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| Q:Do you sign cards through the mail? A: Sure! Try not to send more than 20 or 30 at a time and don't forget to include a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope. If you're unsure how much postage to include, a good rule of thumb is to put the same number of stamps on the SASE as you did on the package to the artist. If it’s enough to get there, it’s enough to get back. Matt Cavotta has a great article on signing request etiquette over at http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/mc44 Send your cards to: Dan Scott Please allow 4-6 months for me to get them back to you. Q:Do you do sketches or doodle on cards sent through the mail? A: Nope. I'm generally just too swamped with work to do this. I'm happy to do this if you catch me at a live event though. Q:How long does it take you to do a painting? A:Anywhere from 20 to 40 hours depending on several factors including how many figures are in the painting, how large it is, and how soon the deadline is. This includes the time it takes to collect reference and do thumbnails and sketches. Q:What media do you work in? A:Digital. Often switching between Painter and Photoshop based on what effect I’m trying to achieve. It simply can’t be beat for quickness and ability to make fixes. I often miss the smell of oil paints and the feel of brush on board but it’s just too slow. Q: I would like to buy an original painting. How come you don’t have any listed for sale on your site? A:Since I work all digital, there is no physical piece of work in existence. Prints are available of most of my art though. Including high quality canvas prints. Q:I would like to use some images off your site for my own web site, my gaming sessions, to print on a T-shirt, etc.. A:Only if it's not for profit. I don't provide high resolution digital files but you can use what you find on the site. If it's for a website, a reciprocal link to my site would be appreciated. Q:Where are you located? A:Kansas City, Missouri, USA. Q:I’m interested in doing what you do. How do I get started? A:1) Make sure you have strong fundamental drawing skills. You need to study and practice drawing anatomy, perspective, composition and all the essential elements to good drawing. Many learn this on their own or through books, peers, or web sites. Some learn best in a structured classroom setting. College may be best if you’re one of those people. 2) Look at your peers. You probably have a few favorite artists. What is it about their work that you love? Can you capture any of that in your own work? When you’re working on a piece of your own, think to yourself “How would my favorite artist do this?” Be very careful though that you’re not simply copying. Eventually your own style will start to emerge. 3) Once you feel your art is ready. Submit, submit, submit. You will probably get rejected or worse yet, ignored, but don’t let it get you down. After all, you’re competing for work with seasoned pros here. Have a thick skin and try to take what you can from any criticism you get. Criticism of your work is an opportunity for improvement (as long as it’s well-founded criticism, some people are just downright mean). Some small press companies pay VERY little but can still be a good place for young artists to get acquainted with the process of doing freelance work. NEVER accept work from companies that want you to work for free though. These kind of deals almost never work out well. You’re better off doing portfolio pieces on your own. 4) If you do actually get some work, make sure to be professional and do the best job you can. This is your best opportunity to make a good impression. Be sure to not miss any deadlines and follow the Art Directors requests without being difficult. Art Directors talk to other Art Directors, and you want them to have only good things to say when your name comes up. |