As the departure date creeps ever closer....

.... I figured I'd answer these questions for !!!!!!
Let's-a go!





1. When did you first start to like drawing/writing?
I remember I first started drawing in 7th grade, in my 7th period reading class. I had a bunch of Video Game manuals I accidentally left in my backpack and had some free time and some paper. So I tried to copy the characters while looking at the pictures. I had a lot of fun doing it and everyone said that they looked really good. So I just sort of went with it!

2. Do you feel that talent is necessary to become a great artist/writer?
Ehhh... yes and no. It sort of depends on what your goal is, as well as your art style. Obviously if you want to be a famous artist and stuff then yeah, tallent is nessicary. However if your goal is like say cartooning and comic strips, then silly little doodles can be part of the charm of your work. And as the old saying goes: "Practice makes perfect!" Take Ruby's Nuzlocke for example! The guy started off drawing stick figures, and now he has fully colored masterpieces!

3. Are you proud of your work so far?
I make it a point to not get so down on my work. Mostly because it really bugs me when REALLY TALLENTED people whip out a masterpiece, and say "UUUUUGH!!! This is crap!!!! With my work, I see where I can improve, but still can find what's good about it. Over all, I'd say I'm better than some, but still have a long way to go!

4. Strengths? Weaknesses?
Strengths: FACIAL EXPRESSIONS and STORY TELLING!!!!
Weaknesses: I ignore A LOT of the basic rules of art (like shading and adding ears... ) mostly because I'm lazy and would rather have the drawing process be fun rather than annoying....

5. Tricky question time! What's a common goal in your artistic/written pieces?
Trying to get the person to feel what I want them to feel. To be able to relate to the characters I draw. If I'm trying to get a joke across, I want them to to understand it and be able to laugh. If I'm drawing an intense fight scene, I want them to feel the tension! If I'm drawing something sad, I want them to feel the pain the character's pain.

6. Do you have any original stories to share? Or do you prefer to do fan-related projects? Both are cool~!
I like to do both. Obviously I try to stay with the original stuff, since I can't really make a living off of something someone else created. But I LOVE to slip in any sort of reffrence I can! I actually have a hard time trying to find ballance!

7. Current favourite character that you've designed? / Current favourite existing character?
While the only one I've really posted here is Naxal, I've been working on creating new and unique personalities for the Nuzlocke comic I plan to do once I get back from Guatemala! If I end up liking them enough, I may consider using those personalities outside of the comic (And I absolutly adore many of em'!) Hope you all are looking forward to them!

8. Do you give your characters theme songs~?
Of course! Often times I start creating a character based off of a song I've heard!

9. Name three big creative influences!
Hoooh boy... here we go...

- Sonic the Hedgehog series: Yeah yeah, I'm a Sonic freak. But the blue blur really inspired me as a kid. From the moment I saw him jump out of that hellicopter and start snowboarding down the highway in SA2B, I was hooked for life. Specifically it was his free spirited attitude that won me over. As a kid I grew up with Marvel and DC comics super heroes, and took it to be that all heroes had to stand for justice and the freedom of others, billowing cape and all that. But Sonic just played the part of the hero because it was what HE wanted to do. It just blew my mind as a kid trying to wrap my mind around the concept of a hero going on an adventure to save the world, and still having fun doing it! He was never afraid of anything! He'd just cut loose and have fun! It really inspired me to try to stay optimistic no matter the situation! And since then I've always wanted to create something that could inspire someone as much as Sonic inspired me!

- One Piece: Again another series that blew me away with it's amazing characters! All of the characters are so relatable. You sort of get inside the strawhat pirate's heads. Ugh... It's just not something that can be put into words easily. I highly recomend everyone watch the anime or read the manga. Then you'll get what I mean. It's just such a cool series about fighting for your dreams, no matter how impossible they are, or who laughs at you. As well as friendship and tyhe power it has. It's just awesome!

- Dragonball Z: Specifficly I say this because it's been the biggest influence on my art style (all though Teen Titans was what inspired my love of facial expressions). Back when I first started branching off into my own work rather than copying stuff, I found a how to draw book (can't remember the name of it.) In the book it suggested that you try to mimic the art style of one of your favorite artists, and then slowly develop your own. And being that I was a DBZ addict, I decided to mimic that. Traces of it can still be found in my artwork today, like the shapes of my eyes, and a little bit of my noses.

10. What creative work are you currently focused on?
Character development. What good is a story if you hate the characters?!

11. Latest source of inspiration?
I guess what ever series I'm currently interested in. I've been whatching Hajime no Ippo, which is an anime about boxing. It's been a blast learning about the sport, as well as seeing the amount of heart and guts the main characters have! It also led me to finally watch some of the Rocky movies, which are AMAZING!!!!

12. How has this effected your creative work? Specific examples?
Quite a bit actually! I've always been facinated by boxing, but now I'm learning some of the rules and am thinking of ways to apply them in my work. Probably the biggest example I can think of (though it might be considered a spoiler so read at your own risk) is in my nuzlocke I plan to get a Hitmonchan. That way I can show off how cool boxing is, as well as show what I've learned about the sport! (I'm gonna have to grind like crazy if I want him to live though )

13. Almost done with these questions! What's your general reaction to seeing other people's art/reading their stories?
I always enjoy seeing how other people interpet things. Everyone sees the world in their own way, and it's fun trying to compare how you see something to how someone else sees it. What might seem pointless to one person, could have a deep special connection to another person.

14. What's your response to constructive criticism? Do you like it, or not?
I always love constructive criticism! Especially when they're VERY speciffic about it! It helps you find flaws you've made, and improve your abilities! However, I always think it should be mingled with somehting that they did right. So as not to sound like a jerk.

15. Your reaction to the art community? Likes, dislikes?
The art community is always a cool place. As stated before, nobody sees things quite the same, and so there never is a wrong answer. As long as people in the comunity can keep that in mind and respect other's oppinions, then it's great!

16. Hardest thing about being an artist/writer?
Trying to come up with something cool that hasn't already been done before!

17. Easiest thing about being an artist/writer?
Once you get a basic idea, getting to expand that idea and tweak it untill it's perfect!

18. So close to the end! Is art/writing a hobby for you, or is it a business path?
For me, art is a hobby. It's a great stress reliever and fun way to get ideas out of my head, and on to paper! However I hope to one day make a living off of telling stories and inspiring others with them.

19. Your dreams for the future? 8D
To team up with my brother and open our own third party gaming company and put toghether an elite team of people who love to make games! Specifically I want to be in charge of storyline and character development.

20. Thanks for answering all... or most of these questions! Do you have any closing notes for your readers that made it to the end?
I really enjoyed answering these! I highly suggest everyone go through these questions themselves! Thanks a bunch !!!