Renderosity: What got you interested in digital art?

Poser4me:  As a kid, I always loved cartoons, so as a teen comics were my next love. The stories and the artist showed me the power of telling great stories through the medium. My first job as a young adult was working as an apprentice at an art studio. I already owned an Amiga 1000 computer playing with software programs like Deluxe Paint 3 and 4. But at this studio, I was introduced to a program called Swivel 3d on the Macintosh, and wow I was hooked into the digital landscape.

In the early 90's I was a computer enthusiast going to local computer trade shows buying parts all to be able to build and play with 3d programs on x86 pcs. All this has the power to create your own worlds and narratives like George Lucas and Spielberg. And then There was Poser as if heaven had heard my prayers I had the ease of use to create like a rockstar, and here we are today.

What is your workflow and what tools do you use?

"Morning has broken" - how did you create this scene and what was your inspiration?

I had recently discovered how to bring Daz assets into Poser and this one, Forest Road, I just finished adding bump maps to. So I wanted to use it in a render and I often listen to music while working. I love all genres of music and Cat Steven's song Morning Has Broken was ringing in my ear for a while. I guess a light bulb went off and worked on this scene for a while minus the lady pushing the bike. I put it away for some time and later went through my scene library and said to myself what could I do to make this scene pop. I've always loved the State of Maine and the beautiful leaves and envisioned myself in an early morning sunrise watching a person enjoying the views and nature. I never thought this would get the views as it did, just goes to show you never know what will connect to people as you might think.

What interests you in science fiction? Do you read sci-fi as well?

I love science fiction from growing up watching Flash Gordon, and Buck Rockers to Star Wars, Star Trek and so many more. The thing about Sci-Fi is you get to spread your creative wings and fly in skies of unlimited possibilities. Who doesn't love to see someone zipping along on a hoverbike like something in Back to the Future? These movies really lit a fire in my imagination being that I grew up an only child and imagined things like using a piece of tree bark as a ship like the Millennium Falcon. I also love science, biology, and Astronomy. I don't read as much Sci-fi but I connect with it like a fish to water. I've recently created my own race of alien humanoids and am working on a storyline of my own

What advice do you have for digital artists just starting out?

 My advice is to be patient with yourself. For so long I was intimidated by the lighting and the material room in Poser. I would go on youtube and get an understanding of the basics of materials and textures and lighting. Poser has great tutorials on all these aspects. The quickest way I learned was reverse engineering assets and scenes until I understand the essence thereof. I say learn the strengths and weaknesses of the different lighting. Do not be afraid to fail, I promise once you get lighting and materials down you can make any scene shine. I love Poser because it is so easy to use and quick to create my worlds and tell my stories to share with you all.