Bill Carman is an artist, an illustrator, and an educator based in Boise, Idaho.
What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?
Usually I like something with a fine tip so find myself shopping for pens through Japanese sites. I'll use a gel pen, cheap fountain pens, I love ballpoint pens and even my 6X0 Rotring technical pen.
If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?
There is very little science to which pen I choose to use in my sketchbook. Although life drawings are most often done with a ballpoint.
If you prefer pens, is there any particular brand, color, or type of ink you like best?
Rotring, Pentel, and some Japanese pens I get at Jet Pens. Black is my go to color but will use blue or red too.
How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?
Acrylic with oil thrown in occasionally for finish.
If you do use paints, inks, pencils, or markers for coloring, are there any in particular that are your favorites? Do you prefer travel sets of paints to a full set?
I love Golden Fluid and Heavy Body acrylics. Fluids are so rich for glazing and their color selection is right up my alley. I prefer buying single colors to sets.
Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?
Anything can work. I keeps scraps of paper and other surfaces all over my studio. I switch back and forth with sketchbooks using Moleskine, and Moleskine variants, while also trying the occasional new book as long as it fits in my little carry bag.
If you paint, is there any particular type of canvas you prefer? Do you like to paint on wood or any other materials?
I don't like working on canvas. I really enjoy wood, copper, and MDF like panels. But I work on other surfaces too like clayboard, paper-new and antique, and old book covers among other things.
Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?
I will color in Photoshop especially for illustrations. And digital is great for enhancing and making changes for print and online.
Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist's work?
Yes. I am a pen whore so I love trying new ones.
Do you have anything out of the ordinary you use for making your art?
I guess I'm not quite sure what does and doesn't fit into ordinary. A blade here, sandpaper there, letterpress type, scratchboard tools and so forth.
If you create purely-digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?
I don't create purely digital work but if I did I would probably use Photoshop.
If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?
I do traditional more just because I am familiar with it and over the years I find myself doing more gallery work than anything else.
I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?
I absolutely believe that the computer can be a valuable tool for all those reasons you mention plus making new art acquaintances and colleagues all over the world. But it can also be a time danger as well as a false sense of "good". There seem to be so many places where one can go to get unsupported praise. "You're work is awesome, You rock, You're the best artist ever, etc." It's a real danger to listen to praise especially when it only leads to more praise and not to an ultimate goal like making a living.
Thanks Bill!
You can find Bill online at his Facebook page, and on his weblog: bill's studio.
~ ~ ~
Marguerite Sauvage is an artist and illustrator from Paris, now living in Sydney, Australia.
What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?
I have 2 favorite drawing tools. The first one is my 2B 3mm thin pencil, no matter the brand. I can't "have a line" without it. Second, my 21 UX Wacom Cintiq. I discovered the pleasure of working on a Cintiq screen tablet few months ago, so much natural and fluid, even the body posture. I can't get back to using another graphic tablet without groaning!
Like my 2B pencil, my Cintiq is just an extension of my body now!
In my dreams I wait forward for something less cumbersome: lighter and more convenient than existing tablet PCs, or some kind of super iPad dedicated to graphic artists, or a thin laptop integrating a Cintiq... don't know what exactly, but that is the idea...Hey, inventors, or marketing people, could you hear me, want to make artists happy?
If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?
I quite always use the same tools, moreover it's also quite rare to get the possibility to vary on tools when honouring a contract. In the past, I used to vary on medium, painting, charcoal, etc, but as a result I'm so fond of my pens and tablet I discovered through all these experimentations... I will keep on playing with them a while longer!
How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?
Watercolor and color crayons! Few hints of markers or Bic pens sometimes...
If you do use paints, inks, pencils, or markers for coloring, are there any in particular that are your favorites? Do you prefer travel sets of paints to a full set?
Travel sets! A light pencil kit with color crayons and my 3mm pencils, nothing more than that most of the time. I plan to use a watercolor travel kit set in the future, with a water brush.
Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?
Any scrap of decent-sized paper works...You know what? I really don't take enough care of my drawings. I throw in the trash most of it and the few original pieces I sometimes keep (on sentimental reasons rather than quality ones) are too messy to be published. This is something I have to work on.
If you paint, is there any particular type of canvas you prefer? Do you like to paint on wood or any other materials?
I'm too clumsy for painting, and most of the time, a lack of space... so I can't really answer this.
Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?
Yes, almost ever, always in Photoshop.
Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist's work?
Yes, sometimes I use Col-erase on peculiar kinds of sketches, or when I have to work in a different style than the one I'm used to using as Marguerite Sauvage.
It's working in the animation field that taugh me that Col-erase is magic. My mates in animation and character design show me the great value of it. I can't stop thanking them all. So when I work on a comic-book or some character design, I use Col-erase. I also often use a simple 5 or 7mm HB or B pencil.
Do you have anything out of the ordinary you use for making your art?
Once I used coffee and tea... you know what? It's not that original... so I stopped. Hehe.
If you create purely-digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?
Photoshop, Photoshop, and Photoshop. But my illustrations are never "purely-digital." The sketches are always on paper and the line-inking (with pencil) too!
If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?
Hum, I sketch and ink non-digitally, by hand, with my pencils. Then I color on the computer. So the time I spend either on the first or the second task is quite relative of the nature of the drawing. More lines or more color, or on the facilities and reflection I get to obtain what I want. Great lines, easily, great colours easily... or not.
I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?
If you want to spare yourself pain, a computer is absolutely necessary nowadays. All the constraints of the market have decided on this, and therefore all the constraints of being an illustrator! More and more tight deadlines, less and less time, for more and more modifications demanded, but also, of course, less and less money (hey, yes it's the economic crisis for everybody). Now you're also asked to deliver all your creations the digital way...so.
I think this is what gave a shape to the choice of using computer. Even on a traditional non-digital art, you 99% can't avoid it. It's not, strictly speaking, an "artistic" choice. Hopefully computers nowadays also propose a lot of fun new tools to use.
Thanks Marguerite!
You can find Marguerite online at her Facebook page, on her Tumblr blog, and on her portfolio site. Also, you can see some animated works by Marguerite at the site for the artists collective she helped co-found: Cappuccino Studio.
~ ~ ~
Andrew Kolb is an artist and illustrator from Kitchener, Ontario.
What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?
Well most of my work is done digitally so a drawing tablet for sure. I use a Wacom Intuos 4 (I'm not sponsored by them, I just really like it as a machine....oh and if Wacom is reading this then just because I'm not already sponsored doesn't mean I wouldn't consider it). Goodness I'm one question in and I've already gone on a tangent.
So aside from the tablet, of which I use for all of my finished work, the process stuff relies entirely on pencils and paper and erasers. The classics. Without those the tablet would be pretty well useless in that my ideas develop best in the sketching and doodling stage.
If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?
As most of my work is digital, a "wide collection" applies less to paints versus markers as it does the options of software, brushes, tools, and the like! So with that in mind I tend to first choose the computer program that makes the most sense for what I need to do. If I'm in an early stage working with simple forms then I'll go to Illustrator. If the work is more gestural, or I'm at a stage where more texture comes into play, then it's Photoshop all the way. Once in either of these it's rather hard to pin down what I'll use on any given day.
If you prefer pens, is there any particular brand, color, or type of ink you like best?
This isn't specific to art, but I looooooooooove love the pens you get in hotels. I don't travel too often but when I do, I take all the pens. ALL of them.
How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?
I like my colour limited. Whether digital or traditional, I rather enjoy working within the constraints of a selective palette. It can be as extreme as black + white + third swatch or simply creating a palette before beginning and only using those 8, 10, maybe 20 colours.
If you do use paints, inks, pencils, or markers for coloring, are there any in particular that are your favorites? Do you prefer travel sets of paints to a full set?
I love and hate paint. I mean I love it from afar and respect anyone who can master it. But dang I can't handle wet media.
Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?
Scraps all the way. I'm huge on recycling so I keep a stack of any sort of paper with a blank (or nearly blank) surface. I do my best to put my work into sketchbooks once the initial doodle takes shape, but those kernels of inspiration usually find their way onto the back of junk mail or sticky notes.
If you paint, is there any particular type of canvas you prefer? Do you like to paint on wood or any other materials?
No capes. No paint. But actually capes are fine.
Do you have anything out of the ordinary you use for making your art?
I don't know how out of the ordinary this is, but I rather enjoy taking pictures of food and using them as texture in my artwork. Bread and toast are actually super great. Does that count?
If you create purely-digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?
Oh hey this is why I shouldn't ramble so much! So the Adobe Creative Suite (again, no sponsorship but I extend the same invitation as I do to the kind folks at Wacom) is my jam. As for frequency of use, I almost always finish my work in Photoshop. Occasionally I'll skip Illustrator and go straight to the big blue PS, and because of that it gets a bit more wear and tear. But it's software so it doesn't actually get worn down.
I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?
Man this is a big question! Okay. I definitely agree that the computer is useful as an art making tool. I haven't really had anyone consider the work I create NOT art because it was created digitally. With that said, I do run into a few people who request commissions and are put off by the fact that the finished piece would be digital. Maybe it's that the professional art buyers accept digital artwork but the personal market is still catching up? Maybe?
Inspiration and research on the internet is second nature. There is simply so much available at once. However I try to keep it balanced. In the same way that I draw by hand first and then refine it digitally, I try to research and acquire resources traditionally as well. Oh yeah we were talking about toast textures! Exactly what I'm talking about. There are heaps of texture resources online and when I can't find something myself then the internet is super handy. However I have a ton of old books beside me that I might as well scan the blank pages in for my own textures. Variety is the spice of life, my friends.
Uuuuuuh, what else with the internet? Right. So for self promotion I couldn't imagine any other way. I mean I can IMAGINE a world without the internet as a tool for self-promotion, but it's not one I'd like to live in. I think I've met maybe 5% of my clients in person? Maybe close to 10%. For me I rely heavily on my web presence as a draw for work. Even in the real world I'll direct people I've met to my website only for us to meet again to discuss the project.
So in short, is the computer...
Necessary: For me, yes.
Helpful: 80% of the time
Distraction: the other 20%
Thanks Andrew!
You can find Andrew online on his portfolio site, Kolbisneat, his weblog The Kolblog, on Twitter (@kolbisneat), and on Flickr. You can buy some prints of his work in his shop, The Neat Shop.
~ ~ ~
Lisa Hanawalt is an illustrator and an award-winning comics artist living in Brooklyn, New York.
What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?
I mostly use pens and watercolor, but I like all of the above!
If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?
Ideally I try to match the medium I'm using with the mood I'm going for in the artwork, but sometimes I just use whatever seems like the most fun at the moment. If I’ve been working digitally for awhile, I definitely feel more inspired to go back to traditional media and vice-versa. Switching back and forth keeps me from getting into a rut.
If you prefer pens, is there any particular brand, color, or type of ink you like best?
Microns have been working best for me for the last few years, and sometimes I use a Pentel Pocket brush (although lately I prefer a real brush + ink).
How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?
With the exception of oil, I enjoy using pretty much any medium for coloring. Of all of those, I think I'm strongest at watercolor... but I've been messing around more with gouache and colored ink.
If you do use paints, inks, pencils, or markers for coloring, are there any in particular that are your favorites? Do you prefer travel sets of paints to a full set?
I use a travel watercolor set made by Royal Talens, Holbein gouache, and Dr. Ph. Martin's Radiant Concentrated inks.
Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?
Rives BFK is my favorite paper right now, but I also use a lot of Bristol Vellum. I like Arches when I need something more toothy.
If you paint, is there any particular type of canvas you prefer? Do you like to paint on wood or any other materials?
I've always hated painting on canvas for some reason, I hate those little bumps! I always use paper and paint in thin washes to prevent it from buckling - I'll take warping over canvas bumps any day.
Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?
I clean things up a little in Photoshop, and I'm getting braver about coloring with it and even correcting line art by drawing on my Wacom tablet. But generally I prefer doing things the old-fashioned way.
Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist's work?
I'll try anything new if it's physically handed to me, or I might seek something out if one of my favorite artists recommends a particular tool in an interview.
Do you have anything out of the ordinary you use for making your art?
Not really, but I like sculpting with clay or papier mache whenever I'm not busy with other projects.
If you create purely-digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?
Photoshop! I hate Illustrator. I've heard good things about Manga Studio, so I might try that at some point.
If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?
I prefer non-digital work because it's just more fun and I'm innately a get-the-hands-dirty kind of artist. That makes it sound like I make paintings out of mud, but well, basically yes. Working digitally can be totally enjoyable but it always feels like working.
I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?
The internet is indispensable when it comes to self-promotion, research, and community. I use it for connecting with fans of my work, looking up reference photos, and forming relationships with other artists I admire - it's great!
However, it's also a distraction and sometimes I think looking at endless illustrations on Tumblr can leave you feeling like an uncreative husk. And while social networking is helpful for many reasons, it still can't compete with the power of face-to-face meetings.
Thanks Lisa!
You can find Lisa online at her website lisahanawalt.com and on Twitter (@lisadraws). The book Lisa illustrated, Benny's Brigade, is available now from McSweeney's (the book's publisher) or Amazon.com.
~ ~ ~
Patrick Vale is an artist and illustrator living in London.
What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?
All of the above, my favourite is a pen which allows a fluid line, like a brush dip pen or a technical pen. It really depends on the brief and the size really. Don't use pencil so much, but should! Love a drawing tablet, but only use to colour really. Just ordered iPad 3 and Wacom stylus, so watch this space.
If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?
It depends on the brief. The architectural illustration I do needs to usually have a fine line and no heavier marks, so I will use a technical pen. For other stuff I do, that's just for me, I like to use anything really.
If you prefer pens, is there any particular brand, color, or type of ink you like best?
Posca, Rotring art pen, Pilot drawing pens, and Winsor & Newton ink.
How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?
Ink, watercolour, gouache, markers, and the computer.
If you do use paints, inks, pencils, or markers for coloring, are there any in particular that are your favorites? Do you prefer travel sets of paints to a full set?
Just good quality paints, I mix my own colours.
Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?
No real preference. A large Moleskine is nice as a sketchbook and they do a watercolour paper one now as well which is great.
If you paint, is there any particular type of canvas you prefer? Do you like to paint on wood or any other materials?
Don't really paint at the moment, but canvas is a nice surface to work on.
Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?
Yup. I use Photoshop to colour depending on the brief.
Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist's work?
No, I like to try things out myself.
Do you have anything out of the ordinary you use for making your art?
No.
If you create purely-digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?
I never do this. I draw always freehand on paper, and will colour sometimes in Photoshop.
If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?
Totally job dependant, I like both. Only use Photoshop if I want a computer-coloured "look." If I want the work to look loose and inky, I will actually do it on paper. I don't trick this digitally.
I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?
Th computer is amazing, but it is just a tool. If you don't have the basic skills and a good eye you get found out.
Thanks Patrick!
You can find Patrick online on Twitter (@patrickavale) and his portfolio website. More of his art and contact information can be found through his agent, début art. And if you're one of the few that has yet to see the timelapse video of Patrick sketching the New York skyline, go watch it now!
