Selena Illyria: Artistic Musings

Artistic Musings

Artistic Musings: Lizzie Lynn Lee

Bio and Links: Lizzie Lynn Lee was a guitarist, receptionist, executive assistant, tarot reader, boutique owner and graphic artist before she discovered that writing is her dream job. The advantage is that she can do it in her pajamas and socks. She’s an incurable chatterbox, heavy metal aficionado, bookworm and a night owl, since most of her stories were done in the wee hours of the morning because of her caffeine-induced insomnia. She loves to hear back from her readers, so visit her website: www.iLizzie.com.

Q&A:

1) When did you know you wanted to be a Graphic Artist?

I didn’t, actually. It just happened sort of by accident. I’ve been doodling since I was a kid, with traditional mediums like watercolor, acrylic and oil paints. I have a bad habit of never finishing a project, mostly because I don’t have patience to wait for the paint to dry (I have tons of half-finished paintings) and then in 2000, I discovered digital media like Photoshop, and I was immediately hooked. I gave up my traditional media and went totally digital. It’s cheaper than having to buy art supplies. No more paint mess, and no waiting time. I love instant gratification! Don’t we all?

2) How long does it take you to do a (design, book cover, website)?

Anywhere from a week to a month. It takes longer if I have to sculpt the 3D model from scratch.

3) Where do you get your inspiration from?

I love the art of Boris Vallejo and Luis Royo. I grew up daydreaming that one day I could paint like them (still can’t, sadly). I was also influenced by some of CG masters like Linda Bergkvist, Christian McGarth, Benita Winckler, Eun hee Choi, just to name a few.

4) Any tips for aspiring Graphic Artists?

Practice a lot, LOL… There’s plenty of CG community sites for tutorials and help like Renderosity, CG society, or Renderotica if your works are X-rated. Folks there are friendly and supportive.

5) How do you calculate your price for one of your (figures, book covers, websites)?

Some are by the hour, and some are a flat fee. But for friends it is always free. I love pro-bono work when I have spare time J.

6) What is your favorite (book cover, figure, website) that you’ve created?

Maybe an artwork that I did to promote my debut book. Have you seen it? You can check it out here: http://www.ilizzie.com/FUNSTUFF.html

I certainly don’t want to be her, naked in the snow. But the concept was fun!

7) Is there a place other than your website, where we can view your work?

Not right now, the site that hosted my portfolio was shut down. I’m in a process to put all my artworks back online.

8) I know there a few programs that an Artist uses to create their work, such as Daz or Photoshop; what do you use?

For modeling, I use 3D Max and Z-Brush. For general rendering, I use Mental Ray and for environmental rendering, I use Vue Infinity. Postworks, UV-map, and final composites are done in Photoshop. I use Painter X a lot too when I’m in the mood for digital painting.

9) Silly Time, what would a lion, elephant, zebra, penguin and snake look like smooshed together to create one animal and what would you call this new creature?

Hmm, that would be “Lizzieurus Panthera Equus Serpentes.” I envy those newly discovered species named after celebrities. When is it going to be my turn? Come on…

10) Anything you want to say or add? Anything you want to ask me? And for the record, yes I am crazy so you can’t ask that.

LOL Hmmm…How many fingers am I holding up, right now?

If you are also an author, please include a blurb of your latest work as well as the buy link and an excerpt.

Cool. I have a new book out with Changeling Press on November 27 ‘09. It’s called SWITCHED. Here’s the blurb:

Lynx shifter Kelly White tries everything to rekindle the flame back into her marriage. As a successful litigation lawyer, her brilliance in the courtroom is no compensation for her haplessness in bed. Kelly is afraid she’s going to lose her husband Andi if she doesn’t do something about it soon.

Nicolla Evers, a fiery kitty-cat, lives a glamorous life as a famous adult movie actress. Behind the camera and stardom, she’s unhappy and yearns to get out from the industry to live a normal life. The problem is her abusive manager Harry has her in a tight grip, leaving Nicolla practically enslaved.

One morning, in a wicked twist of fate, the two shifters accidentally switch bodies. Will the two finally find the life they really want? Or is it only the beginning of an unstoppable sex fiasco?

Excerpt: http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1272

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