1.) Introduce yourself! What kind of art do you make?
Hi I'm Cam! I do all sorts of art: 3d, 2d, digital, watercolors, music, and games as well.
2.) How long have you been making art?
Uh, it's been a really long time. I got more into improving and learning around late elementary school though.
3.) How many hours do you spend for each piece?
That honestly depends on what it is. 3d models take a few days but sketches and doodles can take less than two hours.
4.) Do you prefer taking your time or do you like to quickly move on to the next thing?
Quickly move on. While I do have some pieces I've been saving where I do want to take my time, I am very susceptible to losing interest in a piece or project if too much time passes since I've last worked on it. Keeping projects short means balancing all the other ones is easier.
5.) When do you decide a piece is finished?
There's a quote I really like that goes, "Art is never finished, only abandoned". I think that's how I've been feeling for a while. I get this feeling of just wanting a project to be over. The fun challenging problem solving bit is over and as soon as it's presentable, I let myself be free of it, even if it doesn't live up to my expectations. It's probably not the best, but it stops me from sitting on stuff forever and since admitting this to myself, I've felt a lot better.
6.) What part of the creation process do you enjoy the most?
I like the brainstorming process a lot. For visual stuff, sketching is my favorite part but only once I've got a concept down. For 3D, rigging is my favorite part (yes. rigging enjoyers do exist! There are a whole 10 of us!), followed closely by doing the initial modelling to get the silohuette. My favorite part of writing is the actual drafting.
7.) What part of the creation process do you dislike the most?
I hate the polishing phase. I'm usually through with the fun part and a little tired of the project by then. Also taking photos/scanning/figuring out the render for 3d models also sucks.
8.) Do you have a designated workstation or do you just work wherever?
Kinda. I have a desk that I use for all my computer stuff and a desk I use for analog stuff. I also have a dedicated music area, although I have to rearrange it so I have more space to extend my bow fully (I play violin). Despite that though I love curling up in my armchair and sketching or writing.
9.) Do you monetize you work or is it purely a hobby?
So I am hoping to monetize soon! The scope testing project may end up being my first purely commercial game. (I say "purely commercial" to mean a game where pay isn't optional or Pay What You Want (PWYW) like some of my games already are.) I think it would be cool to make digital zines and sell those or sell a comic, but those are much farther off. Also, I actually have done art as a job in the past technically although it wasn't for long.
10.) Where do you share your work? On social media or a personal websites? Do you keep to yourself and close friends?
I post art on my bluesky sometimes and I post games on my itchio when they're finished. I don't show off WIP stuff as often though, which I want to do more. I also want to eventually post my art on this site since it's a favorite page of mine on others' sites. But that's for later haha.
11.) What's an aspect of your art you enjoy?
That I can do so many different styles! That answer is kinda a cop out but only because I feel like my art lacks a solid throughline. Music-wise I like that I can sing tenor though.
12.) What are things you would like to improve on?
There's a lot: drawing animals and anthros, getting faster, but honestly I think the thing that needs to improve most is just the frequency of how much I create. I can go quite a while between works and I don't like that since it means I have to spend time relearning how to do things.
13.) Are you self-taught or had formal education?
I had art classes in college! It's where I got to understand 3d and where I learned 3d animation.
14.) Do you research about old techniques or stick to newer ones?
I research old methods sometimes. I got a Loomis book from Barnes and Noble and I swear it just improved my art so quickly by drawing along a little! Newer techniques are fun too but tbh what matters most in what techniques I look at is what creates art I like.
15.) What do you value more, experimentation or mastery?
Experimentation. I very much would like to learn how to create in many different ways. Mastery is good to strive towards but I wouldn't be interested in it if getting it meant I was restricted in style, medium, etc.
16.) Do you practice drawing from the arm? What other art techniques to you practice?
Not on purpose. Every once in a while I catch myself drawing from my arm. I think that's from playing violin for so many years. If you want to use your whole bow, you have to use your whole arm and I think that's become a little bit of a habit. I can't think of any specific techniques I do really except maybe doing a "sculpting" approach when doing pixel art sometimes.
17.) How frequently do you do studies?
I rarely do them. I really should. Although I did do gesture studies recently so progress!
18.) Do you understand color theory? How'd you learn or do you want to?
No, not really. I have a huge problem with contrast in particular. I might make a point to practice soon.
19.) Favorite color(s)?
Pink, green, and blue.
20.) Are there colors you avoid? Do you think ugly colors exists?
I don't avoid colors knowingly, sometimes they just don't vibe. Although whether it's that they don't vibe with the piece or that they don't vibe with my mood the world may never know. Colors being ugly is mostly a case of them not gelling with the colors around them for me though.
21.) Can you do perspective?
Certain ones sure. Extreme ones no.
22.) Do you like doing lineart? How do you go about it?
I used to hate doing lineart but now it doesn't bother me as much. I think what I hated wasn't actually lineart but the feeling that I had to replicate something perfectly only to lose the essence of what I was copying. I tend not to line in my art know though.
23.) Do you have multiple unfinished projects? Will you ever get to finishing them?
Oh for sure. I made a blog post about some of the ones from this year so far. Some of them I won't be able to dedicate enough time to in order to get done in a resonable time :(. I do try to go through old ideas and play with them just in case they can now be finished or if it was put down due to something other than scope.
24.) How do you start a new piece? Do you have a plan or just figure it along the way?
If it's an actual piece, I usually have some sort of concept in my head. Then I do a mix of translating what's in my head and adapting it to include better ideas and things I'm actually able to draw.
25.) How do you handle art block?
I don't usually have art block. Honestly, the reason why I don't create as much as I want to probably has more to do with me getting used to putting distance between the urge to create and the actual act of creation.
26.) Do you listen to music or watch something while working?
That or some type of youtube video or I'm on voice call. Music is what I can work with longest though. Sometimes hearing someone talk is just too much noise and that builds to put me in a bad mood. If I have to lock in, I put on Mili or a video game soundtrack.
27.) When are you most motivated to create? In the morning or evening? Rainy or sunny?
I'm honestly not sure. When I'm socializing and eating well mostly. If there's any effect on my creation due to time of day, I dip in productivity around midday I think. And I don't think rainy weather affects my creativity much but I can work for a quite while if it's sunny and I'm outside (and it's not above operating temp for my laptop).
28.) Are your sketchbooks messy or aesthetically pleasing?
Neither? I don't usually have stuff scribbled out or anything I'd consider messy. Also, I have yet to see a non pleasing sketchbook. There's something so satisfying and pleasant about seeing someone's works laid out, but I don't try to make my sketchbook pretty.
29.) Do you like showing sketchbooks to others?
I'm mostly indifferent. I'll show if I need feedback or am just excited about what I drew.
30.) Do you have any art friends? IRL or online?
Mostly online, although I got a friend to start drawing. Remember that you can also convert a friend to an art friend! Don't let your dreams be dreams!
31.) Do you collaborate frequently with your friends? Is there something you'd like to work on together?
I rarely collaborate in general, I get kinda shy to ask plus I got really used to working on stuff alone. Working on a team for Otome Jame was super fun though, and I've got a Spooktober collab coming up though.
32.) Have you created art to gift to others? How do feel about parting away from your work?
Yes, but a lot of them weren't exactly pretty. I did a really cool present for my dad that combined a low poly 3d render and digital art.
33.) Have you drawn for someone else? Like commissions or requests? Did you enjoy it?
I did commissions very breifly as a kid. I could not keep on top of stuff so it mostly just stressed me out. Funny considering what I do now.
34.) How's your posture?
Usually good, funnily enough if I hunch over it's usually not because I'm drawing.
35.) Have you ever been injured making art?
No, I'm not even sure how I'd do that considering I don't really use cutting tools.
36.) What's a medium of art you've wanted to try / currently attempting?
I want to make more music, I've been playing a game called OFFBEAT that has helped me understand some things about making music. Time will tell if it sticks though. Also I'd like to learn how to paint traditionally, mostly watercolors but acrylics would be cool. My current method is basically just put shit down and have a paper towel handy just in case.
37.) Do you prefer stylized or realistic art?
Stylized.
38.) Do you like hyper-realistic art?
It's nice but not my preference. I admire the skill it takes but I don't have learn much about the artist or their outlook or their message other things aren't done with the piece, which makes the art less enjoyable to me.
39.) Do you like abstract art?
Depends on the piece.
40.) How do you feel about fine art?
I've heard it's a very different world than what a lot of us consider the art world.
41.) How do you feel about outsider art? Do you think you fall in that category?
I'm not sure. Fascinated I guess? Outsider art always feels so much more intimate so it almost feels like an intrusion even though it shouldn't. I don't think my art counts.
42.) Do you follow art trends?
Not really.
43.) Do you think your art is influenced by what's currently popular?
Not really. Moreso by my interests.
44.) Do you compare yourself with others? Does it affect you negatively?
It's more like "Wow I never thought of that, Imma steal that!"
45.) Your controversial art take?
Pro artists' advice is great, but parts will not work for those who aren't doing art for a job.This is kinda bundling stuff I don't agree with or think is recommended too indescriminately, including but not limited to:
Draw every day - not bad on its face but can add stress and guilt to people who shouldn't be worrying about that, like people coming back to art or those who may rebel against the idea of a strict schedule, especially since the advice is often to draw eveyday at the same time.
Anything regarding how sketchbooks should be laid out - if you're not making a sketchbook at least partially to be shown off (which a lot of socmed artists are doing), you don't need to worry about your sketchbook looking good or neat unless that makes you happy.
I do think everyone should learn fundamentals though, and I suggest the Drawabox approach of splitting artwork between studies and art for fun.
46.) Art related pet peeves?
Putting people who do a thing on a pedestal or the "I could never do that!" mentality. I wanna shake people when they do that. It's one thing to not be interested, but to clearly want to learn but refuse to try? Creators can do incredible things... with practice. Everyone holds a pencil for the first time. I wish we weren't so quick to dismiss that.
As for something that happens when I create, I guess I draw kinda heavy cuz I almost never seem to erase a line completely >:(
47.) Who or what are your inspirations?
I have a lot. In no particular order spanning across my art journey: Professor Layton, Loomis, Camilla D'errico, Mark Crilley, Loish, June from ActuallyRea, Star from the Starfishface, Mili, Phantom Siita, Danganronpa, Sailor Moon
48.) What's an art piece / artist you wished got more attention?
A lot of the artists I like are pretty popular. But I feel like we don't support beginner artists as much as we used to. There's something beautiful about watching someone grow and try their best even when it's not the most pretty result.
49.) Have you touch grass recently? Do you go out frequently or do you spend most of your time indoors?
I touched grass the other day by going to a cafe. I work from home mostly so I'm learning I have to go out for the sake of my sanity.
50.) Do you create art daily?
Hah no. Even though most of my time goes to my game projects I don't work on those everyday either. I want to achieve this someday though. I realize I said previously this is not good advice for everyone, and it wasn't for me for a long time. Now I think I'm at a point where it will be helpful.
51.) Do you take breaks from creating? How frequently?
Yes, semifrequently although not on purpose.
52.) Do you set deadline for your work?
Not often. I struggle to give myself sane projects in the first place so deadlines are for work done for others. Also working on this.
53.) Do you archive your work? Do you keep old pieces?
Not very well/far back :( I have some old games archived but a lot of my old art has been thrown away as I had a really bad habit of thinking everything old being seen meant that someone would think I wasn't skilled and they'd make fun of me. Obviously not realistic.
54.) Are you embarrassed of your old work? Or are you indifferent by it?
I used to be. Now I'm kinda proud of it.
55.) Do you seek out for criticism? How do you handle feedback?
Occassionally. I had to learn how to deal with critique in college so now it just rolls off my back, although sometimes I still have trouble accepting exclusively postive feedback.
56.) Are you harsh on your own work? Or do you love your work despite all it's flaws?
I can be. I want to learn and get better so I worry about stagnation. I always feel that every piece can be improved even if only slightly. This used to be way more toxic though and I'd be incapable of accepting positive feedback at all because I was so convinced I couldn't produce something that good.
57.) Do you get compliments frequently? How do feel about them?
Uh, I guess. I generally don't pay attention much, unless it's on something I was struggling with, then they're the best thing I've ever heard.
58.) How do feel about the rise of generative AI? Do you use it for getting ideas or references?
I'm tired of it. It was pitched as a way to increase human potential but it hasn't done that. It's made people dumber, lazier, and more conviced of their ineptitude and therefore need to use it. I don't use it purposely for ideas or reference although some stuff does slip through (Pinterest's AI filter is kinda shit). I see it as pointless, a human could already do that. If a reference isn't perfect (which they shouldn't have to be anyway) then photobash it until it is perfect. A human already drew/made/took a picture that can help, why bother with the AI?
59.) How do feel about tracing? What about tracing 3d models to streamline art process?
I was a young artist when the internet was crucifying others for tracing and it went from "don't pass this off as your piece" to "if you EVER trace you should die!". Everytime I talk to a pro artist, they talk about how they trace and the right way to do it. Trace that hand reference. Use that silohuette to make you face side profile. Seriously, this is an "issue" that mostly came from misunderstanding a situation where the issue was theft but got passed along as tracing being the problem.
60.) Drop you art resources!
Ok!
Posemaniacs Pose references
Nappy Stock photos with black and brown people
Adorkastock More pose ref
True Ref If you sign up for their newsletter, you get free samples of their packs!
Sketch Daily Timed figure drawing practice
Topology Guides Guides to follow for retopo-ing 3d models
61.) Do you prefer making fanart or original content?
I very rarely make fanart. I don't hate making it though.
62.) Do you think original content are more creative than fanart?
No? Is there beef between some oc artist and fanartists I don't know about?
63.) Do you strive for originality?
No? Kind of? Like nothing new under the sun but also I do try to avoid cliches in design. I go more for stuff that will resonate.
64.) Do you draw from imagination or heavily rely on references?
Both. You have to use reference to build your visual library to have more imagination to draw from.
65.) Do you think using references is a crutch?
No.
66.) Do you like to make mood boards or scroll through Pinterest?
I actually don't do it super often, but it was pointed out a while ago that I should. Trying that has made stuff a bit easier.
67.) Does your work have a story behind them or do you just make things that you think look neat?
Both.
68.) Do you think art should have a purpose?
It's purpose is to get made.
69.) Favorite aesthetic?
Uhhhh don't make me pick :( I love the like jhorror protag aesthetic since it combines girliness with horror but I also love like EGL and art hoe and man idk
70.) Do you have a muse or a theme you fall back to?
I don't think so? I usually end up doing things that come from my dreams I guess. My ideas are just better when I'm asleep lol.
71.) If you could eat you art, what would it taste like?
It's always different so it would probably be a mix of flavors.
72.) If your work suddenly became sentient, would it adore or hate you?
My old work would hate me. It was viewed with loathing that came from me hating myself so somewhere in a landfill it would rot, rueing my existence.
73.) Based on previous question, can you win in a fist fight against it?
Old art, yes based on the fact the anatomy was bad so they wouldn't move well. New art, no clue.
74.) Is your art style consistent? Do you prefer making a wide variety of art?
Haha no. I make a lot of different types of art, partially just cuz I can. It's more fun that way.
75.) Do you revisit old concepts or sketches? Do you touch em up or leave them as is?
I revisit old concepts moreso than old writing or other art. Some part of me doesn't want to mess with the old stuff to kinda preserve it.
76.) Do you believe in talent or is it all skill?
I believe in talent but think people massively overrate how much it helps. Talent improves your starting place and multiplies your growth rate however skill and perseverance can make up for a lack of talent.
77.) What's your favorite thing to draw / make? Do you prefer making living things or still life?
I love making low poly art. The subject doesn't really matter but my process of not using a base sketch and usually just designing as I model makes it a lot more fun I think. I haven't figured out a favorite genre but I used to default to classical.
78.) Do you create your art with a specific audience in mind? Who?
Sometimes. The audience changes depending on the art though.
79.) How do you feel about people taking inspiration from work? Do you think art style theft is real?
I think taking inspiration is one of the key parts of becoming a good artist. Art style theft by humans is impossible, art style theft by AI is a thing though.
80.) Do you participate in art conventions? Do you sell your work or support everyone else?
I've only been to a two different cons. I've never had a booth at an art con (only a games one) and just go to the artist alley or seller booths to get stuff.
81.) Are you art materials expensive? Do you hoard any tools?
My current tablet was pretty expensive and so was the laptop I use to make digital art on the go. All my traditional supplies were pretty cheap though. I don't hoard necessarily but I do have art supplies I don't often use or am waiting to use.
82.) Do you organize you supplies and tools systematically?
With my traditional supplies yes. I have a place for yarn, fabric, drawing and painting supplies, etc.
83.) Do you clean up after a project? Or do you just leave everything lying around till you need the space?
A mix of both. I clean anything that will get to cumbersome to leave but leave out stuff like paper towels used for painting out for reuse.
84.) Do you have a ritual before you start creating? Do you have a drink or some snacks?
No, not really. I have water that I forget to drink but that's it.
85.) How do feel about censorship in art? Where do you draw the line for inappropriate art?
I'm gonna be for real, I think we should censor art less. I have seen works I find reprehensible but understand that when we start removing or banning people for making bad things, what's considered a bad thing slowly shifts. That being said, this is how I feel about governments and other large entities. Individuals and smaller groups should be able to protect themselves and I think things should be properly tagged to allow for that.
86.) Do you censor your own art? Do you feel like you leave out details for it be socially accepted?
I've never really had to censor my art. I would sometimes mark a page as for adults prematurely due to anticipated subject matter but found that it was an overreaction.
87.) Do you feel intimated with starting a new projects?
No, finishing them is more scary.
88.) Are you scared of your art regressing? Do you think it's even possible to get worst at art?
I've seen mine regress. It's not scary when it happens, just frustrating. It is possible to get worse but mostly due to lack of practice. Usually when people think they're regressing they've just gotten better observational skills.
89.) Do you frequently make compromises for your work? Does your art come out the way you envision them?
Yeah, I really have to get over the hatred of the polish phase for my personal stuff cuz my stuff would be better if that was included.
90.) How well do you manage your mistakes? Do you stress about them?
Fine, I think? I don't really stress, it's more of a "is it early on enough to erase and retry or do I just have to do better next time?" thing
91.) Do you make lists of things you'd like to make? Do you actual commit to them?
A list might be a nice idea. I generally just have a folder in Obsidian.
92.) What is your ultimate goal of your work? Like, is to tell a story, connect with others, or just to enjoy the process?
I would like to allow viewers to explore things they may be struggling with in a safe way. That moreso comes out in my writing than anything else though.
93.) What's something you've recently worked on that you're really proud of?
Nothing comes to mind honestly.
94.) Do you have any dream projects? Have you started on them?
I want to make an RPG someday and I want to make a comic. I don't feel I'm far enough or commited enough to say I've started honestly.
95.) Would you prefer unlimited money or unlimited time to make your projects?
Unlimited money would give me unlimited time. Genuinely not having to worry about rent or money for groceries and other neccessities would help a lot.
96.) Why do you create art?
To satisfy an urge I guess. I used to hold back that urge a lot which lead to me not creating often, but I'm learning to just give in to it.
97.) Are you happy with what you create?
Yeah, not overwhelmingly so but I am happy with it.
98.) Do you think everyone should make art?
Absolutely, especially when there are so many ways to. Especially if they think they can't. I think it's one of the most approachable ways to realize how amazing humans are.
99.) What's advice you'd give to newer artist?
- Learn your fundamentals
- If it looks bad, figure out why and try not to make that mistake on the next piece
- Practice giving in to that creative urge, killing it will only cause you pain
100.) When did you finish this? How'd you feel?
Late at night on 08/08. I really liked these questions and had a lot of fun!
