1. How long have you been on DeviantArt?
I've been on dA since I moved up to Canada; it's been almost eight years, but feels like at least ten! For anyone who's curious, I lived in Arizona before that. You can bet it was a huge change; my first autumn up here I started wearing a parka when the temp was roughly 10ºC / 50ºF.
2. What does your Username mean?
It means, "I'm a kid who has no clue what to do with myself now that I've moved to Canada." I'd like to say I spent hours coming up with it, but I tend to make snappy names pretty quickly. Apparently little-me could too! (As a bonus, now that I'm newly graduated the meaning is virtually just as applicable as when I made it)
3. Describe yourself in three words.
Currently? (Self-)Hypercritical Indecisive Crybaby. But just a couple months ago I was an Optimistic Actor Artist, and I feel like I'll be that again soon!
4. Are you left or right handed?
Right-handed
5. What was your first deviation?
A poor melancholic vampiress with black hair and red eyes, who wore a cross and hunted vampires, and probably hated herself. Her coloured version was my second deviation. She was a tortured snowflake indeed.
6. What is your favourite type of art to create?
Stuff that includes figures and characters!
7. If you could instantly master a different art style, what would it be?
I think realist/semi-realist digital painting is the first on the list, but it's certainly not all I'd like to do! (Plus, it might be what my style tends towards most days.) A different style I'd really enjoy having would be one that's much bolder with colour and much more animated; something energetic with exaggerated shapes and expressions, like it's right out of a cartoon.
8. What was your first Favourite?
Uh... Looks like it was this one but I'm terrible with favourites on dA. I probably did that after the first three years of being on here or something. Most of my actual favourites are saved to an "Inspiration" folder on my desktop instead of dA.
9. What type of art do you tend to favour the most?
I think stylistically I tend towards digital painting. When it comes to favourite artistic elements I love a strong sense of atmosphere, bold colour, the feel of animation/movement, and/or good facial expressions and body language.
10. Who is your all time Favourite Deviant artist?
I'm terribly indecisive and can't pick favourites so here's where you get a list! It was hard whittling it down, but I think the best my list has to offer are: RadioMomo, hira-geco, HRFleur, jadedmandarin, kawacy, loish, michalivan, nebezial, Phobs All for their own unique reasons
11. If you could meet anyone on DeviantArt in person, who would it be?
The Arcem-Alva group of course! Most notably the mods and a few special members~ Also all the pros in the businesses of concept art and animation. Gimme a nice big network with lots of stellar art tips!
12. How has a fellow deviant impacted your life?
Time for another list! I won't apologize for gushing because you all deserve it.
- number11train helps me be softer and kinder with almost everything I experience. I've talked to her about personal insecurities, faults in other people, expectations for my life, problems in my art, and so many other things—and yet by the end of it all the world manages to be a gentler, more beautiful place thanks to her positivity and support. I'm so fortunate to have such a balanced, patient, and kind friend.
- 2StreetsDown is honestly an inspiration. Her art is wonderful and her willingness to lead amazes me, but more than anything I'm inspired by how she looks at things. Streets can pinpoint the main idea or goal of something and find a simple but ingenious way to get there, hitting all the points you want to hit along the way, and wrapping it all up in a few concise sentences. She's refreshing, direct, surprising, dependable, and a personal role model for me. I feel so proud to be part of a group she spends time on.
- fishattack has impacted my life by being an upfront, outspoken person in the most fun way possible. Time with her has taught me that it's okay to have complaints, it's even better when you can share them with a good friend, and that sometimes you really just have to shrug it off.
It doesn't hurt that she helped get me into Homestuck either.When Fish is free to talk I'm always guaranteed to have a good conversation. I'd monopolize more of her time in a heartbeat, but she's off learning how to save people's lives. Y'know, as one does. - Azliene is sly like a fox and I love it. Her wit is sharp and bantering with her makes me feel clever as hell. Her ideas for tragedy in plot make me hate and love her in equal measure, not to mention her characters are honestly mind-boggling to me; anyone who can pull off a character with a ruthless streak has my utmost respect! The best part is, despite all the busyness of school and personal projects, Joey's always willing to give input—on art, life, stories, or whatever I need.
- skyggedal influences me by being creative as heck while managing probably one of the busiest and most taxing responsibilities an adult can have. The fact that she has an amazing family, remains a part of Arcem-Alva, comes up with ideas for the group, and yet complains so infinitesimally about any of it gives me faith that no matter how busy life gets, you can always enjoy what you've got.
- datPiranha is another great inspiration for me. He and I can talk for hours about melodramas and beautiful people, and not only can he be supportive and help me face life head-on, but he is one of those rare gems who also puts it into practice. Monthly comics, beautiful sketches—that come almost bi-weekly—and a library of intricate world-building details are all part of an average day with this guy. Everything he shares amazes me, and I'm so happy I get to see it.
- Nalytia has impacted me by being that friend I can come to about pretty much anything. Together we fangirl over shows, complain about life, make small talk, and bond over silly ideas. I can be honest and open with her about my problems one day, and the next we can indulge in the fictional drama or warm feelings of our characters. Ours is a roller coaster of adventure, imagination, feelings, and flights of fancy, and I've got to say I'm enjoying the ride.
To you wonderful people up there I'd like to say thank-you for keeping me positive; after just about two years of knowing you I really think of everyone as a neat sort of family and I love you all to bits. I'm so excited to see what else we make together!
Right now I can only use a wacom pen tablet and Corel Painter (traditional pen and paper for warming up), but if an artist can dream, my preferred tools would be one of those big fancy tablets you can draw right on, and an unlimited membership for Photoshop~
14. What is the most inspirational place for you to create art?
Honestly I'm not sure! I haven't made art anywhere outside of my room or a rural university art studio in a long time, so I don''t really know if I have a specific place that inspires me.
15. What is your Favourite DeviantArt Memory?
Everything having to do with Arcem-Alva; there's a whole list I could give! I think the biggest memory was being asked to be a mod though. I'd never been in a roleplay group before, and I'd been very worried about how I was coming across to my fellow writers and artists. It was such a huge confidence boost when all these friendly, talented people asked me to be a mod with them. I was intimidated too, but they put up with all my nervous questions and helped ease me into it, and through the years they've all become absolutely wonderful friends. That one invitation started something amazing, so I think I might pick it as one of my great highlights on deviantart. (I still won't say it's my favourite though; I remain indecisive to the end!)
