August Q&A - Leave Your Questions Here!
Added 2021-08-19 15:54:20 +0000 UTCHey!
Hope you're well! I can't believe we are already in August, it's nice to be back on Patreon getting everything done. From here on out, things may look a little different as I've enlisted my wife in helping me run things smoothly. As a matter of fact she's typing this right now as I dictate and I'm making her write whatever I want... Butthole with eyes, a penis with lips on it. Um, two dogs sucking on an ass, etc. (I'm sorry that I just typed all of that - Kim).
Please feel free to ask whatever questions you like - it doesn't have to be art related, I'm open to any questions. Here are some suggestions for a questions you may want to ask, "How do you figure out your pay rate?", "How do you know when you've found your style?", "Is phallic imagery necessary for a completed illustration or is it simply inevitable?"
For the next month you can expect a video involving Industry specific Q&A, a plan of what to expect in the distant future of the Patreon, wrapping up all of the loose ends, and more on comics!
Thanks as always for your continued support!
-Dave
Comments
Hey Dave! I hope you and your family are alright, two questions: 1. I've been wanting to sell some fanart, But i though it was like "ilegal", then I saw you selling some on inprnt. Could you elaborate on how did you do it? And 2 (I asume you like prowrestling just ignore if not) what would your wrestling name be? entrance song? and could yo do a promo on a current wrestler? XD cheers man, you are amazing your art is fantastic and I hope the best for you and your family.
Alvaro Cardozo
2021-08-29 20:47:16 +0000 UTCHey Cream Daddy, I was wondering if the thicc-ness of your cream has changed at all since you became a father? Also, were you or are you worried at all about being a good dad? I want kids one day but Im super afraid I'll do a bad job at it cause I have zero experience around kids. Side note: thank you for taking the time to make the Orc tutorial. Ive listened to it multiple times over the years as I struggled to make money as an artist. Now Im finally making decent money from a personal project and I feel like that 15hrs of wisdom has helped me get here. Much love<3
Jey Ram
2021-08-28 22:19:59 +0000 UTCHey Dave, what are your top 3 anime movies, or just simply movies, whichever is more interesting to answer. Same question to Kim if she’s there!
Christopher
2021-08-28 08:35:23 +0000 UTCHey Dave, I don't know if you've answered this before, but what color profile do you recommend using (if any at all) when working on illustrations in photoshop? A lot of the stuff I've found online is weirdly vague about its application or refer to web or photography rather than digital art.
Alan Baker
2021-08-27 14:25:57 +0000 UTCWhile I know you create original art. Why do you create fan art? Is it related to work or personal interest? Do you find it an easier approach to improving your drawing skills and painting skills? What benefits do you find from creating fan art?
Jaz McDaniel
2021-08-27 13:50:28 +0000 UTCHi Dave! Been a Patreon member for a few months now. Thanks so much for the valuable insight and tips for aspiring and working artist/illustrators. my question: To get any of my pieces to a finish takes so long, a month sometimes. The process is so slow for me. I think you’ve mentioned in other videos that it takes you about a day to get a finished piece out. Once I’m set on a piece, I am pretty good about taking them to a finish. So, not finishing things isn’t a problem here. It’s just my process is so slow, it starts to eat at my confidence a bit. I’m not a working professional yet but I’d like to work for a company like Riot one day. My slowness causes me to create an internal dialogue that I may not be fit for working in the industry. Do I keep focusing on quality and let the speed come naturally. Or do I push myself to work faster? Or both? What’s your advice? I’m studying at an atelier. I won’t be able to complete their training, but I’m confident I can apply what I learned and continue training by myself. I struggle a lot with imaginative drawing, but I’m confident in doing studies. I want to be working soon, it’s making me anxious.
Kevin Won
2021-08-27 09:44:03 +0000 UTCHey.
tyler kp
2021-08-27 02:01:37 +0000 UTChey dave, i had a question about the movie poster work you did for logan. does your client give you references for the actors in their respected poses or do you finish up a sketch and later receive references ? thanks and take care!
Shozi
2021-08-26 19:05:01 +0000 UTCwe right on the cusp - so close I can taste that lush cream
David Rapoza
2021-08-26 16:53:00 +0000 UTCwhen are you gonna make some more steve you scumbag xxxx
Nicholas Mastello
2021-08-26 07:16:19 +0000 UTCHey Dave, how do you feel about the ergonomics of your art setup? At work for the past month i've been doing looser landscape concepts and have switched back from using the cintiq to the intuos tablet enabling me to sit back in my chair. I love drawing on the Cintiq but after a while I notice I start to hunch over and i'd like to keep my posture in check. I know you've talked about doing wrist exercises but do you do anything preventive for posture? Have you looked into chairs / sit stand desks? Theres a lot of crazy expensive chairs out there advertising better posture but I don know how applicable that is for us who lean into the Cintiq when we draw. Thanks for always sharing your process, I can without a doubt say you have helped me in more ways than one become a better illustrator with your practical no nonsense real world advice.
Josh Newton
2021-08-25 19:19:31 +0000 UTCHey Dave, If Kim's life is on the line and the only way to save her is to fight and defeat either David Blaine or David Copperfield in a street fight (no rules ), Who would you fight? Thanks Dave, take care
Senna Prahara
2021-08-24 22:23:55 +0000 UTCDamn you got epic stuff in here! Was wondering if you had plan for a group image of Chrono trigger Seven playable character,? Maybe the Half clock from the title and the 7 portrait you already done placed in "Timeline" order (ayla at the bottom and robo at the top)?
Louis-Francois D'Amour
2021-08-24 20:58:23 +0000 UTCHey you just put up a bunch of work as prints, but all this stuff is fan art! Are you concerned with copyright issues with this stuff? Or have you found some work around, I thought you were against putting up stuff for sale to not get sued. Also please can we get some human centipede / Garfield Wall art up for prints, much appreciated!
Wesley Edwards
2021-08-24 16:28:18 +0000 UTCDo you think it would be cool if the Steve Lichman comics were to be animated as episodes full of small skits? Do you think it would be a good idea / translate well to the animated media? Would you be happy considering you'd probably have little input on things like voice actors after every character already has a voice in your head?
daemon
2021-08-24 15:20:50 +0000 UTCWhat is your preferred coffee?? And also, could we get a shot of your drawing setup? I been seeing a bunch of videos recently on YouTube about improving your drawing setup, it was something I never put much thought into but now I realize the importance . Stay sexy, blessings 🙌🏼
Alfred Manzano
2021-08-24 13:11:37 +0000 UTCHey Dave, what do you think makes a great piece of art? What makes a good concept art, a good cover art or just a good illustration, of course it is not how realistic it is, sometimes in concept art the amount you render don't even matter that much, so how do you make your work stand out? Sometimes you can have a good technical knowledge of how to paint, light, shadow and colors but the artist struggle to make something that has some meaning or true value to the eyes of people.
Lagarok (Ohletob)
2021-08-23 16:28:40 +0000 UTCHey Dave, character design question How familiar are you with historical clothing, armor, fashion? Have you studied the various bits and pieces that make up an outfit? I've been binging series on medieval armor (how it evolved, functioned, attached, articulated, etc) and that helped me immensely with creativity and confidence in my designs, more than the usual rules of big-medium-small or strong silhouette. So I'm wondering, have you deliberately studied any of this, and if so, what were your favorite resources and time periods? I find it strange that almost no one mentions studying the fashion/function aspect of character design, yet almost everyone is nerding out about abstract design principles (which are very helpful, but still).
Anton
2021-08-23 11:51:05 +0000 UTCHey Dave, Is nut milk (almond milk, soy milk, etc...) milk? And if it's not milk, what is it? Do you drink nut milk, or are you still preaching the gospel of heavy cream? These are the questions that burn within my soul. Please free me. Sending you all my love, Jake
Jacob Loren
2021-08-23 08:28:12 +0000 UTCHi Dave hope you doing great, do you have any movie recommendations ? Thanks Dave.
Noel
2021-08-23 07:27:20 +0000 UTCMe again, forgot something: Are you still going to post the tutorial you teased before your break about structuring/drawing ornaments on a character's armor etc? The way you drew all the intricate ornaments on the Castlevania spread blew me away and I'd love some insight into how you go about that!
Frederik H.
2021-08-22 16:30:52 +0000 UTCDave, when are we getting that studio tour? How about right now? I double-dog dare you.
Eric Weathers
2021-08-21 16:22:26 +0000 UTCHey Dave, thanks for all your cool work. I work 90% in traditional illustration using microns. While I am happy with my small audience I was wondering how you got over the struggle of posting your work on all of the social media pages. It's just so time consuming and monotonous so I only stick to 2 pages to post my work. Thank you again, happy fisting
Permian_Extinction
2021-08-21 13:47:58 +0000 UTCHello Dave, I've been on a diet for 2 weeks now. It sucks. I was hoping my poops would become more solid by now with all the fiber I've been eating. How do I deal with the disappointment? Also How do I deal with the stress of not reaching my freelance goals. Maybe should I eat less fiber?
Félix Hinojosa
2021-08-21 02:36:49 +0000 UTCOh man, I would love to see Dave make some JoJo stuff.
Oronoro
2021-08-20 23:12:52 +0000 UTCHey Dave! Knowing what you know now, if you had to start all over again as an artist, what approach would you take to climb back to where you are? What skills would you focus on, and what would you avoid doing? Is there any advice you wish you could have told yourself?
Oronoro
2021-08-20 23:08:07 +0000 UTCDave, any news on the stuff you wrote with Dan? Also, did you get the rest of Jason Statham's body parts? Regarding the phallic imagery, I've found that it's quite easy to accidentally draw dicks on stuff. Maybe it's a fold with just the right shape, or the negative space between two characters, but the dick is always there; unmoving, waiting, watching. Erect.
Lucyan J. C. (cyangorilla)
2021-08-20 16:13:12 +0000 UTCon the coffee question, does tea do the same for you? it's got almost the same amount of caffeine in it
Lucyan J. C. (cyangorilla)
2021-08-20 16:06:02 +0000 UTCDo people ever call you David? If so does it annoy you?
Spencer Rich
2021-08-20 14:41:41 +0000 UTCWhat should your online audience look like before you decide to go for Patreon?
SycrosD4
2021-08-20 13:10:45 +0000 UTCI’ve been collecting artist signature MTG cards. Do you still sign cards for fans? And if so, how do we go about obtaining one? Thanks Dave.
Jeffrey Rozanski
2021-08-20 12:43:04 +0000 UTCJust outta curiosity, whats the last bit of sweet juicy art that u have eaten? It can be anything from a show to a new painter u found Just some of that good good art that makes u want to stop consuming it and go draw right away
Colorblindraws
2021-08-20 09:35:55 +0000 UTCQuite the opposite of the last question, but in ur opinion, what are the main mistakes artists both New and Pro tend to make, and continue to make?
Colorblindraws
2021-08-20 09:33:56 +0000 UTCHello Guys! Good to have you back. What are some of your favourite comics/manga? Are there any comic artists/mangaka that have influenced you?
Chris Pittas
2021-08-20 09:33:24 +0000 UTCDave, while eating art is certainly fun Trying to get better at it can be complicated as u know, so I was wondering how for example one goes about using books Eating them is a good source of fiber, I know, but Im more interested in ur experience with the paper words medium More specifically if there are any tips that made u have a "ah, so thats how thats works" moment
Colorblindraws
2021-08-20 09:32:27 +0000 UTCHey Dave, Any tips on how to maintain an art schedule? I draw every day but some days are infinitely more productive than others… I tend to get super annoyed by the rendering phase and move on to a new project. You’re a huge inspiration with the amount of work you produce at the quality you achieve. Ps. What do you think about JoJos bizarre adventure? It’s my dream to see the characters in your art style haha
William Solano
2021-08-20 07:10:52 +0000 UTCHello Mr. Rapoza, I admire your ability to have a work/life balance while taking on so many projects. I've found myself neck deep in work 24/7 trying to get off the ground with my art. How do I stay human, for lack of a better word, while doing so much study all the time? Also, any tips for working without coffee? It's a laxative for me and it's hard to focus when you're trying not to shit your pants.
Eustass
2021-08-20 07:04:23 +0000 UTCHave you ever played with Krita, any thoughts on the tool?
Sen Ectus
2021-08-20 01:51:23 +0000 UTCHi, Dave I know you've talked about this, but any plans on Clip Studio tutorials? I am learning it right now and I would appreciate it your approach Thank you!
Adrián Hernández
2021-08-19 22:21:24 +0000 UTCHi Dave. I hope work and stuff at home continues to improve for you guys. I've got two questions. 1. Are you planning on doing any collaborative work with your patrons in the future? 2. How many hours of sleep do you guys (Kim can also answer) get in a day? I have a feeling it's not nearly enough.
Figmenter
2021-08-19 21:47:13 +0000 UTCHello Dave! But struggling with this one for a while, I've been working on fantasy art, mostly DnD commissions but I seriously want to get into book covers and covers in general, looking to transition more into a James Jean style kind of thing, how do I get my first jobs or how do I find art directors for that type of work? Already have a lot of practice in that kind of style, but still going to make a 3-5 piece portfolio. Also any advice on transitioning? Since now my income fully comes from fantasy/Dnd type of work. Thanks!
vaart
2021-08-19 20:35:42 +0000 UTCHey Dave, how goes the Blender exploration? Have you started to incorporate 3D into your work in any way?
Cameron Skinner
2021-08-19 19:35:55 +0000 UTCHey Dave, I wanted to get your thoughts on achievement and work ethic. I’ve been following you and Dan long enough to know that when you were working on the 400+ page Steve Book 2, both of you were also doing freelance in addition to the working on the book. In comparison to the rest of the field, it seems like you guys are capable of doing twice or three times the work of other people in the field. For some folks it seems like it takes a year or two to make a 150 page uncolored comic. With that said, it also seems like you both were able to live reasonably balanced lives (going to the gym, starting a family, not working 18 hour days, etc). From an outsider’s perspective, it seems like you can basically do whatever you want and make it successful. I find myself wanting to do what you do: work in many wildly different styles and take on tons of different kinds of jobs. What qualities do you feel like have enabled you to separate yourself from the pack of no-name industry artists and other people struggling to rise to the top? P.S.: I’d love to hear Kim’s thoughts on this too!
Rauv_Art
2021-08-19 19:04:00 +0000 UTCDavid Rapoza, Fuck/marry/kill, David Spade, Dave Foley, David Lee Roth????
Drew Bartlett
2021-08-19 18:16:56 +0000 UTCWhat's up Dave? I have a question about digital vs traditional painting. I've been trying to copy what you've been doing to get that marker/colored pencil look to make my art look closer to classic Capcom art like bengus or nishimura. What do you think are the most important things which make digital art look more like traditional, and what things could ruin that and make it look like plastic?
Nixolas
2021-08-19 18:00:31 +0000 UTCAre there enough jobs for newer artists? Is the industry oversaturated ?
Conon Kudo
2021-08-19 17:57:37 +0000 UTCHi Dave, Is phallic imagery necessary for a completed illustration or is it simply inevitable?
Maddie
2021-08-19 17:51:31 +0000 UTCHey Dave, I hope you and your family are better and the client work stress has died down a bit. Hope you're happy and healthy! I have two small questions for the Cream Master: Do you have any advice on studying drawing Mechs? I'd love to be able to understand that craft, and I've tried studying a bit off my old Transformers toys and applying it freehand, but it just looks like a mesh of metal plates stacked on top of each other instead of a consistent, effective Mech part composition. How would I go about something like that? My second question is: You gave a small elevator pitch of Dan and your idea for a Ghost Rider comic a few months back, about how it'd be about a teen in a small town getting the Ghost Rider powers during the 80s Satanic Panic (if I remember correctly). Do you (or the two of you) have any other ideas similar to that one for another exisiting IP? If so, do you wanna share another one? Thank you for all the effort you put into this Patreon, going through the backlog during your absence and following some of the tutorials really boosted my art skill and confidence. Fingers crossed that the rest of 2021 goes better for you and your family!
Frederik H.
2021-08-19 16:57:55 +0000 UTCHi Dave, what's your all time, #1 poop story? Also, have you been keeping up with grayscale first then colors? I just tried it on my most recent piece I'm working on and boy is it fast. I am a little scared to overlay the colors though.
Gnomegod
2021-08-19 16:54:43 +0000 UTCHave you ever taken inspiration from any photographers or cinematographers? If so who are they?
Daniel Mondon
2021-08-19 16:53:01 +0000 UTCIs there any places you recommend finding work? Do you recommend just reaching out to companies directly? I've just started putting my comic together, just one scene at a time do you see doing comics as something that helps you get more work, even if its just a few short scenes?
Wesley Edwards
2021-08-19 16:41:02 +0000 UTCHello Dave Raposa AKA Mr. Delicious my name is Jacob I've been a fan of yours since high school. I've just graduated college more specifically the School of Visual Arts, And so far I have done 2 art jobs, illustrations for a basket ball event, and a weed company logo (both which are for my cousin, it was either this or making a porn comic for my other cousin..). The reason why I got into art in the first place was to be a comic artist, so how do you more advance your career in the direction you want? (How do you get the jobs that you want?) Bonus question (Kim can answer too if she wants.) : What is the best way to go when trying to make friends and meeting new people? (P.s thank you for the tutorials, I've been making some dope stuff with your tutorials, I took the process from your wolverine vid to make some cool fan art of zangeif and colossus.)
Jacob Emiliano
2021-08-19 16:39:21 +0000 UTCHi Dave, I wanted to know, in the video where you paint the skull, what command do you use to make the big backgrounds? because I also tried with the Click command but it overpowers me and you just manage to blend well
Marcello Iozzoli
2021-08-19 16:21:36 +0000 UTCHey Dave, recently my drawing hand has been sore constantly, I'm in my mid-30's and I know I'm not getting enough arm and shoulder movement into my drawing. Any tips on how to reduce this? Bonus question: If you fell down a manhole cover, broke both your legs and had to learn how to communicate with a swarm of rats to escape the sewers, would you: A: Use a penny whistle made of your own shin bone and rat raft to freedom. B: Assert dominance by launching the alpha rats against the cobblestones until the rest fell in line. C: "Fuck it, this is my home now." D: Tie the rat tails together and climb the living rope of your best friends, all the while saying solemn goodbyes to each as you ascend from the abyss.
Andrew Glassman Art
2021-08-19 16:16:04 +0000 UTCHello Dave. I asked you something in April Q&A and since only part 1 video came out, I guess my question never got an answer unfortunately (it's okay though). I wanted to know: what business would you recommend to go for? I'm learning art right now, and hopefully in a handful of years, I'll be good enough to make a living off of it. I would like to be a concept artist, mostly for the video game and film industry, but I'm also a big fan of comic books, and I would like to be a cover artist as well. If I favour a freelance career over an in-house job at a video game studio, do you think I can do both? (cover art & concept art). Also, which one pays the most? Thank you for your time.
Fethennour
2021-08-19 16:11:52 +0000 UTCGood to have you back Mr. Vain, Have you considered making any more long tutorials like the Orc tutorial? I know i would buy it on gumroad, i've watched the orc one like 4 times, it's super helpful.
Bogsloth
2021-08-19 16:11:44 +0000 UTCHow do you get out of a rut, if you ever got yourself into one? I've had to stop temporarily working with art due to RSI problems and it's been hard (to not say painful) to get back into my usual productivity and self-discipline levels, as they were before I stopped. Also, is mousetrap happening on this year's halloween?
André Alessi
2021-08-19 16:11:23 +0000 UTCIf you were starting your career fresh right now what would be your plan to gain traction? And in terms of process question what workflow would you recommend doing scans of your pencil work to be used in digital coloring for comic use?
Andrew Boucher
2021-08-19 16:10:55 +0000 UTCDave, glad you are back on Patreon and all is well. I have already learned so much and I appreciate it! But, would you ever be willing to film your entire process of an art piece not sped up? (Similar to your Wolverine and Beast bust process videos). A longer format video that covers the start and end of a painting with full narration? If this already exists sorry, just need to find it. Thanks brotha!
Nick Yourkonis
2021-08-19 16:03:13 +0000 UTCHi Dave, thanks as always for organizing this. My question is: do you have any advice for someone who wishes to start an art career at age 35? Besides honing art skills, is there anything you can advice to help balance the deficit in years? Thanks again!
artofamiel
2021-08-19 16:00:17 +0000 UTCHey man, what's a hole you've crawled into that you regretted? Also any graveyard stories would be dope. Oh also have you used the Graphic Artists Guild Handbook, 16th Edition: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines? Or nah? Seems like a useful tool at least for beginners. Apparently has good stuff for illustrators etc
Esteban Sanchez
2021-08-19 15:58:06 +0000 UTCI don’t want to be the guy that keeps asking for shit, because a donation isn’t a commission...but are you planning anything Gundam related?
Yeet Kune Do
2021-08-19 15:57:05 +0000 UTC
