0.1. A note for new readers/Why do the first two chapters go by so fast??
If you're new to the comic, you might feel that the first chapters go by rather quickly, and you would be right about that! The main reason for this is the fact that what you're actually reading is Fey Winds v2.0. This comic existed in a previous incarnation back when dinosaurs roamed the internets, but it was recalled by the factory because the art and writing caused spontaneous ocular hemmorage (and no, sorry I don't really have any plans on making it available online again... I'm thinking about the health of your brain cells guys!). In starting my reboot I was a bit worried that readers of the previous version were going to get bored by re-reading pages that retold the old story, so I did end up rushing the first 2-ish chapters in order to get to the "new" material. On the top of my Comic Wishlist is the idea that someday I'll have the time to write a few "Lost Chapters" that detail the early adventures of the gang. It's actually right behind "finish the whole comic" on my wishlist! :)
1. When do you update?
For all intents and purposes, Tuesdays. I'd love to update a million times a week, but with my work (drawing things for other people for the first 8 hours of the day) and the rest of my schedule just don't leave me with enough time left over. If you have time travelling robot servants or working cloning technology, please drop me a line!
2. Who the hell are you?
I'm a concept artist/illustrator working out of Montreal, Canada. I studied as an animator, and made a short film for the end of my studies, which you can find here. I speak english and french, adore my city, love gaming, art, cartoons and comics, have a sweet tooth, especially for good chocolate and I'm addicted to coffee and tea. I don't usually talk about my opinions very much, but if you're in any way offended by filthy heathen artists, well... can't say I didn't warn you! When not working or doing my comic, I can be found running around the World of Warcraft as level 80 feral druid Tuuli. I've got too many other favourite games to name, but FFVI, Ico, Portal, Heavenly Sword and MGS4 are at the top of my list right now. Random fact: it takes me a really long time to type anything more a few sentences out, since I mix up lettres, syllallbyles and evne words like nodoby's buinsess...and it takes me ages to make everything legible again. I also have a DeviantArt account, where I stick all my non-FW-related art.
3. What do you use to make your pages?
First, a pencil and good old printer paper. Then I ink with whichever pens I have lying around. I usually use a brush pen for the boldest line, and then a handful of half-dead micron pens for the finer lines. For colour I use Photoshop and I paint with a Wacom tablet.
4. How long does it take you to make a page?
I squeeze time in whenever I can, so I don't really count, but If I had to guess, I'd say somewhere between 6 and 12 hours. Not usually less, but sometimes more if the page is being difficult, and if I'm tired after too much work.
5. Can you teach me how to draw?
No. For one thing, I'm unqualified to teach anybody anything, and for another, drawing isn't something I feel you can learn over a few emails, without putting in insane amounts of time, effort, sweat, blood and tears. There are lots of great books on the subject of learning to draw, and there are classes, and even entire college programs if you're really serious about it. And if you're more into it for a hobby rather than as a means to ensure your financial insecurity for life, then there are also lots of great tutorials floating around the interwebs.
5b. Did you say books?
Disclaimer: I'm a real nut when it comes to books about/with pretty pictures, so I've picked up a lot in the past couple of years, and spent more money on them that I really like to think about! There aren't any that are really *necessary*, but if you're looking to start drawing or feel like reading some books on drawing, comics or animation, here are a bunch of my favourites: Understanding Comics, Reinventing Comics, (and my absolute favourite) Making Comics by Scott McCloud. Also pick up any books that he recommends in his books, the man is a genius and the books are fun and inspiring to read! The Animator's Survival Kit, by Richard Williams. Almost any giant, heavy Anatomy for the Artist book, yeah, the ones that are full of bones, muscles and naked people. When we got into school the first thing our professors told us was to start from the very basics. It's not as fun as drawing cartoons or comics, but it's by far the most important part of learning to draw. (I wish I had listened more and tried harder back then.) Burne Hogarth's dynamic anatomy books are some of my favourites. Books on perspective, colour theory and drawing environments and landscapes are also a good idea (but I don't have titles in mind). Illusion of Life: Disney Animation, by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston (it's mostly a giant book full of gorgeous pictures from classic Disney, but there's still a lot of good stuff to learn in it.) Any and all Disney (or Pixar or Dreamworks) movie artbook, they're not there to teach people how to draw, but they're usually full of the artists' sketches and roughs, and looking at those are a good way to get an idea of how they work. I also like different artbooks from movies and games (like Star Wars, Okami, Disgaea and Mass Effect) and just plain books about certain fine art styles you might like (like Orientalists or Art Nouveau).
6. Do you do link exchanges? Can you link me?
I'm trying to keep my link page simple, so no, I don't really do link exchanges. However, I'm still interested in great comics I haven't read yet, so if you've got one of these for me, drop me a line!
7. Can I commission you?
I take commissions, but I'm not always available for them. Send me an e-mail with what you have and I'll let you know if I'm doing commissions at that time. If you want to hire me for illustration, design or comics, let me know as well. Just keep in mind: I don't do requests or work for free.
8. What is the true identity of [character name]? When will [character a] and [character b] tangle tonsils? What is going to happen with [some part of the story]?!?!?!
I could answer, but that would spoil all the fun. So I won't, but don't despair, I have the whole story planned out, and everything will come out at one point or another. By the way: no, Nigel's not going to save the day. You're putting a lot of pressure on the poor guy!
9. Can you/did you make a tutorial?
Not really, at least I haven't yet. I'm planning on making a simple tutorial thing one of these days, so keep your eyes peeled. In the meantime, there's a mini-tutorial here.
