September Q&A - leave your questions here!
Added 2020-09-09 18:11:58 +0000 UTCHey!
Hope you're well! I can't believe it's already September, I started this Patreon back in February and it's already been 8 months, that's really wild to me. You've all changed I and my family's lives and I couldn't be happier working with you all rather than constant clients! It's been such a great time to try and expand my personal work and learn new skills and techniques - I've really found I'm truly able to challenge myself through this and find new levels with each piece I'm putting out. I just wanted you to know how much this means to me.
Ok, now, feel free to leave whatever questions you like below! You can ask why does the lower half of my body sweats far more than the upper half, or maybe ask why do I have such an issue with relaxing and doing nothing, what am I truly afraid of, or even questions about art and business - anything goes.
Thanks again and I'll talk to you soon,
Dave
Comments
Hey Dave, Would you be willing to draw high res steve lichman poster/image like with your fanarts? Not sure if that's something you would be interested in doing but I would love to see those weird monsters super rendered
Mush
2020-10-03 16:53:50 +0000 UTCWeird question: what resolution should I have my portfolio/ArtStation images at? Full rez, or lower rez in case someone swipes them?
Joshua Barbour
2020-10-01 21:07:55 +0000 UTCHey Dave, I've been chompin' at the bits to ask this one -- I've been thinking about it all week, and i've been dying to know if we can expect any Cuties fan art? Thanks and stay well.
Ian Marshall Pellerin
2020-10-01 01:29:24 +0000 UTCHey Dave, congrats on the 8 months! I'm always excited about what you're doing next, often it's stuff I don't even know about like the evangelion pieces or the mega man thing. You've been talking about childhood influences like this a lot and how you still get inspiration from them. I'm rediscovering my childhood more and more now but it doesn't lend itself to much for drawing, painting, inspiration and so on. How should one compensate in this case? I'm feel myself falling more and more in the category "fan of fantasy" and am afraid of repeating the same old stuff. Not sure if I can bring something new to the table if you know what I mean. Thanks and all the best to you and your family!
Julian Hellwig
2020-09-30 08:51:06 +0000 UTCHey bro, Thanks as always for being such a bro and doing this. You give out so much more content than most people do that milk the system. As for advice - I am right now working as a 3D artist and have been doing it for the past 3 years after having worked for a long time training to become a concept artist. I have the skills to at least get into a studio, but my portfolio has been lacking due disliking my life trajectory. Corporate culture is suffocating, especially when its something you aren't learning from anymore, but family/friends disapprove when I mention I'd rather stack boxes and practice my art than suck up to managers. Where this is going is would it be silly to quit and spend time finding my voice and investing in a portfolio? While it is Covid times I think that the market for art isn't as hit (could be naive). I feel like this is bitching out as most people say I can find another gig while at a gig, just need to manage my time. However, I am trying to decide if I need to suck it up as I've saved about a year of savings, have no debt, have low costs, single, and a large/strong network of contacts in this field that want to help. I was planning to exit with some contract gigs I'm trying to lineup to help retain some leverage+experience but before I do anything was wondering your thoughts? Thanks, and stay delicious my friend.
Ali Swei
2020-09-29 15:06:29 +0000 UTCHey Mr Delicious, I've been working on some drawings and I'm finding the workflow you use really good. From a rough sketch then refining on top. One thing I'm struggling with is getting perspective correct, do you have any tips on developing perspective other than studying books like Loomis and just drawings loads. It's getting better but wondered if you had any words of wisdom. As always take it easy and if it's easy take it twice 😂 Keep safe JC
John Crossland
2020-09-29 11:09:40 +0000 UTCHi Dave! You are totally awesome! Thank you very much for what you are doing. Your drawings are incredible inspiration But could you make a small guide about your Photoshop brushes and Clip studio. Which one and for what purpose do you use when you draw for MTG, since it is very small and not always visible. I would also like to ask how best to get into MTG, where and to whom could write?
Dmitry Bolotov
2020-09-26 14:10:51 +0000 UTCHey Dave! I hope your thighs are as crispy as ever! Would you rather eat a shit burrito from your mother or a semen popsicle from your father? Average size burrito. Double stick popsicle just wide enough that it barely fits in your mouth. Anyways... love ya! also, Where Dan?
Dr. Sizzle
2020-09-26 02:02:01 +0000 UTCHey Dave, another question... How do you find an art director of a company? Let's say for instance I'm looking for Legend of The Cryptids art director how do I go about it?
Levail Naik
2020-09-25 13:03:56 +0000 UTCHey Dave, I've been thinking about starting an art based Youtube channel where I just start shit-posting a subject for a few minutes and then draw that subject. For example, I go into why Darth Vader is a giant asthmatic leather daddy and then I draw him. My concern is that I also want to push for as much freelance as my broke ass can get a hold of and I worry my type of humor and the videos I plan to make might ruin that. I plan to have my face attached to it as well. Should I be worried? Thanks.
Jerry Nowlin
2020-09-24 04:29:37 +0000 UTCWhats up muscleman, last month I said i wanted to shoot myself with a nail gun, and i actually just landed a pretty nice contract that i can work on full time. My question is, how do you keep track of your hours? Do you keep track of how much time you're making coffee and all that, or do you only track time spent with the pen moving? Thanks bro
Bogsloth
2020-09-23 15:24:07 +0000 UTCHey Dave, is there a difference in your procedure when painting a portrait of someone and painting from your imagination?
Shozi
2020-09-22 11:20:20 +0000 UTCAny advice on finishing a piece without making it look too busy? Sometimes I find my paintings looking too detailed and that it detracts from it's attractiveness ?
S Omar
2020-09-21 08:27:32 +0000 UTCHey Dave, thanks for the advice on how to balance cold and warm temperatures. I have a new issue hoping you could help with? Hehehe! I'm having difficulty with studying from photographs to a point where I am not accurate, do you have any tips on how I should study from photos and to gain accuracy? I just draw and try to get as close as possible
Levail Naik
2020-09-19 19:01:20 +0000 UTCHey Dave! Thanks so much for being an inspiration. I've always wondered why you aren't on Artstation. Any particular reason?
Toyin Ajetunmobi
2020-09-18 07:12:09 +0000 UTCDude that is awesome! Congrats on the progress! Always more to go, but sounds like you've made it a long way.
Joseph Weston
2020-09-16 19:24:19 +0000 UTCHey Dave, I just got a portfolio review from Coro at Massive Black during Lightbox Expo and it was a definite victory, with plenty new threads to pull on. To paraphrase, he said ‘You can obviously render and are willing to put your ass in the chair.’ ‘Now you gotta show some fucking restraint.’ He told me I need to get better at simplifying, and not over render all the little details. I’m happy cause 7 years ago, Coro, Nox and Kemp said I couldn’t paint a belt buckle to save my ass but it seems I’ve swung too far the other end. Any advice on reeling in the over rendering and doing better with strategic simplifying? I suspect if I understand the goal, that maybe this might also help make my paintings more moody, but what do you think?
Nicholas P
2020-09-16 16:24:24 +0000 UTCI know Lazerhawk did some music based on Skull and Shark (King of the Streets is insane)- how close would that be to what you. would have envisioned it to sound like? Have you tried making music, ever? What music do you love, and if you ever were to make/produce music, what kind would that be?
Beau Little
2020-09-16 07:46:07 +0000 UTCDid you finish that intricate sword drawing you started around the beginning of last year? Thanks and I just downloaded all the process videos on here! A lot of this work just blows my mind...
Beau Little
2020-09-16 07:45:39 +0000 UTCI know Lazerhawk did some music based on Skull and Shark (King of the Streets is insane)- how close would that be to what you. would have envisioned it to sound like? Have you tried making music, ever? What music do you love, and if you ever were to make/produce music, what kind would that be? Did you finish that intricate sword drawing you started around the beginning of last year? Thanks and I just downloaded all the process videos on here! A lot of this work just blows my mind...
Beau Little
2020-09-16 07:33:49 +0000 UTCHey Dave, Thanks for the massive value you provide. I want to ask regarding "form and value" and conveying it convincingly in a 2D platform (such as paper, canvas or digital canvas)...I've sources you found particularly helpful when studying these topics when you were getting your bearings? (I keep struggling even after I review the basics and do studies) Also, will you do a livestream or zoom call in the future, it would be really awesome to be able to ask/interact w/you live. Thanks again!
AC
2020-09-14 22:50:16 +0000 UTCI forgot to ask something earlier: I love listening to these Q & A’s, very insightful and it does help me keep connected with an art community who’s smart and hungry to learn. However, listening to them on this platform isn’t very user friendly. For example, you need to have the video running to listen to it and if you close your phone or check another app it stops everything. Meaning I have to restart the q&a and re-find my place every time. Also not friendly for your battery since it’s video. Is there anyway you can also upload the audio in a podcast format or doesn’t Patreon have something similar for audio? Not saying you shouldn’t do video cause I see how it works but maybe when your done you could also extract audio and post it as well? It would be a so much easier to listen to and keep up with your masterful wisdom and the amazing questions from our Rapoza community! Not sure if I’m alone in this and course I’d hate to create more work or inconvenience but just throwing it out there. Thanks again for even doing these Q&A’s in the first place and sharing your knowledge!
Rave Dapoza
2020-09-13 16:54:03 +0000 UTCHey Dave, hope you're well and thank you for taking these questions! I've started doing more studies from life, like the drawing of fruit and stuff. I often get to a point with these where I don't know how to bring the study further. I know it's lacking but I cannot put my finger on what or cannot figure out the specific action to improve it. Is this something that improves naturally by doing more studies from life or would you recommend a different exercise to overcome this hurdle? Also, Halloween is coming up, any chance of you and Dave doing another mouse trap halloween stream?
timdegroote
2020-09-13 16:46:29 +0000 UTCHey dave, have you ever had the Peanut Butter filled M&M's? I used to eat a 2 and a half pound bag of them in a single sitting when I was in Junior high, which is about 6000 calories of M%M's. What's the most shameful thing you'e eaten in the last couple months? Much Love
Jacob Loren
2020-09-13 05:55:14 +0000 UTCHallo Daverino, issame again, Just wondering, do u have any tips on creating responsibilities, I always work and study better when I have someone to like “not disappoint” or something like that, and im currently way too comfortable with where Im at. I know u put urself in situations where u needed the financial backing to support urself, but u said that was pretty crazy, and I was wondering if u had any less crazy methods to suggest And when I say Im too comfortable its not that I think Im great where I am skillwise, its more of a lack of real push/consequences for not getting better faster and going after my goals As always thank u for ur wisdom not only on art technique, but in all that goes around the artist carreer/lifestyle, u have no idea how precious some of ur insights are to young artists that don’t know half a thing about the world (that’d be me)
Colorblindraws
2020-09-12 19:07:20 +0000 UTCHey Dave, I’m curious on how much direction and freedom you’re given before you do a cover or a poster for a comic or movie and how familiar you are or have to be with the source material? And have you noticed you get more freedom in the design the further you’ve moved along in your career? Thanks man, have a nice day.
Tommy Worthington
2020-09-12 14:57:45 +0000 UTCSomething I've also been wondering is how you got so good at doing backgrounds. It seems like you did mostly character focused work, but then started doing comics with these amazing settings. How did you go from characters to drawing the backgrounds like those? In particular your Devilman short? That cockpit and even just the buildings all look amazing. What tips would you give to somebody trying to transition to learn more about drawing that sort of thing?
Joseph Weston
2020-09-12 12:48:18 +0000 UTCThanks for setting up this patreon, I've learned a lot from you so far. Do you have any tips for beginners trying out traditional water color?
Linda Marsh
2020-09-12 10:27:39 +0000 UTCHey Dave! How do you pronounce the name Grzegorz Rutkowski? I really like his work and his brushes.
Joseph Weston
2020-09-11 13:16:00 +0000 UTCHey, Dave! Killer work, im really glad i subbed to this OnlyFans, it really keeps me motivated to draw. You said that you listen to audio books, got any recommendations?
Ben LaCasse
2020-09-11 07:00:05 +0000 UTCHey Dave, I love you and your work. 💖 Before you were a pro, what did you do when you wanted to draw stuff that was too ambitious for your abilities? I know the answer is probably to dive right in and study the things you didn't know, but personally, I always end up overwhelmed and discouraged after a few hours of searching for the right reference and trying to do studies. It bums me out that I can't express any of the scenes or characters that get me excited about making art. I'm also curious what was helpful to you when you got stuck on the path to being an awesome artist. I get crazy performance anxiety when I try to follow a practice schedule. It creates a feedback loop where I get even more stressed that I'm not practicing enough to improve at a satisfying rate. Thanks for all the great content dude! Glad for the chance to talk art with you.
Oronoro
2020-09-10 16:32:57 +0000 UTCHi Dave ! How much lotion do you usually apply to your body to keep it silky smooth and functional ? Also are you planning on doing some lewd art or continuing the Garfield saga on here? There was a story that you and Dan were talking about on one of your Livestreams , about this guy coming out of a lake with his bike . I would love to hear more creepy / weird stories . Cheers Dave , stay safe , stay delicious!
Stas Aldinov
2020-09-10 16:14:06 +0000 UTCWhat’s up Dave! I know I was a big fan of your Backwood Carver Stories. Can we hear a few more memorable stories? Also... do you think you will do anything similar with your son, how would you approach it differently if you did? Ok for my art question: I am very interested (along with other patrons) on how you use your Grzegorz Rutkowski oil brushes from GumRoad. It seems to be something you just do in the background while you focus your tutorials on the characters/line drawings etc. Can you briefly talk us though your thought process/techniques on your approach to building the simple quick backgrounds/textures with these awesome brushes! Thanks again for all you do! p.s. I wanted to shout-out your old Power Ranger concepts you did a while back... those concepts are what a power rangers gritty reboot need to be! Also it would be so rad if you could make Lord Zedd, I think he would look awesome in your style... just throwing it out there!
Rave Dapoza
2020-09-10 16:04:22 +0000 UTCHey Dave, could you talk some ball park figures to do with self publishing, things like rough sales numbers needed to make it viable, how much the frills like better materials and page count impacts the process. What considerations have come to light for you that will impact how you go into a 3rd Steve book? thanks as always, you doing great with the content on here
Andrew Gibbons
2020-09-10 08:48:47 +0000 UTCHow you doing Dave? My question is about going back to fundamentals and strengthening them to create better artwork in the rendering stages. What are efficient methods you used to go back and get solid fundamentals to build off of? Thanks!
Dean Brorson
2020-09-10 07:58:46 +0000 UTCDave, In a stream a while back I remember Dan mentioned working for some Kickstarter tabletop companies doing concepts of miniatures and edits of other peoples miniature concepts. I was wondering if you knew how he got those jobs and if you had any tips on moving into that market? Also I miss Dan and his ghosty stories. Another also, congrats on being a father the second time
Bryant Grizzle
2020-09-10 04:23:51 +0000 UTCHey Dave, I’ve been wondering if you are in any way nervous about blowback related to your Garfield parody - due to the current political climate in 2020. No one seems to have a sense of humor these days, and anything can be taken out of context. I know you mentioned a client having an issue in the past. If you were to do it over again, would you use a pseudonym?
Anthony
2020-09-10 00:09:01 +0000 UTCHey bruh, I love you. Tell me your biggest regret, if you like, want to.
Esteban Sanchez
2020-09-09 23:30:00 +0000 UTCHey Dave, can you finally reveal what was the super secret project you and Dan were working on? Also, are the streams ever coming back? I miss the cream.
Petr Šťovík
2020-09-09 20:31:18 +0000 UTCAny tips on getting started at Clip?
Leon Ngo pham
2020-09-09 19:58:58 +0000 UTCHey Dave, first - thanks for all of this, I have been following you ever since the 1st Steve Lichman comics all those years ago and it's great to see your art (and career) getting to where it is now! As for question, do you plan to post those awesome Guts and Casca portraits in HD?
Dalibor Novak
2020-09-09 19:56:33 +0000 UTCAs an artist, there's so many things I'd like to ask. But I'd rather make a question that lets me know more about you. What's your dream project like? Like, what project do you think: i'd really love to do the cover art for X series/game/comic/movie/etc?
daemon
2020-09-09 19:27:00 +0000 UTCHey Dave, I've loved your work since concept art.org (I'm getting older every day haha) , and the Bog Witch is one of the most helpful digital tutorials I have ever came across so far. My question is; For your linear learning/development was there a general study regiment? Or did you just absorb others line work/aesthetic while working on your original pieces? I don't know why but I always need to separate learning time and production time. Wondered if you do the same. Oh, and I am loving the hell out of your patreon content, especially the Guyver, and Berserk stuff. "Struggler Indeed!" Please keep being awesome. :3
sedasweet
2020-09-09 19:22:41 +0000 UTCI've adopted your workflow of starting in PS and moving to Clip for cleaner lines, my only real question is, how can you make photoshop not take the better part of an eon to load?
kyle meyer
2020-09-09 19:08:40 +0000 UTCAnother question you can ignore if you want: Were you ever nervous pre-baby about how much time/money a baby requires? Or did you always know you wanted babies? Art is my hobby, so I think I would probably have to give it up if I had a baby, which makes me sad Lol.
Maddie
2020-09-09 18:59:31 +0000 UTCHi Dave, what are your favorite anime shows and/or movies? I really love the 90s anime aesthetic so I am always looking for good anime I missed out on with that style.
Maddie
2020-09-09 18:52:28 +0000 UTCPardon me for the billion questions every QnA but this is a personal one I am pretty aware of my skill level artwise, which is basically *work on the fundamentals more dummy*, and my biggest problem rn is discipline and consistency, so I wanted to try a mentorship, because it will basically force me to have goals and work, and when I have a serious goal to meet I get really productive (like u with the Steve Kickstarter) But my friend said I shouldnt be doing mentorships or personal projects, because I needed to be better at fundamentals before trying to build a portfolio I also learned from Even Amuldsen that u should study before each piece, so u can tackle ur subjects with confidence and some experience, and that was my idea trying to do personal projects, it would always be some studies for that piece and then the execution. But now I have a dillemma, do I invest in a Fundamentals course that would really solidify my base and only focus on that? Or do I apply for mentorships and study subjects as they come? And although I do have time to invest in both, I don't have the money yet, so a third option would be wait until like around july next year and do both, but I'm kinda anxious of wasting time so yeah Also, thanks for all the content Dave, working on magic and dnd is one of my goals and a lot of ur content has helped me realize what it takes to get there, so yeah, bless ya man
Colorblindraws
2020-09-09 18:49:31 +0000 UTCI've been following you since before even your famed Ninja Turtles paintings. I used to watch your older tutorial and instructional videos religiously. I've noticed that your work has transitioned to one more reliant on line-work over your previous methods which were much more painterly. What made you change your style and how does someone like myself make a similar change? What was that process like?
Dave
2020-09-09 18:45:53 +0000 UTCI've been really enjoing your content Dave ,I love the energy in your drawings.
Toni CaputoArt
2020-09-09 18:32:44 +0000 UTCAnd Dave, besides the Shredder piece, I cant recall the last time u drew urself, ain't u a fan of selfportraits?
Colorblindraws
2020-09-09 18:30:32 +0000 UTCDave, your freestyle in the last QnA truly moved me, I laughed so hard my gf got scared cuz I was in headphones so I just looked like a crazy man But in all seriousness, u mentioned u dont know many accents, but u know monster voices, I havent bought the Steve Lichman book yet, so could u tease what would it sound like?
Colorblindraws
2020-09-09 18:29:28 +0000 UTCHey Dave! No question today, just good vibes. I’m glad this Patreon is working out for you. I’d say most of the people here are because you’ve helped or inspired them in one way or another. And for that, $5 really isn’t too much, especially when it gives us access to your secret OnlyFans. But seriously, I think a number of people, including myself, look at your work and feel something similar to way you felt growing up looking at artists like Amano. I like your stuff so much I’ve shown you to my mom (I'm a legal adult who doesn't live at home btw, if that makes it weirder), her favorite piece of yours is the Sikh from a while back. She’s convinced you hid naughty things in the details of the clothing. Hope this keeps going well, loving the content. Although if I’m being honest, I’m having a hard time figuring out how to eat all of these videos you’re putting out.
Louis Whitworth
2020-09-09 18:23:17 +0000 UTCwoah.... we have the same sweating issue? lmao but in all seriousness, your content always inspires me to try and go back to illustration! keep rocking
Jose Vega
2020-09-09 18:18:13 +0000 UTC
