website: http://www.mac-smith.com/
tumblr: http://macblorg.tumblr.com/
images copyright Mac Smith
10 Questions Interview with Mac Smith
1.... what medium and tools do you use to create art?
Photoshop mostly, using a Cintiq. I still sketch on paper, but rarely paint these days. I might get back into it soon.
2.... can you describe your creative process when making art?
It varies quite a bit. I generally start with a very rough sketch, then start working with form as soon as possible, mainly concentrating on lighting and mood. I'll do a tighter drawing to work out more complex areas. I also try to jump into color as quick as I can.
3.... what helps boost your creativity?
Getting enough sleep is a big one. If my brain isn't working due to lack of sleep I am useless.
4.... what helps you maintain focus and motivation when creating?
Caffeine and music! I usually have to force myself to stop goofing around on the internet.
5.... what is the secret to creating a great piece of art?
I'll let you know when I find out! I dunno. For me, its focusing on what the piece is trying to communicate, and discarding or downplaying the rest. Adding needless detail or trying to do too much with one image is usually a disaster for me.
6.... do you feel its important to follow your passion in your career?
Oh yeah. I have to work on stuff I'm passionate about, or the spark won't be there. I've tried it before. I'm just not very good at stuff I don't like. Also, avoid trends. By the time they become trends, its already too late to jump on the bandwagon. You won't stand out, and you won't be as good as the guy who originated it anyway, so don't waste your time.
7.... how and when do you get your best ideas?
Usually later in the day. I'm a night owl. If nothing comes up, walking my dog usually helps.
8.... who are your favorite artists?
Brian Froud and Jim Henson (obviously :) ), Mike Mignola, Paul Bonner, filmmakers like Terry Gilliam or Charlie Kaufman, and a thousand others.
9.... do you offer workshops for artists?
Not yet, but I may do one soon. I have a few time lapse vids on Youtube, but nothing very thorough.
10.... if you could give other artists one piece of advice what would it be?
Expand your horizons. If you have the same five influences as everyone else, chances are you won't produce anything very interesting, no matter how much you have the fundamentals down. We've all seen Star Wars and Alien. Do something else.
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