to deal with copyright issues? What do you

recommend to do in that situation?

Oh, yes!

At the beginning I was the most frustrated person alive.

Seeing my images out there on blogs, forums – sometimes with glitter all over them, easily pissed me off. But I learned to move on. As long as they don’t alter my image and pretend it’s theirs, or sell it – they can do whatever. I see it as an appreciation now. They love it so much that they need to share it on their blog.

Or sometimes they associate what they feel and share it with an image.

Why being mad for this?

I never had to deal with serious copyright infringement. But if I would, I would definitely ask help from advised people. They know how to deal art theft!

fragile by =ImaginaryRosse on deviantART

7. Where do you get inspiration? Do you take it from artists you treasure, from stories and/or your own life?

I take a little from everything and everyone.

Yes, I have a few artists and friends I treasure, and I take a little something from there.

I also take a little something our from stories, songs, movies. But life is what puts the most influence into my works.

frozen tears by =ImaginaryRosse on deviantART

8. Do you have a train-of-thought when developing a new work? Could you share it with our readers?

 It happens just like this: sometimes I get across stock I instantly see it in a work, sometimes I watch a movie and I imagine a work. Sometimes I listen to a song, and a particular lyric or the whole song makes me think of a scene... Or sometimes I just feel something and I need express it using digital art...

In either of the cases, I always search for stock before developing the whole idea. Because I hate it when it’s impossible to find something I really need and I need to alter my idea.

It goes like this: idea, seeking stock – sometimes modifying the idea depending on the stock found, and then – creating.

One thing I always follow is creating the background first. Because the background sometimes gets created from 5 images.

And I feel more secure and safe with my work when I see the background finished. The model and the rest are details that blend with the background...

Lucifer by =ImaginaryRosse on deviantART

9. And when that train suddenly stops? What do you do?

I stop and take a break. I re-listen the song (if it’s a song that inspires me), I try to remember the movie scene, I listen music that I like...Sometimes I get back to work in 10 minutes, but sometimes it might take days. I never force anything because I end up with something I don’t like...

Rudolph by =ImaginaryRosse on deviantART

10. In thinking about the things that you have created, is there something that you hated but the public may have loved - and perhaps purchased? How do you explain this?

This is the thing I most love...

You can do something you hate and come across someone who may simply love it!

And that’s because we are different and we understand and see differently art.

And yes, it happened many times. And some of the thoughts that people shared made me change my vision about the work...Not necessarily love it, but at least like it more...

Hurt by =ImaginaryRosse on deviantART




Ashes by =ImaginaryRosse on deviantART

Empress by =ImaginaryRosse on deviantART
Let me know your thoughts about this inner-view in the comments box and if you loved Andrea's work go show her some love, ok?

inner-view #7 [the world in a pencil]

I've been away for one whole week without warning. Sorry for that. But I've some news, just wait for the new year and I'll tell you.

From one inner-view to another, today I present you Canerator: a pencil artist from Turkey. Let's see what he has to tell us:





mavi kapak by ~canerator on deviantART
1. Tell me a little about yourself. What was your biggest conquest? Which dreams do you want to become true?

In my graduation ceremony, one of my short animation movie showed. I watched people while they are watching my movie. They were all enjoying and that was great for me. This was a nice conquest that I can remember now. My dream is earning money whith all these funny things.  


RANT-ART-ICA by ~canerator on deviantART
2. How did you start drawing? It was something that was born with you?
Yes it is about borning. My dad and mom good at drawing too. When I was a little child I was drawing my first arts to the home’s walls. Than my parents bought a drawing notebook to me. Than my journey started. 


Deleted image by ~canerator on deviantART
3. You do collaborations with other artists, like picking a song and start drawing without knowing each other’s works. What do you think about that work’s process? Do you think that’s a good away to get creative?

That’s a good way for having good time with friends. Getting creative hasn’t got a way like this. Having a creative idea likes having an accident. It comes suddenly and you do it. Working more and more makes the art more effective but not more creative. 


life is life by ~canerator on deviantART
4. In your opinion, there’s any limitation to creativity? Name a few.

There is only one limitation for that. “Dreams”. If you aren’t a good dreamer it is difficult to make good art. Dreaming must start in small ages than the dreamer always lives as a child. 


creation of fire by ~canerator on deviantART
5. If your creative works had an odour, what do you think they would smell like?

I use everything in my arts. There are some works which has rubbishes or shit in them too. I don’t want to think how would these works smell. But they are exceptions. I usually like to use nature. Especially sea and rain. Our body full with water maybe this is the cause I don’t know, but using water feels more affective to me. Did you smell the earth after the rain? My works would smell like this. 


Moon Rise In Station by ~canerator on deviantART
6. Where does your inspiration come from?

From other arts. The biggest art is the space that we live in. All the nature is an art. Sometimes a cloud, sometimes the sea, or a song that I liked can make me inspired. 


Baloon trip by ~canerator on deviantART
7. Did you ever have trouble in drawing perfectly something you’ve imagined? What did you do to overcome that?

When I was a little child I was trying to draw my favourite cartoon characters. There were a lot because I was living with TV. When I couldn’t draw I was starting to cry than my mother was helping me. But now I grow up, she is older and away from me. I can not feel the same things now. I dream and I draw only the things that I can do. Being older makes the dreams smaller. 


Johnny Depp by ~canerator on deviantART
8. How do you deal with creativity blocks?

Attacking is the best way for deffending. The blocks make me more ambitious. But if I can not find any way for attacking some breaks would help me. 


sold sentences by ~canerator on deviantART
9. Are you more creative when you’re happy or when you’re angry?

Being happy or exciting helps me for creating. I like to make people happy with my art. It is one of the biggest fun in life. Being angry can help m efor fighting maybe J. 


h1n1- vulture's day by ~canerator on deviantART
10. How do you want to be remembered?

As how I am. Not more or less than me. I can’t be objective for explaining myself, but now you can see and you will remember something about me, as how I am.

inner-view #6 [one with nature]

We're almost, almost on Christmas and my gift for you is this inspiring interview about an Italian girl. Welcome Natasa into your homes and make her feel warm.

Roman woman [via Nata's Artblog]

1. Tell us a little about yourself. What was your biggest conquest, what is your biggest dream?

I’m a 21year old archaelogy student, I currently live in Padua, Italy. I’ve been in love with Art, in all of its forms, since I was a kid. My biggest conquest? I think life is an endless struggle, I guess I’ve never had the time to stop, catch my breath and say “So, here I am, this is my victory”... In the end maybe the biggest conquest in someone’s life is the ability to feel and express Beauty, no matter what happens. I’m not very much into “big dreams”, I’d be happy to live a quiet life, with the people I love, maybe in a snug cottage in the middle of the woods, surrounded by animals and doing what I love the most: drawing and writing.

2. Which technique do you use to draw and paint? Do you have any secrets?

Recently I’ve been using watercolours and graphite, a technique that I find very fetching... Water is unforeseenable. I also use oil paint, acrilics, digital colouring. Every artist has its secrets, but they wouldn’t be secrets anymore if I reveal them.

The Seer [via Nata's Artblog]

3. In your drawings there is a mythology aura, very inspiring and touching. What’s your favourite mythology? Do you have a favourite myth?

I’m very fond of mythology. Myths are not “just stories”, they are everlasting keys that are able to open doors of wisdom, knowledge, cosmos. I love all european mythologies, from greek, to slavic, celtic, etc... They’re all different languages that disclose the same essence. It’s hard to tell whitch is my favourite myth... One of those that I love the most is the one of Demeter and Persephone.

4. In the social art site deviantArt I saw that you are a member of several pagan groups (as I do). Are you a pagan? What do you enjoy and feel about this religious belief? Do you think we’re returning to our origins (more close to nature)?

As one old chinese proverb goes “No matter how tall the tree is, its leaves will always fall to the ground”. Yes, Nature is my belief. Paganism is about rediscovering our own roots, recovering the right balance and harmony with Nature, sensing the divine in everything that sorrounds us. I think that humankind has come to a crucial crossroads: on one side lies the barren desert, caused by human greed, blindness, disrespect towards Nature; on the other side flourisches a world built on harmony and temperance, that is aware that man is not above Nature, but part of it, and has no right to submit it. By praising the Gods and Goddesses I feel I’m walking towards this flowery path.

Hawk Eye [via Nata's Artblog]

5. One of your works is called Sturm und Drang, which I found very curious. Do you usually put your emotions above your reason? In which situations you do otherwise?

I strongly believe in the virtue of the “aurea mediocritas”, as Horace would call it, the “golden mean” that stands between two extremes. Although I’m very attached to the concept of the sturm und drang, for it rappresents the most deep and enigmatic corner of the human soul, that can’t be controlled by reason. The unconscious has always been for the artist a dreadful and delightful Muse.

6. What does inspire you? Do you have a technique to get inspired more easily?

I found inspiration everywhere: in an autumn landscape, in an old song, in a dusty attic, in a hot cup of tea, in a exciting trip, in the purring of a cat on a boring and cloudly Sunday afternoon... We only need the right trigger to set our immagination in motion. I don’t have any special technique.

Autumn [via Nata's Artblog]

7. Do you have a time of the day when you work better? If so, what are the differences you find when you work in a “good” time and a “bad” one?

I usually work better in the evening, maybe because of the quite atmosphere. When it’s “bad time” I don’t work at all, I’d probably just scratch the paper and throw all away... You can’t force yourself to create if you’re not in the mood.

Rumpelstiltskin [via Nata's Artblog]

8. There is any kind of ritual that you use to warm up your hands so you can draw properly?

No, nothing in particular.

Majka Vlazna Zemlja [via Nata's Artblog]

9. Artists are, sometimes, cursed with blockage. What do you do when that happens?

I just turn on the stereo and listen to some music, it helps me clear my mind from the overwhelming thoughts and let inspiration resurface. I remember painting The Lady of Shallot for hours while listening to the same song, Corelli’s La Folia, and old european musical theme played with violins.

Snowhite [via Nata's Artblog]

10. Do you feel the need to be constantly motivated or it’s easy for you to find joy in what you do?

Motivation is not a problem for me, I’d draw all day long if I could. However, I find joy only if I’m completely satisfied by the work I’ve done, and that doesn’t happen so frequently, I tend to be very strict with myself and hard to please.

de [via Nata's Artblog]

inner-view #5 [living the dream]

We're heading to United States of America, Los Angeles, with Helen Huang. She currently works at an ad agency, but that wasn't the path she initially chose. To know all about her journey, continue reading!




Sun Flower by *CQcat on deviantART

1. Tell me a little about yourself. What was your biggest conquest? What is your most treasured dream?

I am Helen Huang aka CQcat. I grew up in China and moved to the US after graduating from college. I work full time at an interactive advertising agency and I am also a freelance illustrator. My biggest conquest was to jump from legal field to creative field. It was not easy and I am glad I ended up where my passion lead me to. My most treasured dream is to stay inspired and influence people in a positive way with my art.



Rebirth by *CQcat on deviantART
2. You moved from China to USA and left laws to embrace digital media. How these events influenced your creativity?

I believe all life experience enriches us and gives us perspective. It took me a long time and great effort to get to where I am today. I feel blessed that I get up everyday to do the things I love. But all the things that happened in my life made me treasure more of what I have now. And they keep reminding me of what’s more important for me in life. They help me stay focused and productive.



Fall by *CQcat on deviantART
3. When we look to your gallery we see that only girls are portrayed. Is it for any reason in particular?

I only draw guys for clients’ work. For all my personal artwork, I focus on girls because I love women’s fashion and my art is my canvas to express and experiment. And my girls are also reflections of my inner self.



Happiness in a Cup by *CQcat on deviantART
4. I also sense a great power in their hairs, they are all different: from styles to colours. You did it in intentionally? What’s their role in your artworks?

Hair sometimes indicates mood in my work. Different styles and colors enhance the feeling I am trying to express. You can always tell the tone and mood by the hair in my artwork.



Alice In Wonderland by *CQcat on deviantART
5. What is the biggest challenge when working in an ad agency?

The biggest challenge working on the creative side is to make your clients fall in love with your creative solutions. It requires great communication skills and strategies to make clients see your point of view and agree with you.



Fashion 1 by *CQcat on deviantART
6. Do you work better when calmed or stressed? How the other way around affects your works?

I am a person who is organized and plans things ahead of time. So I prefer working when I am calm and relaxed. Most of my works were done in this state of mind. But sometimes, not always, pressure can be a good thing. I’ve experienced some extra push on creativity when I had pressure in the past. So I appreciate both ways and hope to keep a balance.



Pirate by *CQcat on deviantART
7. Who do you define as visionary? Why?

Steve Jobs. Because of his vision, we can now enjoy a lot of great products that were crazy to even think about 15 years ago. I admire people with creativity and mostly originality.



Aviation by *CQcat on deviantART
8. How do you think advertising influences the way we shop?

Advertising influences our shopping at a great level. It finds what people want, not even what they need and uses that as a selling point. When we see the ad, we feel that owning that product can improve our life or enhance the family value we treasure. Sometimes we see seasonal ads, like jewelry advertising during holiday season or before Mother’s Day. So in a way, advertising not only make you want things, it can also influence on the timing.



Love Me Love Me Not by *CQcat on deviantART
9. What’s your biggest inspiration?

Everything beautiful in our daily life can be my inspiration. I interpret the world my way with my art. So I guess my biggest inspiration is life itself.



Dreamcatcher by *CQcat on deviantART
10. What were the most inspiring words you have ever received?

I have received many inspiring words from many people over the years. They all mean a lot to me and I don’t want to define the most inspiring. It is wonderful to know my art has positive impact on a lot of people. And it is very rewarding to receive words from some younger fans saying they wish to grow up and become an artist like me.