Renderosity: How did you get started as a digital artist?

LilMichiganDevil: Born in 1965, there was no such thing as a Digital Artist. I never thought I’d be called one. In the late 90’so I bought my first P.C. and tried Microsoft Paint. Trying to draw with a mouse felt like using an Etch-a-Sketch. It wasn’t until I got Wacom Pad and pen that I felt I could really create anything. My first printer came with a copy of PhotoImpact 10. This was like Photoshop and opened so much to me. I still use this program on ALL my work.

I think It was about 7 years ago I came across an older version of Poser at a retail store. I have been hooked on 3D rendering every since.

You have some interesting subjects in your gallery: how do you choose a subject or topic?

LilMichiganDevil: Sometimes current events will inspire me to create something. Holidays will always bring the best out of me. I am a big horror fan, so my dark side will show now and then. Sometimes my funny side will bring an idea that I try to recreate.

Art cant be used to push the envelope on many topics. I hope you find me on the outer edge, and not hiding in the middle. I would say I try to create the topics and subjects that I love or like the most in life. That way, hopefully, my love shows in my work.

What is your typical workflow on a project and what tools do you use?

LilMichiganDevil: I start with my base subject in Daz3d. I will build up the subject with Clothing, weapons, props and hair before appling shaders. Once that is done, I will add a pose. Simulating Dforfce items to see how items react to the pose. From there I will take my subject into Zbrush to adjust any item that don't look or fit right. Or maybe to create a new morph as well. Then it’s back to Daz3d to complete the rest of scene. I may add a background image before render or after.
I may create my own background with props or even a preset scenes from a vendor. Whatever works with the subject.

Now comes the camera. I spend a good amount of time on camera POV. This is an important step to me. Then I apply lens effect like wide angle, fisheye portait etc. Most time I have DOF on and headlamp is always off.

Last thing before rendering I add my lighting. I will spend as much time on lighting, as I did on camera. I may render the whole image as one, or in layeyes before taking into postwork.

You recently joined Renderosity in March of this year; what prompted you to join? What has your experience here been like?

LilMichiganDevil: I was pleased with Renderosity’s format right from the start. I like the control I have over my gallery. I cant say enough about the members here. Their support has been over the top. What an awesome group of talent this site has. It is a great place for one to showcase their art. And may I say I was speechless to hear I was this month's artist. I feel it is a great honor and I will forever wear it proudly. Thanks so much to everyone.