Artist Corner

Memory Firkins Howell

2012-03-07T18:34:00.000-08:00

Hello Readers! Tonight we are visiting with the artist Memory Firkins Howell.Memory is a new artist to the PSP community. Her artwork is fantasy old world type of style. You can visit her website and purchase her PSP tubes at PSPTubeStop. Thank you so much for talking with us Memory.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community? I was approached on facebook to join psp tubes and was so delighted to be part of this wonderful group .

2) What does your artwork mean to you? I feel its a reflection of yourself, a part of you that can go on when your not here any longer. I do not have the opportunity to see my grandchildren often and it means so much to me to be able to leave a small part of myself behind for my grand children to remember me. My art allows me to express my inner self and I'm so grateful that I am able to spend each day drawing and creating.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork? Just about everything....while lying in bed, even the design in a textured ceiling may resemble the outline of a fairy that I must jump up and get down on paper before the idea is gone, every where you look, Nature lends idea's to the imagination. I think Nature is the best inspiration of all, the colors, the lines, the textures of nature always lends ideas and thoughts that make me want to create.

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes? Just a few months now, tubing is very new to me.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork? I only do my art by hand, but I am very open to learning digital art as well. The tools I use are very important to me...since I use mixed media, but 99% watercolor, I feel its very important to have great watercolors and I prefer Holbein, brushes are so important also and be sure to have a variety in sizes. I use minimal watercolor pencils and outline my art with micron pens. I mostly use 140# paper because thats all Im able to buy but prefer 200 pound.

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create with your artwork? Well, my art is on craft stamps, material, and cakes as well as tubes.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists
have influenced you? My first and still favorite is Authur Rackham, then love Brian Froud, Jean Baptise Monge, James Browne, Ed Org, and many , many artists on facebook. Each artist on my list has something special and different about them that inspires me.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known
with getting their names and artwork more visible? I'm sure it does and its wonderful to have the psp community supporting your art and getting your name known.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community? The chance to grow as an artist, to become better known, and to hopefully make new friends.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why? I'm not sure I have a favorite, but I am happiest with the pieces that the face has the character in it to express feelings to the viewer. I love it when a viewer says...I think the Fairy is saying...I think the Fairy is doing...this tells me that they are identifying with the piece and it is evoking emotion in the viewer.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you? I think I'm great with both.

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have? I have not done commissions yet but might be open to that.

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc. Nothing comes to mind about what I wont allow. But I would prefer that if someone wanted to use my art for say...like facebook...that they ask permission first.

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our readers. That would be great, I would like that very much.

Natacha Chohra

2012-03-06T22:38:00.000-08:00

Hello Readers! Tonight we are visiting with the artist Natacha Chohra. Natacha is relatively new to the PSP community and is quickly gathering fans of her artwork.Her artwork is a fantasy and comforting style blended together to create wonderful images. You can visit her website and purchase her PSP tubes at PSPTubeStop.
Thank you for talking with us Natacha.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?
My good friend Lisa Cree asked me if I would join PSP Tube Stop at the end of 2011.
Until then I had never heard about psp tubes so I had to ask her what they were! I am glad I accepted, I love seeing people giving new life to my artworks with the tutorials, it's so exiting :)

2) What does your artwork mean to you?
My art is my whole world...it's the only way I could describe it. I have loved
drawing and painting since as long as I can remember, not being able to express myself that
way would be like losing part of my soul. I fell into fantasy art by chance
2 years ago and have never looked back, it was like coming home. Cheesy I know!

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?
Oh gosh, so many things!! The books I have read since my childhood still inspire me now, especially
children's classics, folklore and fairytales. I was (still am) very obsessive of Arthutian legends. I am a big
lover of nature and animals and always gain inspiration on my walks in the English countryside. Visiting historical place also inspires me. I am always inspired by other artists'works. My little niece who is turning 4 (and is quite the cheeky fairy) is a constant source of inspiration for me. I also love Sketch Fest which is organised by the lovely Ellen Million every month, it has done so much for developing my creativity!

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?
Since December 2011 with PSP Tube Stop.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand
or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?
I use traditional mediums: graphite and coloured pencils, watercolours and acrylics. I am completely self-taught and work mostly by
instinct (or trial and error if you prefer), I learn something new with every piece I create. I wouldn't mind trying digital art some day!

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create
with your artwork?
I am currently working on a children's book project. I will also be teaming up with the lovely and super-talented Sue Rundle-Hughes
(who is also one of my closest friends) very soon, we are going into business together. We are hoping to sell our art together online and at
fairs around the UK if all goes to plan (*crosses fingers and toes*)

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists
have influenced you?
This could be a very long list..the impressionists for their use of colour, the pre-Raphaelites, Arthur Rackham, the Frouds (Brian's work in particular)...
as a child I was fascinated by the children's books illustrators Beatrix Potter and Jill Barklem (the creator of the Brambly Hedge series, I still have all the books),
and of course the many fantasy artists and Illustrators I have grown to know and love over the last couple of years: James Browne, Aaron Pocock, Gary Lippincott, Sue Rundle-Hughes and many more.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known
with getting their names and artwork more visible?
An absolute and definite yes! I have already met many lovely people in the PSP community :)

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?
The lovely people I meet and of course seeing their beautiful creations!

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?
It would have to be 'The Ruby Slipper' (the one with the red shoe, the fish and the fairies). It is the first artwork I was ever truly proud of, one of the only ones I have never disliked even after all this time, the first original painting
I ever sold and it's also slightly eccentric (a bit like me).

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?
I like both! It's crazy what people can do with technology these days :)

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?
It is not something which I have come across yet, but I am always open to new ideas!

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.
Nope... the only thing I wouldn't allow is people using my work without permission.

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our readers.
Oh yes, please please please!!! :)

Janna Prosvirina

2012-03-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

Hello Readers! Today we are talking with the wonderful artist Janna Prosvirina. Janna has become known for her beautiful fantasy artwork. Janna creates a vividity and takes the person viewing the artwork to another realm by using colors and her talent. You can visit her website and purchase her PSP tubes at DSI. Thank you so much for talking with us Janna.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community? A friend of mine recommended my work to DSI owners and they asked me to join.

2) What does your artwork mean to you? I have been painting and drawing as long as I can remember; it is a part of my life and a sort of therapy =) Painting is my way of to expressing feelings and impressions I get, so every piece has a special meaning to me.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork? Nature, music, people, seasons, fairy tales, legends, dreams…

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes? Two years.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?Traditionally, my favorite medium is watercolour but I also use coloured pencil, acrylics and gouache.

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create with your artwork?I have also had my artwork used for rubber stamps, fabric blocks, calendars, cards and iron on transfers. Fine art prints will be available through my shop at Etsy soon.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists have influenced you?Ivan Bilibin, Arthur Rackham, Sulamith Wülfing, some of Pre-Raphaelits, Brian Froud and many talented artists I met at DeviantArt who always inspire and move me to create more.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well knownwith getting their names and artwork more visible?I hope so but I am not sure about it, because there are so many PSP artists nowadays and a lot of beautiful artworks.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?I enjoy seeing beautiful things people create using tubes.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?A the moment it is “Dragonfly - for the first time in my life it turned out the way I imagined it:) There are many details which I like, such as dragonfly wings, forest, spider webs and of course because I enjoy painting autumn, my favorite season.
“Meet me at dusk” because it was a change from my usual theme and a challenge to paint more realistic, I am quite pleased how it turned out.
“Wisteria” – just because after long cold winter I am longing to see more flowers and blossoms XD

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?Both are great=)

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have? In always depend on the subject of a commission, I take commissions only if I like suggested theme, there is a long list of what I don’t do.I have a thick pile of sketches on my desk which tend to grow. Sometimes I just don’t know which one I should paint next, so I think it would be nice to know what people expect to see more from me. Anyone who would like to share ideas\suggestions is very welcome!

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.I don’t really have any restrictions, everything if fine as long as people follow copyright rules.

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our readers.That would be great! I would love to receive tags with my art.

Jenny Heidewald

2012-03-03T21:39:00.000-08:00

Hello Readers! Tonight we are visiting with the artist Jenny Heidewald. Jenny is still pretty new to the PSP community but has a growing fanbase. You can visit her website and purchase her PSP tubes at PSPTubeStop.
Thank you for talking with us Jenny.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?

I've only been involved seriously since late last year, when the wonderful Lisa Cree asked me if I would like to join PSP Tube Stop. Years before I'd been asked by several groups if they could use my Elfwood artwork (for free). I'd said yes, with the stipulation that I see what folks came up with, because I am a curious person. Unfortunately, I never saw any tubes with my art in it, if there were any, though I kept getting asked by groups if they could use my art. That was a bit depressing for me, so I revoked permission, and hadn't thought of tubes again until Lisa asked me.

2) What does your artwork mean to you?

I know it sounds kind of cheesy, but my art is a part of my soul. I am a self-taught artist, and I am really proud of that fact, no offense meant to anyone with art education. I guess I am kind of afraid that if I did get a piece of paper that says I completed some course or other, all my skill would be attributed to that. I don't know, I suppose I am kind of irrational about it, but I feel that this way I have something that is all mine, that what I have learned I personally pursued. I am sure it is a harder way at times, as it is difficult to size up what I need to learn at times, though in hindsight I can see where I was going wrong, say, with a "really huge legs" phase, or the difficult 3/4 eye.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?

All sorts of things! From one word prompts, music, something someone says off hand, to flamer/troll comments; I can get struck by inspiration from some pretty strange things. I like to challenge myself and see if I can do art in different styles. It always seems to me I don't quite get away from my own, which is frustrating, but I still try. While I am guilty of sticking with the same subject most of the time (pretty girls), I also like to try and do new takes on things, which can take a bit of mulling the subject over.

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?

Since late 2011, when I joined PSP Tube Shop.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?

I have tried all sorts of materials and tools, if you browse my online galleries you can see the different mediums I have worked in. Right now my favorite way to work is a mechanical pencil for sketching, and then color Micron pens. Those are the best! I haven't really seen anyone else use the colored lines the way I do, but I probably haven't looked hard enough.

Sometimes I'll print out the pictures and watercolor them, the way my printer ink bleeds when wet actually works for me, I usually end up reinking my lines at any rate.

I used to hate watercolor, but, once I got the hang of preserving the white, I really like working with them. I also use Photoshop a lot (the old Elements 2.0); it is really handy for cleaning things up, and I have dozens of pictures in various stages of coloring.

6) Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create with your artwork?

I haven't really gone too much into making things with my art, I did make a bunch of prints for a festival back in 2006, but in general I preferred to work through Ellen Million. She used to have a fantasy print shop, unfortunately closed now except for the coloring books. I am very proud of the fact that I am the

cover artist for the Steam Punk coloring book!

Ellen also have a site called Portrait Adoption, which I have a lot of work on. I like to draw people, and this site gives me the chance to sell those sorts of pictures as character portraits.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists have influenced you?

That is a tough one, because there are so many people that have inspired me! My mom, first and foremost; it was when I, age 4 or so, saw her drawing, of all things, the hand of God reaching through the clouds that I recall thinking, "I want to do THAT!" (as in drawing). My art didn't really start to take off until my teen years, after I had read the first Dragonlance trilogy, which had Larry Elmore's art on the cover. I was blown away by how awesome his art is. It is funny to think back on how I thought he had actually painted the cover art that small! *laughs*

I have to say that if I hadn't met Ellen Million on Elfwood I'd be a lot farther behind than I am. When I joined Ellen Million's Portrait Adoption, we had a forum that made a close knit group of PA artists. The sharing was great, we respected each other, and I learned a TON from my fellow artists. It is sad that we (PA artists) kind of drifted away from there, life happened, but I have to say that it really changed my life. I miss my buddies!

There are so many other artists I am influenced by: the Brothers Hildebrandt--I ADORE baroque and rococo style art; Wendy Pini of ElfQuest fame (I have gotten away from trying to draw "exactly like her," which was tough to do); Esteban Maroto, Charles Dana Gibson, Elvgreen, Vargas, Playboy cartoonists.... I also adore a lot of Deviant artists (Linda Bergkvist, whose skin tutorial I have used many times; Michelle Hoefener), the ones who do the cute pinups (Kei Phillips, Wendy Chew, and more), and certain ones that do these awesome color combinations and different shading. I wish I had more time in my life to dedicate to exploring more of that art!

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known with getting their names and artwork more visible?

With how popular psp-ing is, I am sure it does. :)

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?

Right now I haven't been able to get too involved due to stuff in life, but I do know that really enjoy collaborating with Lisa; she is such a great, hard working gal! I am looking forward to submitting more images for the themed sets she is putting together. I also like seeing what folks come up with for tags, it's like scrapbooking, which I am into as well.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?

Oh gosh, another tough question, I am fond of so many, that is like asking a mother of more than one to pick her favorite child!

Aries, from my zodiac series, I love working on itsy bitsy details, and this time I had the patience to follow through. The tartan was challenging, as well as the knotwork, and I love Scottish things.

MacDragon, though I wish I did the coloring better on this, I like the concept so much, it makes me smile. Notice again the Scottish theme.

<a href="http://portraitadoption.com/portrait.php?id=463"_blank">"Cloak of Mystique"</a> is one of those "Wow, *I* did that?!" pictures. I worked really hard on this, the skin was killer, and something I tend to have a hard time rendering in Photoshop.

Wizard is one of my rare acrylic paintings, and another "I did that?" pictures. For about six hours of work, it isn't bad for me.

Mesmereyes is another breakthrough picture for me. I was working with colored pencils at the time, and had a set of watercolor pencils, which I discovered filled in the little dots of white paper left on my colored pencil pictures. I went from those to just watercolor, since I was taking the paint from the pencil tip with my brush anyways. This is one of the first commissions I have done.

SteamVillian is one of my favorite inked drawings. This was for the Steam Dream coloring book, I just really like the interaction that happened with the characters.

I also like a lot of the illustrations I have done for EMG Zine tutorials and articles I have written. A lot of them were my first time drawing certain things, or at least forced me to focus on drawing them well.

Though it is hard to pick among my many Sketch Fest pictures Snow Angel is a favorite. I like how the hare turned out, I did this after doing an EMG-Zine tutorial on rabbits and hares.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?

Either is great. I saw this tag the other day which had animated sparkle things, and I sat there watching it for about two minutes. Seeing those makes me want to get into animation, which I have been hankering to try for a long time now. It is hard to know where to start with that, though.

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?

I haven't yet, but I am open to commissions in general. As for ideas, Sketchfest is a great place for folks to get art from me, I am totally addicted to it (all of my tubes on PSP Tube Stop are actually from there). Prompters might not get exactly what they were thinking of, but that is half the fun. :) Right now Sketch Fest is closed for a few months, the founder, Ellen Million, is on maternity leave. I had to stock up on sketches to finish the last few Sketchfests. *laughs*

Also, if someone sees art of mine that isn't a tube that they would like to see as one, I am happy to oblige. The only exception are the Portrait Adoption pieces, I like to keep those exclusive to their owners.

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.

Pretty much anything is fine by me, though don't erase their (characters) clothes, or put them into questionable situations. ^_^'

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.

That would be awesome, I love seeing stuff with my art in it!

Renee Lavoie

2012-03-01T13:29:00.000-08:00

Hello Readers! Thank you for joining us today. We are visited today by the talented fantasy artist Renee Lavoie.Renee is known for her wonderful fantasy artwork. You can visit her website and purchase her PSP tubes at PSP TubeStop. Thank you so much for talking with us Renee.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?
I first started with My Tag Art for my psp tubes.

2) What does your artwork mean to you?
My art means everything to me. I have been drawing since as long as I can remember. I have always been shy and I have used my art as a way to express myself. Drawing and painting have gotten my through some very difficult times in my life. Art has always been a way for me to get so absorbed that in the time in which I am creating, nothing else exists.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?
I am inspired by my feelings mostly and by people who have come into my life and touched me in some way. I am also a very vivid dreamer and sometimes ideas come to me in that way. I must have music when I am painting ! That always sets the mood.

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?
I have been offering my tubes for sale for about 3years now.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand
or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?
My artwork is created traditionally. I am self taught and started painting Fantasy artwork in about 2006. I really love acrylics best, but I work a lot with watercolor. I have been adding some colored pencils and pastels in my art lately and have been getting away from using ink.

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create with your artwork?
I create a lot of different products and crafts with my art such as bookmarks, magnets ,cards, jewelry and some licensed products with zazzle, Misty Dreams cross stitch designs and Fabric blocks with Kat’s Magical patches.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists
have influenced you?
This is always a tough question because I am inspired by so many artists . Of course Amy Brown and I adore the art of Maxine Gadd and my artist friends inspire me a great deal. Any art involving mythology inspires me as well.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known
with getting their names and artwork more visible?
Oh, I definitely think the psp community helps an artist become more visible and well known. I have gained a lot of exposure by offering tubes.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?
I would have to say I enjoy seeing people create so many beautiful creations using the tubes. It’s so amazing to me because I have no idea how to do things like that.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?
My favorite pieces are my witches. They represent being misunderstood to me which I always felt that I have been misunderstood by so many people . Also I piece I created “Drifting Away” after my grandmother passed away is hanging on my wall I just can’t part with it.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?
I love all tags animated or non animated.

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?
I usually don’t do commissions. I get very stressed out and can’t create under pressure. I can’t create something I don’t feel passionate about.

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.
I am pretty open to have people use my art the way they choose as long as they are following the copyright rules.

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our readers.
I would love to receive tags with my art. I would love to put them on my Art page on Facebook!

Kristin Tercek & Ed Mironiuk

2012-02-26T13:50:00.001-08:00

Hello Readers! Today we are visited by the talented artists Kristin Tercek ( Cuddly Rigor Mortis) & Ed Mironiuk. Kristin & Ed have been a part of the PSP community for a long time. Both are known for their wonderful and unique art styles. You can visit their websites here and here. You can purchase their PSP tubes at CDO. Thank you both of you for talking with us today.

1) How did you both become a part of the psp tube community?
Ed- Anthony at CILM contacted me a lonnnnnnnng time ago. I had been getting a lot of requests to use my work so the timing was perfect.
Kris- Ed was doing very well with CILM and he suggested I contact them. How long ago that was, I honestly don't remember!

2) What does the artwork mean to each of you?
Ed- I try not to be too serious about it. I just want it to be fun, silly, sexy, sometimes dark but always tongue in cheek.

Kris- Just the other day a thought popped in my head, 'I want to make people happy.' Nothing means more to me than an email from someone saying that the print, painting or tube they just bought from me brings a smile to their face everytime they see it. I honestly wouldn't be doing this if it weren't for my amazing fans.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?
Ed- Oh boy, there's tons of stuff. For me it could be cosplay or a cheesy B-movie, William Adolphe Bouguereau or Patrick Nagel, lounge music or heavy metal, you name it.

Kris- Food is a huge influence for me. And Ed's usually eating something odd, an Ugli fruit or lychees, and it just strikes me as a little character. I'll look at anything, really, and if there's great texture or interesting colors it makes me want to paint. Sometimes I'll just wake up at three in the morning and say, 'why haven't I painted a meatball yet?'.

4) How long have each of you been selling psp tubes?
Ed- Hmmmmm, pretty much since CILM had opened...what was that? 5 years maybe? Time just flies.
Kris- I don't think it was too long after Ed started.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?
Both of you have such similar yet different styles, do you often influence each other in your artwork?
Ed- I sometimes start with a hand drawn sketch and scan it into the computer to be finished in photoshop but lately it's all done right in the computer.
Kris is always behind me (or vice versa) and we always help each other with concepts or design. I have a feeling you may be seeing girls with bigger eyes from me in the future via Kris' influence.

Kris- We are so lucky to work from our home and not having spent one night apart in 15 years, there's no doubt we influence each other. Although I think that Ed helps me far more than I help him. I rely on his advice and expertise constantly. I have two different ways of creating my artwork. For my paintings, I start with a very small sketch that goes into photoshop. I tighten it up, get the compostion set and lay in color for reference. I print the line drawing out and transfer it to a wood plaque. Then it's onto good old fashioned brushes and acrylic paints. I've also been doing all-photoshop images of late (cats and critter sets for tubes). I must admit I get confused. If I'm painting, I'll find myself trying to save or undo things. When I'm using photoshop, I catch myself reaching for my spray bottle to keep the screen wet.

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create with the artwork?
Ed- I've been the illustrator for Tattoo magazine and Flash for the past 17 years. In fact last month was my 200th consecutive issue. I also do a lot of bookcovers and cd art.

Kris- I sell my original paintings as well as prints and mounted prints of my work. I'm also excited to announce (yup, you're getting the scoop) that several of my plush designs were licensed by Petco and will be released as pet toys for their Halloween season this year.

7) As you have developed your styles and artwork, which artists have influenced you?
Ed- I started with Frank Frazetta then went Alberto Vargas, Patrick Nagel, Maxfield Parrish, Andy Warhol and James Rosenquist. Now I'm really into the the aesthetic of Russ Meyer, Rinse Dream (Stephen Sayadian), George Petty and Mark Ryden. I've also really been digging kitschy old pinball machine art and 80's airbrush artwork.

Kris- I learned how to paint from watching Bob Ross and William Alexander (the fiery German equivalent of Bob Ross) on tv as a kid. I was drawn to great landscape artists early on (Hudson River School especially) but once the new wave of contemporary artists like Murakami, Friends With You and Tim Biskup appeared, I was hooked on color and character design.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known with getting their names and artwork more visible?
Ed- I sure hope so, but there is so much really great work out there I think it can be easy to get lost.
Kris- Wherever artists can find new outlets for their craft, it's a good thing.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?
Ed- First off everyone I have met are the sweetest people ever and I'm not trying to kiss butt. I'm serious. I wish that I could be able to interact more because it's a really nice community. The other thing is seeing the amount of creativity that each person brings.It allows me to see my work growing through another person's fun. That's the best.

Kris- I second that! You also can't beat the fact that they are copyright compliant and continue to educate people on what that means.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which each of you have done and why?
Ed- Right now it's my newest work with the megatubes. Tons of different layers to change the girls into emo rockers, kitties, goth, devils, bunnies, etc.
I love being able to create all the various parts and then mix and match them together. I can't wait to see what the psp'ers do with them. In fact I'm really looking forward to starting on the next set.

Kris- I can't wait either - I absolutely LOVE what Ed's doing. OK, so I may be biased, but I just love to watch him work. All those layers are so fun to play around with. In fact I just had to copy him and did a set of kitten megatubes. I didn't think I'd like drawing cats, but I really am enjoying it. I also have a soft spot for "Uni Yeti". His eyes are based on my little buddy, Ricky (my chihuahua who passed away in July) and he was shown at la Gaite Lyrique Museum in Paris in December.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?
Ed- I like the animated backgrounds and I also like the static. I wish facebook would allow animated gifs...curse you Zuckerberg (shakes fist in the air)
Kris- I saw a tag someone did with my winter animals and it had snow falling and another with a kitten of mine where the grass was blowing around him - they were so wonderful! Honestly, I've never seen anything that I didn't like with my art, animated or not. :D

12) Do either of you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for art pieces which taggers may have?
Ed- I'm always available for commissions. In fact I just did one of the lead singer of the rock group Rammstein and another that was of the comic character
Shi. It's nice because I can work with images or characters that normally I couldn't because of copyright issues.

Kris- I had to stop taking commissions a couple years ago because it was too much pressure. The list kept getting longer and longer and I got more and more worried that I wasn't going to do a good job. I finally had to stop. It was one of the hardest things I ever did. However, lately I've been having a blast doing cats and critters just for tubes. Since it's geared especially towards taggers, I've started asking around in groups what breeds or colors people might like to see along with taking lots of deep breaths so I don't get overwhelmed that I won't live up to what people want. Everyone is so darn encouraging that I hope to get over my fear of commissions one day.

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.
Ed- I don't think my license allows that but I've seen it when it was done subtly and I think it works well.

Kris- We were just talking about this. I had no idea that you could allow people to animate your work. My guess is that I don't allow it, because I've never seen anyone do it!

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our readers.
Ed- Of course! What the readers make is actually the most important part.

Kris- I can't tell you what a kick it is to see what people make with my work. It goes right back to why I do this...if it's making people happy - I'm happy!

Screaming Demons

2012-02-22T16:22:00.000-08:00

Hello readers! Today we are talking with the artist Screaming Demons.Marcus is known for his original gothic and pin-up combination in his art style. By combining the two styles he has created images that have a growing fanship in the PSP community. Thank you so much for talking with us today.
You can visit his website and purchase his PSP tubes at SATC.

How did you become a part of the PSP tube community?
The answer is quite simple, I was invited by 3 or 4 companies and I went with ‘SCRAPS AND THE CITY’ because they gave me the best deal.

What does your artwork mean to you?
A lot of my art is trashy and through away, but for me it does have a certain element of creativity and style. I love drawing, I go into a bit of a trance state when I’m working. I draw and paint very fast and when I moved over to digital painting and drawing, it allowed me to work even faster!

What inspires you in creating your artwork?
I’m mainly influenced by horror films, tattoo culture, 50s pinup art and all sorts of music.

How long have you been selling psp tubes?
Less than a year, I am new to this.

How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand
or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?
I always start with a pencil sketch, I’ll probably use a photo from a magazine to get me started on a pose or because I like the lighting in a certain photo. I will then scan the sketch into photoshop and work from there. I use a Wacom Bamboo tablet for colouring and adding detail.

Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create
with your artwork?
I do a lot of T-shirt designs, I guess most of my creative time is taken up with those, lots of rockabilly and vintage Zombie Girls. There’s a lot of B-Movie horror influence in those as well. I do portraits for private commissions these usually have a dark edge. People don’t come to me if they want an average happy portrait done, I offer something a little different.

Does the psp community help artists become more well known
with getting their names and artwork more visible?
As I mentioned earlier I’m fairly new to this, but I think it has brought my art to light to people that would not have otherwise seen it.

What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?
There’s a a painting I did called ‘Darkstar’ which has been turned into a tube. For me it was successful because she looks so very beautiful. Another would be my latest image which depicts the Bride of Frankenstein having been arrested getting her mugshot done. I just think it looks cool.

Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?
I don’t have preference on that, I’m happy with either.

Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?
Oh yes, I’m always open to commissions and ideas that could work as tubes or anything else for that matter.

Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.
No, I’m relaxed about it all, once you give your art up in this manner you’ve got to let go, I’m not happy about people using my art without permission, but that’s a different matter.

Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.
Yes, I’d love to see them, they find me on facebook as screamingdemons

Susan Rundle-Hughes

2012-02-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

Hello readers! Today we are visited by the talented artist Susan Rundle-Hughes. Susan creates some wonderful cute and fantasy images in her artwork. You can visit her website and purchase her PSP tubes at PSP TubeStop. Thank you so much for talking with us today Susan.

1) How did you become a part of the PSP tube community? I was asked by MyTagArt to join them two years ago. I hadn't heard of it before then. When they closed I joined PSP Tube Stop, and I'm very happy there.

2) What does your artwork mean to you?Art means the world to me. I don't know what I would be like if I couldn't create. It's something I've done ever since I was a child and it has become part of me.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?
Nature, animals, old buildings, books and fairy stories and other people's artwork all inspire me. I go for lots of walks and I always carry a camera with me so if I see something I like, an old gnarled tree for example, I take a photo of it for future reference. I spend a lot of time in the local art gallery too. It's only small but I love visiting it and I'm always inspired by the artwork on display or in the craft shop.

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?About two years.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork? I paint both digitally and traditionally. Traditionally, I favour watercolour, gouache and coloured pencil. If I paint digitally, I sketch the drawing by hand, scan it into the

computer and paint using photoshop. 6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create with your artwork? My friend, Natacha Chohra, and I are going to start up a business selling our artwork at fairs and on Etsy very soon. Other than that, I have also had my artwork used for fabric designs, stamps, calendars and cake designs. I also illustrate books, mainly educational children's books at the moment but I would love to expand on that.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists have influenced you? From the past my greatest influences have come from the Pre Raphaelites, Arthur Rackham and Beatrix Potter. There are so many modern artists I love; Alan Lee, Brian Froud and I love Aaron Pocock's work. Generally most fairy artists and children's book illustrators.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well knownwith getting their names and artwork more visible?I think so, it gives the artist a wider audience and I'm so thankful for the wonderful and friendly psp community.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?Meeting new people and seeing what gorgeous work they can do with my artwork. It's always exciting seeing what other people have created using your artwork.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?I don't really have a favorite but I do like 'dancing in the moonlight', inspired by the beautiful full moon whilst walking my dogs one night and my 'Will-o-the-wisp' painting that was inspired by the marshes behind my house. Personally, I prefer my sketches to my finished paintings.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?Both are great!

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?
I haven't yet but it's something I would consider if taggers approached me with ideas :)

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.Nothing I can think of.

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our readers.
That would be wonderful. I love see what others can create using my artwork.I would ADORE to receive tags featuring my artwork. Yes please :)

Marlon Teunissen

2012-02-16T00:30:00.000-08:00

Hello. Thank you for joining us here at Artist Corner. Tonight we are talking with the talented artist Marlon Teunissen.She is a talented artist who does fantasy and cute images. You can visit her website and purchase her PSP tubes at CDO. Thank you so much for talking with us tonight Marlon.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?

About 2 years ago I was asked by Mytagart to license my art with them. After they quit their business, I joined Creative Design Outlet.

2) What does your artwork mean to you?

It means my whole life :D

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?

All sorts of things. Mainly music and things I come across in life, movies and seeing other people’s artworks.

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?

I think I do this for about 2 years now?

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand

or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?

I always do the sketching and line arts by hand and then scan in and color them in Photoshop and painter. I sometimes still create watercolor paintings but not as much as I would like to because of lack of time.

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create

with your artwork?

I also have my artwork licensed as crystal IPhone cases, decorative stickers for laptops, phones and more and stamps. I also create some merchandise out of my artworks myself like prints, key chains, phones traps, bookmarks etc. to sell at conventions and my online store.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists

have influenced you?

Many artists. Mainly those from the videogames industry. I love videogames and I especially love Asian videogame art ( Japanese, Chinese, Korean….) Lately I also like to look more to western artists but Asian art still holds a large place in my art.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known

with getting their names and artwork more visible?

I am not sure. But when Mytagart quit, a few people on Facebook send me mails to point me to other PSP tube companies because they loved my artwork and wanted to continue being able to purchase tubes with my art on them so I think the psp community does help a bit

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?

I love seeing the tags and banners and things people make and the ideas they come up with, with my art.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?

I guess so far I like my “Queen of cards” drawing the most because somehow this image just popped out of nowhere and I had to draw it and the process of making it went also very smoothly ( no matter what many people may think, I often still struggle a lot when I create my artworks ^^; ) I was also quite satisfied with the end result which doesn’t happen with me a lot to be honest. I was also glad that a lot of people everywhere online seemed to love this drawing so much J

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?

Both seem fine to me.

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?

I am always open to receive commissions. If taggers have an idea for an subject they would like me to create more artworks of for tubes then they are free to tell me about them of course

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.

I don’t really have restrictions on my art as far as PSP tubes and tagging goes but of course I would not like to see my art getting used in an offensive way or to see it getting altered so much that it is hard to recognize.

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.

Of course! That would make me happy

Rossana Castellino

2012-02-12T18:35:00.000-08:00

Tonight we are talking with the artist Rossana Castellino. Rossana's art style is a range of fantasy & gothic.You can visit her website and purchase her PSP tubes at DSI.Thank you so much for talking with us tonight Rossana.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community? I didn't knew very well the psp community, thes I was invited by Zindy on "Dreamscape Imaging" to sell my art as tubes! So I was introduced in this world and I knew so many great psp artists!

2) What does your artwork mean to you? Drawing is my passion, my work and my life...My artwork represents what I am, my feelings and especially my attempt to give life to my immagination!!!

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?There are many things that inspire me; first of all the music, that always accompanies me when I draw...then movies and animation, romantic and fantasy literature, ancient legends of north, fairytales and underground cultures!

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes? Approximately, I sell my artwork for a year as tubes on Dreamscape

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand
or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork? I use both traditional and digital techniques, but I am especially a traditional artist! I use colored pencils and pastels in most of my illustrations, but I use also markers and sometimes acrylics and watercolors!

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create
with your artwork? My art is available on Queen Kat Design as fabric block, iron transfers and rubber Stamps (www.katstamps.com) I hope also to sell soon other products...and publish many books!!! ^^

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists
have influenced you? The list is very long: first of all I was definitely influenced the great Luis Royo but also by Victoria Franc�s, Dorian Cleavenger, Gerald Brom, Boris Vallejo, Ciruelo Cabral, Arantza Sestayo, Viona, H.R. Giger, Armando Huerta, Hayao Miyazaki, Tim Burton...and many many more!

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known
with getting their names and artwork more visible? Surely, the psp community has helped to make a little more known my work! It's a great opportunity for artists!

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community? I really love to see the art of other artist and see new things inspired by my art!

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why? It's very difficult for me to answer this question because I've never totally satisfied with my drawings, I always try to improve...However, I think one of the most important works for me is "Midnight Masquerade" for two reasons: it was my first self-portrait and I discovered the wonders of grey paper... then I often use the grey paper in my work!

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?I like them both, every works I've seen done with my art tubes was beautiful.

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?For tubes I work primarily with Dreamscape, but I also accept commissions and I always accept suggestions by taggers!

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.No, there are no restrictions on the creativity! of course must not to be offensive! �.�

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.Certainly!!! I really enjoy to see taggers work, It' funny and satisfying for me!!!

Kim Turner

2012-02-12T11:33:00.000-08:00

Today we are talking with the artist Kim Turner. Kim does wonderful fantasy artwork especially Faeries.
You can visit her website and purchase her PSP tubes from PSP TubeStop. Thank you so much for talking with us today Kim.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community? Through the initiative of Lisa Cree, she found a niche for artists and I jumped at the chance to be a part of her team.

2) What does your artwork mean to you? My artwork is everything to me, it's great to be able to create a little bit of fantasy or whimsy to brighten someone's day. I love being able to unwind or get into the 'painting zone' and just create however it evolves, so besides being fun it's also great stress relief.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?Anything in nature, faces, eyes, colours, flowers, wings, bones, feathers, scales, words...other art... the list is endless. But who knows what triggers it, and have definitely felt that crumminess that comes with finding no inspiration!

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?
Only a very short time, but I'm really enjoying it so far.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?Mine is all created by hand, sometimes I use watercolours, pencils, acrylics and a combination of all to get a colour or tone I am after. It's good to be able to jus create from your own imagination, but sometimes it's also good to have reference to work from too - I bought myself one of the Elf dolls Uyoo, and now I find I have a lot of faeries with rather long necks ;)

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create with your artwork?Actually I have to say I am pretty mad for Zazzle and all their amazing products. It sounds like I work for them, but I can't believe how awesome their print quality is. When I am not painting I spend time there creating new prints, greeting cards, postcards, mugs ~ even printed pillows are now available! It's easy to spend hours creating fabulous new items.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists have influenced you?Any of the traditional masters, Bougereau, Waterhouse, of course Alan Lee and Brian Froud, any of the 19th illustrators like Dulac, Rackham, Bauer...

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known with getting their names and artwork more visible?Definitely, it's a great community to be involved with, I've already met lots of new artists and I look forward to lots more in the future.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?I think the challenges and group collaborations for me have been the most exciting part, as an artist you tend to be insular and just do your own thing, so it's good to have different challenges set and work in a team for a common goal.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?I think my favourite would be the Marie Antoinette Let them eat cupcake series. They just are a bit of fun and people have responded well to them which is nice feedback for any artist. And perhaps one of my first ever, a faerie called Celeste which managed to make it into The Art of Faery book by David Riche. It's over ten years old now, but I still like her.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?
I think both are great, I'm a would-be-faery, so anything that sparkles gets my vote!

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?
I haven't done any as yet, but certainly open to the idea.

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.I think anything that changed it so much it wasn't recognizable would be on the list of please don't do's, but anything else which a psp artists feels looks good, I say go for it!

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.
I'd love to see what anyone comes up with! kimturnerart at yahoo dot com dot au

Justice Howard

2012-02-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

Today we are talking with Alternative Pin-up artist Justice Howard. Justice uses real people in her artwork images. You can visit her blog, website and purchase PSP tubes from her store. Thank you so much for talking with us today Justice.

) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?

I was one of the artists on a large PSP website and that is how I became knowledgeable about the PSP community. It was then that I decided to set out on my own. The website took three months to build and I tried to make PSPtubes.net the " pretty site" since so many of the other websites seemed very sterile, lacking   character and design. Therefore, I really designed my site for us women as it is all pink and pretty and the tags that are displayed on the pages were all designed strictly to match the site itself.

2) What does your artwork mean to you?

Well basically it's a running documentation of my lifeline. It's all the people that I photographed and all the people that I know, and all the people that I love that have been encapsulated for eternity. A friend of mine used to say that I was the keeper of time, that I saved little slices of time and kept them in a box. I think he's right, and what used to be a box is now a hard drive. I have over four hard drives with over half a million images stored on them. I have all of my hard drives backed up in different locations which is a smart thing to do in case of fire or other acts of God.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?

Well it can be anything really, it can be a person, it can be a prop, it can be a car or motorcycle, or it can be a piece of clothing. Or it can be an idea, some wacked wild idea that comes out of my brain pan and that I will decide to document. That's what happened with my fairytale series. I had this wild idea to do an erotic series of fairytale images after I realized that no one had ever done it before. The first one I did was a series that I entitled ” Once Upon a Tease”    because a lot of the models that I used for the fairy tale series were burlesque dancers. The second one I did was entitled ”Alice in Thunderland" and I did that one because people went so crazy over the first one that I had to do another. And of course after I did it first, everyone else ripped it off from me and strangely enough one of those people was Tyra Banks. She must've gone directly to my website where they were displayed at the time and taken the idea, because I was watching her show and they did one of those model vamp-offs where they used every exact fairytale that I had chosen to document. In the Disney movie Enchanted, Disney had styled their Wicked Queen exactly as I had styled mine in my fairytale series. My Wicked Queen had very pronounced highly arched Goth eyebrows, long glamour lashes as well as black lips and I don't remember Disney's wicked Queen looking like that before this. You can even Google "ENCHANTED" and you will see just what I mean.

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?
Not very damn long! The site only one up about two months ago so we are very very new. We have galleries that are very different offering a wide array of imagery. Some of these are LADY INK, which is named after my 2012 and 2013 calendar, a title that I now have copyrighted. Also FETISH, which is very self-explanatory, GARTERS & GASOLINE is obviously a pinup heavy folder. Then theres MAN MADE which is a gallery for the ladies and PRETTY MAIDS IN A ROW is just that, prettier softer more glamorous content. ALICE IN THUNDERLAND houses the fairy tale art before it was digitally backgrounded. And as it says in our MISSION STATEMENT if there's anything that any of you want to see let me know and if it is within the possibility of my control I will document it for you.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?
My number one tool is my lighting equipment. And I have the very best, and it is this that I think makes a huge difference and also in the quality of my photographics. My   second tool is my Nikon camera that was the price of a small car. Most everything I do is created with these two tools. I believe that if you document perfection straight out of the camera then you won't waste a lot of time in post.

6) Aside from psp tubes, what else have you created with your artwork?
There is a bar in Washington DC called THE TATOO BAR that houses about 30 pieces of my art. The TATTOO BAR has huge 12 foot light boxes on the walls as well as murals covering the bathroom doors. It's really a gorgeous bar, all stainless steel and slick and shiny and sexy! Myself and H. R. Geiger are the only artists who have monograph (meaning its all our own "mono means one") showings displayed in bars. South Beach, Florida has a hotel called the Lord Balfour and it is one of the historical hotels recently under renovation. The owner is a fan of my art and so he came to me with the proposition of purchasing seven of my tattoo girl photographs. Now I come to find that they are designing the rooms in the hotel to match the photographs themselves. Example: The primary colors in one photograph are orange and emerald green and they have matched the colors of the room furniture to be the same orange and dark emerald green that is and a bit of her role a in that photograph. There are 64 rooms in the hotel and my art will be showcased either in 30 foot wall murals or on easels.
They are even having a large rug made from one of the photographs. I don't know if that's what you meant by that question but I thought this was pertinent information, and it's something timely that I'm very jazzed about!

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists
have influenced you?
I was always a fan of Helmut Newton's work and I think he is absolutely brilliant. I am also a fan of Weegee who did the New York street scene imagery as well as gritty crime scene photos. I loved Weegee's "deer-in-the-headlights" lighting technique so for a long time I only did work in black-and-white. Marc Seliger is a photographer who works for Rolling Stone and US magazine and he does some very wild and inventive stuff. Seliger did this one image of Rob Zombie where he is holding a pigs head and he's got mummies   all behind him, its pretty rad. Roberto Vargas I also love!

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known
with getting their names and artwork more visible?
Im sure of that. There's also a ton of new artists out there showing their work and I'm sure they will get more well-known through the PSP community.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?
I love the passion people have about these tags! I love it when people are passionate about art. I also love to see whats up all the forums and all of the blogs.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?

My favorite pieces always seem to be the ones I have done most recently. So if you ask me that right now I would tell you my favorite art piece is the shots that I did last week of THE BLACK VEIL BRIDES. I photographed them last week for a magazine interview piece and they were really great and a lot of fun, and the shots from that session are, to date, my favorites. I shot them at my friend Vidal's autopsy room. Vidal also makes 'coffin couches', which are primarily couches made from real coffins.
Check out his website   at    1–800–autopsy.com and you will see the couches and everything that has to do with his very dark and creepy profession.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?
I have a preference towards the non-animated simply because I like things that are "image heavy" which basically means that it just has to do with the image itself   and has no "blinkies".

12) Do you do commissions for taggers?
YES, of course!
How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?
Actually it says right on   my website   that if anyone has any ideas about what they would like to see to please hit me up with that, and I would happily document anything for them.

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.
No not really. I feel that   once you have purchased    a tube from PSPtubes.net you are welcome to do whatever you wish with it. I want people to take my art and have fun with it. It says right on the website " have your way with us!" which is a sexier way of saying, you know, do what you want with it, and just have fun!

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.
I would adore that. My favorite thing about owning PSPtubes.net is seeing the tags that all of you create. The tagline on the site is" real babes for real PSP art"……and thats just what we are!!!!
www.PsPtubes.net
www.justicehoward.com
www.divadollart.com
www.spattergasm.com

One more thing art lovers, if you see anything you like on any of my other web sites let me know which image it is and we will make it available to you. We try our hardest to accommodate everyone.

Michele Ann

2012-02-10T16:41:00.000-08:00

Today we are talking with the artist Michele Ann.Michele does wonderful fantasy and gothic artwork. You can visit her website and purchase her PSP tubes at Dreamscape. Michele bring emotion to life in her artwork. Thank you so much for talking with us today Michele.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?

Zindy from ‘Dreamscape Imaging’ approached me, asking whether I would be interested in my art being available for Tubes etc and I immediately thought it would be a great project to be involved in.

2) What does your artwork mean to you?

Creating a piece of artwork is such a powerful thing, each piece is a representation of how I feel at that particular moment in time, my artwork is really a collection of my feelings, it’s how I choose to express them.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?

For me inspiration can come from many sources, music, films, people. Something I see or hear can trigger an emotion and that in turn inspires me to create.

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?

I have been selling tubes for about a year with ‘Dreamscape’.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand
or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?

I’m not a digital artist and I don’t consider myself a painter, I draw, predominantly using Faber Castel pencils. I do occasionally use paint for highlighting or pastels to create a smoky background but I’m most comfortable using just pencils.

6) Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create
with your artwork?
Well, my website www.micheleannart.com is about to be launched and at the moment will just be selling prints but hopefully will have many other products soon. I have also done two book covers for author Ian O’Neill http://www.ianoneill.co.uk/, and have been working on projects for Cecile Guillot, http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Where-Witches-Rise/158908817527390.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists
have influenced you?

There have been many artists who have influenced me over the years, my earliest being Boris Vallejo his work just blows me away. Others include, John Waterhouse, Gustav Klimt, Luis Royo, Felix Mas, Jia Lu and of course the wonderful Victoria Frances.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known
with getting their names and artwork more visible?

I think the psp community does a great job in getting little known artists work out there, getting a wider audience is always hard but being involved with psp’ers is a fantastic opportunity that any artist should be grateful for.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?

I have been in touch with some fantastic psp people and seeing their creations. always amazes me! What they can do with a piece of artwork is so clever.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?

That’s a difficult question because each piece means something personal to me. I would have to say ‘Pain’ is rather special, firstly it’s my son who modelled for that one and he is obviously in pain, the skull represents emotional pain rather than physical, so no matter how many plasters or bandages you use the pain remains. Also ‘Bitten’ for me is important because it was my first attempt at Gothic/fantasy and was published by GB Posters.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?

Any tags with my art tubes are great I have no preference.

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?

I find it hard to do commission’s full stop, my work is very personal and I have difficulty getting enthusiastic about other people suggesting ideas for me. It has to come from the heart to express something only I’m feeling at that time otherwise its not self expression.

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.

I’m open to anything with my art, if someone has been inspired to create something from a piece that I’ve done I think that’s fantastic.

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.

Absolutely, I love seeing what people can do with my art it never ceases to amaze me.

Robert Lee

2012-02-09T21:27:00.000-08:00

Tonight we are talking with the artist Bob Lee. He is a newcomer to the PSP community. Bob is becoming known for his unique artwork images among taggers. You can visit his website which is his facebook and purchase his tubes at PSP Tube Stop.
Thank you so much for talking with us Bob.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?
I was approached by Lisa Cree about submitting some artwork to be made into tubes, and I though it sounded like a fun idea so I did.

2) What does your artwork mean to you?

My art and what it means to me.....well most of my art is of skeletons doing normal everyday things a person would do, and to me it is a reminder that death is always close so enjoy and live while you can.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?
Well I don't really know...I mean I can walk down the street and see someone doing something that I think would look good as a skeleton drawing and it is ready to come out on the paper...

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?
I have only been involved in the tubes for a very short time....a matter of a few months actually.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?
I hand draw my art with Micron pens, and then color them with Prismacolor markers. This is done on bristol board.

6) Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create with your artwork?
I make small art pieces called ACEOs, whice are the size of baseball cards (2.5x3.5 inches) and these I sell on eBay, under the seller ID of b.l.ink, which if you search for my art will show up if I have any one at that time. So search eBay for b.l.ink everyone! ;-)

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists have influenced you?
I have never really paid any attention to how others have done what they do....I started out wondering how to do this or that and figured it out on my own. I can say that M.C. Escher did get me going on the dot work I do, as I redid some of his art to hang on my walls at home.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known with getting their names and artwork more visible?
Being part of it for such a short time all I can say is that I have noticed some added interest in my art. As time goes by I am sure that question will be answered in full to me.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?
I enjoy seeing the art of others and how people use it to make things that never were before.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?
Well a few stand out to me, one is "Saddness", it is an 8inx10in, that I was asked to draw for a woman who had just lost her husband. We had just brushed the subject one day, and I went home and did a rough sketch, and when we talked again she described almost exactly what I had done....so it was a meant to be piece, to me, which made it special.

Another is an ACEO called "Where are You?", it is the first skeleton I drew...ever!

Then "All Gone" is just a fun one....no more toilet paper for that poor....skeleton? ;-)

Then my personal favorite is the 14x14 inch I did I call "Sorrow", that one took a long time to do and just became a part of me.
The other art has come and gone, and each is special in it's own way but those two stand out to me.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?
I think that if a person wants to animate it in some way then more power to them! It is great to see what has been done with my drawings in any form!

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?
I haven't as of yet, for either, but might be willing to if that came up at any time.

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.

Huh...no, I can't think of anything.

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.

I would love to see what has been done with my art! That would be so awesome!

Christina Scott -FourXsDesigns

2012-02-08T12:52:00.000-08:00

Today we are visited by the artist Christina Scott who is known as FourXsDesigns in the communtity. Taggers are quickly becoming fans of her artwork. You can visit her blog and purchase her PSP tubes at PTE.Thank you so much for talking with us today Christina.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?
I was actually applying for the PSPTubesEmporium CT, and submitted my entries of tags and a link to my blog to Jolene. Well, I got DENIED! But she saw some vector work that I had done, just for fun, and my very first airbrush paintings and asked if I would like to be a part of the store! I was really excited, and yet really scared. At the time, I didn't even have a drawing tablet. I did all my pictures with my mouse. But I am ETERNALLY grateful because it was a jump start to push myself to get serious about art!

2) What does your artwork mean to you?
I love, LOVE what I do! Starting out as a tagger, I expressed myself with the signatures and banners I made. And I used existing artist pinups to do that. Now, I can express my emotion, thoughts and humor with my own characters.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?
I ask myself, would I want to tag with this image? I want bring diversity into what I do. Different body types, ethnicities, cultures. I love color and fashion. And I also love music, cinema and comic art. I try not to take it too seriously, and have fun and humor in what I draw.

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?
Not long at all, I started in August of 2011.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand
or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?
I sketch things out on my pen tablet at first. I tried pencil and paper and scanning them in, but that was an extra step and took too long. Then I like to vector out the flats with the pen tool. After that, its really just like a digital coloring book filling it all in! Sometimes I use Cosmo or other magazines for clothing and makeup ideas. And many times I ask people online, what they would like to see. Judging from the excitement that any one character or idea sparks, that's what I do.

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create with your artwork?
For me, tubes are the first step as far as my artist career is concerned. I have a background in print, logo design photo retouching and manipulation. I would like to use my characters for ads and logos in the future, but right now I am still learning the craft.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists have influenced you?
My absolute favorite artist is Elias Chatzoudis! He is a mind blowing cartoonist and comic artist. I also really enjoy Tyson McAddoo, Ismael Alvarez and Candra. All of which are equalling amazing!

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known
with getting their names and artwork more visible?
I would be dead in the water if it wasn't for the friends I have made while tagging. They are my biggest support system, so encouraging and positive! They also do a great job of helping spread word amongst others like wildfire. I really love and appreciate all of my forum friends!

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?
I love to see people express themselves with their tags. Its as if the tubes they use are alter egos! Some of the most quiet and reserved taggers can make some of the most intruiging tags!

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?
One of my favorites is the pinup "Thick Chick", the blonde that is my main image on my facebook page. That was my first success using the pen tool to draw and not having a drawing tablet at all. I also like her because she's not an overly thin character, but she's just as beautiful.
I also really love the Paula Deen pinup that was made around Thanksgiving! Paula is awesome in real life, and she really deserves to be a part of the "pinup" community!! I also think her eyes are really bright and happy! My favorite part of a
face are beautiful eyes.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?
I LOVE ANIMATION! I was really really into animating the tags that I made when I was tagging full time. I appreciate the time and effort it takes to make every frame just so!

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?
Yes! I have been asked to do commissions at every stage of my career as a digital artist and have loved every one! I also do group/forum commissions and store exclusives. And I am always open to other people's ideas and a lot of the tubes that I have created so far have been from people asking me if I can draw a particular celebrity or some kind of theme.

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.I just don't like people to attempt to recolor, so my TOU specifically ask customers not to. It sometimes makes the tube look "off". Mirroring is fine, but I noticed that with worded tattoos and clothing if you do that, the text will be backwards! LOL

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.
Yes, yes, and YES! I frequently post tags made with my tubes on my personal facebook page, my FourXsDesigns facebook page and my blog! I'm a tag JUNKIE! LOL I have about 6 signature rotators. So if you tag something and send it to me I will always appreciate it!

Jolene Burke

2012-02-08T12:37:00.000-08:00

Today we are starting a new feature here. We are inviting the PSP store owners to be featured on the blog in their own interviews. We thought it would be great to hear from the owners about how it is to own the stores and deal with the artists & taggers alike. Our first store owner is Jolene Burke of PTE.Thank you so much for talking with us today. Jolene has decided to feature tags with PTE artists.

1) How did you become involved in the PSP Community?

Many years ago when I discovered the game site POGO. One of the largest groups for the game site had a section for "signature tags" and I had no idea what they were but I was very intrigued by them. I thought they were super cute and colorful and I'm incredibly attracted to anything animal related and most of the tags I saw at the time were dog related.

2) How did you become to own a psp tubes store?

After struggling for a while in a managerial position I was in and dealing with the stresses of the owners who failed to provide accurate information to its clients and respect to myself, I decided to go my seperate ways.

3) The psp community is often very involved with the artists & store owners; as it is a
very social community. How do you balance this with running the store?

I tend to PTE on a 7 day a week basis. I have my email coming to my cellphone so that even if I'm not home or it's a holiday, I can still tend to the needs of the artists and the fans.

4) What kind of things do you look for in considering an artist to sell at your store?

There is nothing I actually "look for". I feel all artists deserve representation and a chance at offering their artwork to the community.

5) What do you believe is the biggest problem in the PSP community? Copyright violations, drama etc?

I wouldn't call them "problems" by any means. I feel that when you put hundreds of different personalities together in one place, issues will arise from time to time because everyone has different opinions. Whether those opinions are on religion, politics, what offends them, etc. Copyright education is probably an issue on occasion. I know from personal experience that when someone just becomes involved with creating signature tags, and if that person is not heavily involved with already copyright educated communities, that it's easy to make mistakes. (Those mistakes being thinking it's alright to take artwork and not credit it, or just take PTU artwork without a license.) Those issues are normally very easily resolved.

6) The community can be very vocal about things. How do you block this out and
focus on your store & artists?

Being vocal isn't necessarily a bad thing. Constructive criticism can go a long way - positively.

7) Often there are themes which are popular with taggers ie emo, goth, rock etc.
Does this affect how you market the tubes at your store or what your artists create?

There are always certain genres more popular than others. Many PTE artists are very well tuned to what their fans like. While they may not stick to a certain theme because as artists they need the freedom to create from their heart, they try very hard to bring ideas and wishes of their fans to life through their art.

8) What is your favorite part of interacting with the PSP Community?

I have met many wonderful people in the PSP community. But I don't like labels. We are all just people. That's it. All under one God, living in one world. I treat everyone I interact with the same. I don't judge anyone and try to respect everyone. I only ask for the same in return. My favorite part is how diverse everyone is as individuals but how so many have so much in common. It breaks my heart when people are cruel to others (and this goes outside of the PSP community, one can see this just about anywhere on the internet) because there are real people, real hearts, real feelings and real tears behind those usernames and computer monitors. How many people watch the news? War, poverty, abuse, murder, bullies, teen suicide......this is what our world is slowly becoming, and has been for years. World peace is a wonderful thing to aspire to. Unfortunately, in the one place the world is brought together, the internet, peace is often the furthest thing from happening. So I say this: love each other. You don't have to like each other, but love each other. The way God wants you to. Maybe the person that seems mean had a bad day. Maybe the person that says something cruel is having a hard time in their life right now. It takes more courage to walk away and be the bigger person than it does to "fight". And don't let what someone says to you break your spirit. Enjoy your life, your friends and family - we are only here, in the scheme of things, on this earth for a short time. God Bless!!

Kindest Regards,
Jolene R. Burke
CEO, PSP Tubes Emporium
pteartlicensing@yahoo.com
http://www.psptubesemporium.com

Jacqui & Brian Healy

2012-02-07T17:52:00.000-08:00

Today we are talking with Jacqui & Brian Healy. Both are very talented photographers.You can visit their website and purchase their images at MTA. Both have been a part of the PSP community for a long time. Thank you to both of you for talking with us.

1) How did you both become a part of the PSP tube community?

Brian: I'd been taking photographs as a hobby, but wasn't sure what to do with them. Jacqui suggested that I license my photos for use to the PSP community, so I approached My Tubed Art & signed with them.

Jacqui: I started tagging after looking for images to use on our wedding invitations. I joined a couple of psp groups & got hooked.

2) What do the photos mean to each of you?

Jacqui & Brian: A lot of them are memories to times & places from our past & show how much we have grown as a family.

3) What inspires you in taking the photographs?

Brian: Everything. I can't say one thing really inspires me over another. If I see a shot that I like, I try to capture it.

Jacqui: Pretty much anything & everything, sometimes you just have to look to see the beauty in places you might otherwise not think to look.

4) How long have each of you been selling psp tubes?

Brian: I think I've been licensed with My Tubed Art for about 3 years now.

Jacqui: I started as independent photographer around 2007 & signed with My Tubed Art in July 2010.

5) What equipment do you use for taking the photographs?

Brian: I have a Fuji Finepix S1000 that Jacqui got me for Christmas a few years ago. That's been my main camera, although I'm looking to upgrade soon - money permitting - to a better model. I also have an old 35mm camera, but I dont use it much as film is seemingly becoming harder to find and work with.

Jacqui: I use a Fuji Finepix S8000fd & believe it or not sometimes I use the camera on my phone. I hope to upgrade my camera soon though, as Cameron our son has his eye on mine.

Both of you have such similar yet different styles, do you often influence each other in your artwork?

Brian: I think we both see different shots from similar subjects, but we are often both drawn to the same subjects so I suppose we do influence each other to some degree.

Jacqui: Not really, I try to do something different from Brian. I suppose after 18 years together, we kinda see the same things.

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create with the artwork?

Brian: Nothing. I don't create from my artwork or anyone elses.

Jacqui: I do have some printed & on the walls of my office, although they are currently packed away due to moving house. I also got a book made up for Hannah our daughter when she moving to go to university, showing the different stages in her life.

7) As you have developed your styles and artwork, which artists have influenced you?

Brian: I'm not influenced by other artists, I like to work according to my own style.

Jacqui: None really.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known with getting their names and artwork more visible?

Brian: Yes, to a degree. Although I do think that photographers find it tougher to make a break through than other artists in the psp world.

Jacqui: I would say definitely, as I have prints & books from artists I had never heard of till I started PSP’ing.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?

Brian: I enjoy the thought of getting my work recognised and used, and seeing what the creative mind can do with my images.

Jacqui: I like the feeling of being part of something bigger & I have made some amazing friends through psp, some of them are like family to me.

10) What are some of your favorite photographs which each of you have taken and why?

Brian: I don't have a favourite. I'm very self-critical of my work and think its all rubbish; Jacqui tells me otherwise. If I had to choose one, I would probably choose my single red rose against a stormy sky.

Jacqui: Three of my favourites are ‘Innocence’ – it was taken when the kids were little, I just love how natural & innocent it looks. ‘Grandads Crane’ – my granddad used to operate these cranes when I was a little kid, & it reminds me of him when I look at it. ‘ Nile At Sunset’ – to sail on the nile at sunset was a dream of mine since I was about 14 or 15 & I got to achieve this dream last year. It was everything I dreamt it would be & more.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?

Brian: I don't mind either way, if its a good creation.

Jacqui: I like both, I just like it that someone has liked a piece of my work enough to want to tag with it.

12) Do either of you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for photographs which taggers may have?

Brian: I'm always open to suggestions, and I'd be happy to try my hand at commissions for taggers.

Jacqui: I haven’t yet, but I am certainly open to the idea.

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.

Brian & Jacqui: Anyone who uses my artwork in their creations is free to do as they please. If they then want to mirror, animate or whatever that’s fine.

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your photographs? We often love to send the artists tags by our readers.

Brian: Of course! I love seeing what people do with my work.

Jacqui: Oh yeah!!! Most folk who know me will tell you I am a total siggie piggie… lol

Elizabeth Austin

2012-02-06T12:52:00.000-08:00

Today we are visited by the fabulous Elizabeth Austin. Elizabeth is known for her beautiful Pin-up artwork.She has become a fixture in the PSP Community. You can visit her website and purchase her PSP tubes from UYA.
Thank you so much for talking with us Elizabeth.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?
   I guess by accident, I recall being approached in approx 2006

when "tubes & PSPgroups" were fairly new~

2) What does your artwork mean to you? Everything! It's truly what defines me~

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork? Songs! I hear a song I like, then search for an image~

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?
   Since 2006 I beleve~

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?
Never digtally, all airbrush, paintbrush, padtel pencils and alot of imagination!

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create
with your artwork?
Anything I can put paint on! Bodies, motorcycles, surf boards, I have a request currently to paint bombs!

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists have influenced you?
Most definitely Vargas and Olivia! The 2 masters of the art of the pin up!

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known with getting their names and artwork more visible?
Oh yes! I do believe so! I as an artist love seeing the beautiful images created from my works~

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?
   The WONDERFUL people! The tags they show mw, all of the PSP folks make me really proud!

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?
    I think my "Americana" works, works that represent America and our troops~"Miss Behavin',For The Boy's and Yankee Rose".

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?
    Oh! I love both!

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?
    I do commissions, yes definitely! And I do like a taggers ideas and input~

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.
No not really, I don't want to be combined with another artist, but that's pretty much my only rule~

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.
Oh! YES! I often request.."Please show me"!
                        Thank you all!
                       Peace & Paint!
                          "Liz A"
                  ( Elizabeth Austin)

Anna Liwanag

2012-02-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

Today we are visited by the talented artist Anna Liwanag. Anna has a unique art style that sets her apart from other artists. You can visit her website and purchase her tubes from PTE.

Thank you so much for talking with us Anna.

1) How did you become a part of the PSP tube community?

A former co-worker referred me to a PSP tube store and it started from there.

2) What does your artwork mean to you?

It's everything. Through my art, I earn, I meet people, and it gives me a sense of accomplishment and bliss. It keeps me sane. So yeah, it's everything. I'm pretty bad at everything else.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?

I'm inspired by a lot of things and it's not very hard to get me inspired. One time, the sunray was passing through the kitchen window and it hits the rice in the rice cooker and it was sparkling. I thought it was the most beautiful thing that I saw that day so it inspired me to do some artworks. Random things, nature, and instrumental music inspire me the most.

4) How long have you been selling PSP tubes?

I think it's been 3 years now.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?

I oil paint and do digital paintings but for artworks for PSP tubes, I do them digitally. Some of my old works were sketched traditionally then colored in Photoshop but I think just sketching straight in Photoshop saves a lot of time so I dropped the former process. Photoshop and Wacom tablet are my main tools.

6) Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create with your artwork?

Some of my artworks are available as prints over at PTE and I'm currently in the process of providing graphics for websites. I also used to provide artworks for a game company and do storyboards and animatics for an advertising studio.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists have influenced you?

I love looking at the works of oil painting masters---Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Waterhouse, Sargent, Zorn, and a lot more. Their works ignite something in me. They are paintings that refuse to be ignored.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known with getting their names and artwork more visible?

Yes, of course! My website have hits coming from PSP tube blogs and from google search using keywords like "psp tubes" or "tubes" so thank you all so much!

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?

I love seeing people getting their creative fix using my artwork. Their one finished work is a collaboration between two or more artists which I think is cool! I love how they can turn my work into something else!

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?

For personal work, I'm loving "Peyote". It's my cell phone wallpaper and it grew on me. I think it's the stare. For PSP tubes, I like my "Butterfly" and "Pink" pinups because I love doing portraits. I like painting the face and hair the most.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?

I love them both! I collect them.

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?

I'd like to hear some ideas. I get brain dead and get stuck on what to do next sometimes. I will also do commissions when it's not a rush commission (like you want it asap).

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.

Everything is fine. I support your creative juices so please keep them flowing~~~

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.

Yes, please. I'd love to see what people did. I actually google them and save them in a folder. I now have a growing folder, they're all great! Thank you all so so so much!!!

Amy Matthews

2012-01-31T17:22:00.000-08:00

Today we are visited by the erotic pin-up artist Amy Matthews. Amy has a unique style in her pin-ups which is easily recognizable to taggers.You can visit her blog and purchase her PSP tubes at CDO. Thank you so much for talking with us today Amy..

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?

I had licensed my work a few years ago, but the company ended up shutting down. So, it didn't last very long. I actually wasn't too interested in pursuing it because I really had to censor my images quite a bit in order for them to be palatable for most sigtaggers. But then, about a year ago I was contacted by CDO because sigtaggers were asking about how to get my images. So, I felt loved. Hee hee. I've been doing it ever since.

2) What does your artwork mean to you?

It's fun. That's really why I do it. I enjoy creating erotic work because it's such a far cry from my regular, mainstream jobs. I would much rather do this for a living...hopefully one day I can just focus on my CartoonPink illustrations and afford to do so.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?

It's a combination of things. Part of it is being inspired by an idea or an image that I find to be super sexy, the other part of it is the challenge. I tend to like to try to draw really unique poses with difficult angles. That's actually where CartoonPink started...as naughty figure drawings in my sketchbook.

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?

I think it's getting close to a year now that I have been with CDO.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?

I use both. I draw everything by hand, using pencil and then I scan those drawings in and colour them in photoshop. I love my wacom tablet :)

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create with your artwork?

I have created a lot of super naughty work that doesn't seem to be appropriate for psp tubes. Hee hee. That's what I have been doing for years. I share that work on my cartoonpink blog and I'm hoping to get an official membership based website running at some point. I'm also really eager to publish an adult art book as well. Other than that I create custom images for people who are interested in having their own sexy illustrations.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists have influenced you?

Mostly, it's been "cartoon porn" which led me in the direction I've gone. Basically I didn't like the drawing style of what I saw in that genre. I'm not a huge anime or manga fan and that's generally where that stuff comes from. So, I wanted to create erotic, animation inspired images in a style that I enjoyed. So, I developed CartoonPink. I really like the illustrations in the graphic novels "Skydoll" as well as "Keepers of the Maser" and "Blacksad". I'm also inspired by Pixar as well. I saw a gap in the market for well drawn erotic cartoons so I decided to give it a shot.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known with getting their names and artwork more visible?

I'm sure they do. It's a little tricky with me because most everything the psp community sees is my tamer work...so that doesn't really represent what I have created CartoonPink to be. But it's great to see even my tamer work is being enjoyed, and it's great to make a little money to help keep me going.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?

It's a great way to help fund my work, and it's good to know that people are enjoying it. I also really appreciate the recognition of the artists copyright, knowing that people are respecting that is wonderful and refreshing.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?

Mostly the really odd ones. Hee hee. The more unusual the angle, perspective and position the more I enjoy them...that is, the ones I end up sharing (because that means they turned out okay). Again, I like the challenge and it really helps me to grow as an artist that way. So those are my favourites.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?

I don't think I have seen any animated ones, actually. I still am pretty new to this :)

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?

Absolutely! I'm always available for custom work as well as suggestions :)

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.

I'm not too sure what mirroring is....sorry, hee hee. I'm kind of out of the loop here. But I guess the only thing I wouldn't like is to have my artwork changed so much that it's unrecognizable as my own work. Other than that, it's fun to see people enjoying my cartoons!

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.

Absolutely! Send them to my facebook page, or post them. It's great to see so many creative people out there having fun. Yay!

Joanna Bromley

2012-01-28T17:11:00.000-08:00

This evening the talented artist Joanna Bromley has stopped by. Joanna does wonderful fantasy and nature inspired images in her artwork. You can visit her website and purchase her tubes at PSP Tube Stop. Thank so much for talking with us Joanna.

1) How did you become a part of the PSP tube community?

About 3 or 4 years ago , I was approached by a tube company who saw my work in my DeviantArt gallery, asking if I wanted to sell my work as tubes for tagging. I had no idea what tubing/tagging was, but loved the idea of other artists presenting my work in another artistic form.

2) What does your artwork mean to you?

Well…all of my illustrations/paintings are my babies. Illustrating and drawing has always been my greatest joy and comfort and I nurture my work from sketch to finished painting and beyond

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?

Gosh…where to start! J I have always been an avid daydreamer, and when I hear certain music, in my case, New Age, see wonderful films, i.e. Disney cartoons and fantasy movies and of course read books of all kinds, I would get sucked in and my imagination would run wild! I have always been fascinated by the play of colours you find in nature, whether that be rainbows, sunlight hitting flower petals, the colours of clouds before and after a storm…this list could go on forever! Basically, I get inspiration from anything, anywhere!

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?

I believe I have been selling tubes since 2008 and have signed up with a new tube company, Psp Tube Stop that started up in December 2010.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?

I have always worked with traditional mediums, mainly with watercolours and coloured pencils, each on their own or combined for certain effects and have started using acrylics in some of my work. . I love to combine detailed, illustrative compositions with colour combinations that tell stories of their own and give people a comforting sense of nostalgia.

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create with your artwork?

When I have completed my work, I scan them in at high resolution so I can make and sell open edition and limited edition prints in my Etsy Shop and offer various merchandise, like greeting cards, invites, stickers, wrapped canvases etc. in my Zazzle Store and DeviantArt.. For a couple of years now, I have also been creating and selling ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) art. These are highly collectable and affordable, miniature artworks no larger than trading card size( 2.5x3.5 inches).

My work is also licensed with several companies for sale as tubes, cross- stitch designs, fabric blocks and rubber stamps.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists

have influenced you?

As a child I was heavily influenced by the written and illustrated works of Beatrix Potter and Cicely Mary Barker with her “Flower Fairies”. I was also captivated by the bright colouring and illustrated storytelling of Disney animation. movies. When I went to study Art & Design in England, I learnt a lot about art history and became fascinated by the Arts and Craft Movement and the classic illustration and fine art work of the late 19^th century artists, Arthur Rackham, Waterhouse, John E, Hughes and other Pre-Raphaelite artists who combined romance and mythical folklore with wonderful scenic details in their work. These works still intrigue me whenever I see them and I like to think that my work, along with other modern day fantasy and children’s illustrators, will be looked upon in the same way and be just as inspiring to the next generations to come.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known

with getting their names and artwork more visible?

Of course! There are many different forms of art/artists and crafts out there and if an illustrators work can be licensed and used on as many different products as possible, i.e. tubes, cross stitch, stamps etc. the artistic loop seems to broaden as well as an artists visibility to the art world

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?

I love the group support and feedback you get from other tube artists and tag artists, as well as meeting and communicating with other artists from all over the world. I am also fascinated when I see tag artists create other digital creations with my traditional work. It is great, that my work is not completely finished with the illustration itself, but can be used and seen in many more forms.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?

The first illustration that comes to mind, is “Resting Fawn”, That was my first larger painting and therefore, more challenging for me in getting details just right. I took meticulous care with the brush strokes to create the fur and I am so very proud of the way the eyes came out! “Magical Tunes” would be the second painting that springs to mind. I created this painting for the opening exhibit of Drawgasmic.com and put a bit of all in that piece, lots of detail, fairies, elves, flora, fauna, fairytale details and creating strong nostalgic emotions through certain colour combinations. I sold this piece to a woman who wanted to put this up in a nursery, ready for the arrival of her child…that was very flattering and emotional for me to know that this child would grow up and go to sleep and wake up looking at my work. “Fairy Tunes” is the third piece I would like to mention, it is done entirely in coloured pencils on brown Ingres Pastel paper and has wonderful textures that play with the colours you apply. It just gives a certain vibe that I love, I cannot pin point the exact reason why I love it, I just do!

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?

I would be delighted in seeing both!. As I do not know too much about digital art forms I am intrigued when I see what can be done.

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?

I am available for all sorts of commissions, yes! I am currently working on an exclusive tube design for the pinkribbon.org, fundraising event, "Taking Back PSP" taking place at the end of March.

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.

I am pretty flexible about my work, but I don’t like my work to be distorted, or have individual colours in i.e. the hair/flowers, clothes changed from the original.

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.

Yes please! I have a Facebook artists page where I can show tag work off, so please send a link or post on my artists wall. I look forward to seeing what people come up with!

Facebook Art Page:

Wendy Fowler

2012-01-28T14:06:00.000-08:00

Today we are visited by the fantasy artist Wendy Fowler. Wendy has a very distinctive style with her artwor.
You can visit her website and purchase her tubes at PSP Tube Stop. Thank you for talking with us today Wendy.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community? A little over a year ago I was approached by My Tag Art and I decided to give it a go. I’m really happy to be working with Lisa and PSP Stop.

2) What does your artwork mean to you? My art allows me to stretch and explore boundaries and regions within me. In some ways it reflects my mental, emotional or spiritual state or the synthesis of all three. I hope that when my artwork is completed (from the sketch, to the line work, to painting it) that in the end, it will reach out and touch people and the viewer will connect with the piece. When I’m not doing artwork, I feel out of touch. So I make it a habit of even if it’s a sketch, to do something alittle everyday.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork? Anything and everything. Depends on what “strikes” the muse. It could be a song, a picture or a theme. Honestly I can’t pin down what one thing inspires me. I seem to get inspired when I’m around various bodies of water. In short, inspiration is all around me. I think it more of timing of when I’ll be “struck” down by something to inspire me artwork wise.

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?A little over a year.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork? Its ALL by hand! I joke with my husband that the really fine details I do is thanks to “hand-trained mouse and an iiiiittty bitty paint brush”. I’m looking an planning on stretching myself into digital and doing other types of traditional medium (like colored pencil, pastels, etc)

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create with your artwork? I’ve played with clay and LOVE it. Unfortunately the cost of a kiln is more than I could afford. I’m pretty low key on the crafting department. But I considering cooking and baking an art form as well and I make some incredibly delicious gluten-free chocolate chunk chip cookies!

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists have influenced you?That’s a REALLY big list. I was first influenced artistically by the masters of artwork; such as Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrant, Donatello, Alphonse Mucha, Vargas – my father had an book that dealt with the history or art and I would spend time just looking over images. From there it was Wendy Pini (creator of ElfQuest), Brian Froud, Boris Vallejo, Chris Achilleos (I hope I have his name right), Frank Frazetta and Olivia. From there my tastes grew into anime (CLAMP being one of my favorites), Brom, Amy Brown, Jessica (Galbreth) Massiker, Stephanie Law, Nene Thomas, Rebecca Sinz, Mitzi Sato-Wiuff, Victoria Griffin, Brenda Sisson, etc. etc. etc – the list goes on and on…

8) Does the PSP community help artists become more well known with getting their names and artwork more visible? Well of course! Yes! Its free publicity! I have nothing against that.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?I love seeing the art that is created by psp community. Its an art form in itself.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why? I would have to show some bias to “Angelic Waters” and “Nice to Meet You” – I think they are some of my best work because the inspiration in my head, made it to paper the way I see it in my minds eye from start to finish.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you? Whatever floats a person’s boat I have no objection to either animated or non animated. I’m not the artist when it comes to psp tubes. So if a person wants to animate my work or leave it non animated, I leave it up to the person creating.

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have? I’m not doing commissions of any kind – simply because I don’t have a lot of time. But I’m always willing to listen to ideas for tubes and see if I can make them happen.

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc. Honestly can’t think of anything. I refer my answer here back to #11. So long as its tastefully done and doesn’t depict violence, degradation of any kind, etc – anything out right truly negative, I’m fairly easy going with how the psp community would like to create with my works.

14) Would you like to receive tags which our members may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.
Oh yes please! I don’t bite! <3

Dirk Richter

2012-01-27T19:33:00.000-08:00

Tonight we are talking with the artist Dirk Richter. Dirk has been a part of the PSP commumity for a long time and is known for his pin-up style. You can visit his website and purchase his PSP tubes at CDO. Thank you so much for talking with us Dirk.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?
A couple of years ago I was approached by a psp company, and they asked if I would like to sell my art as tubes.
At first I really didn't know what psp and tubes is, but my contact explained it to me. So I signed a contract
and I was in the middle of the tube company. Now I am glad to be a part of the family, it is so much fun, and
all of the taggers and tubers out there really do awesome stuff, great artworks of their own!

2) What does your artwork mean to you?
It means a lot to me, although I still just do my art in my spare time. That's why I only bring out 10-12 new drawings
a year. But still, I calm down after a hard day of work when I sit down at my drawing table and have my pencils in my hand.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?
Photography from others, pictures from others, artwork from others. There are so many sites out in the internet from which you can get inspirations. For example a picture of photgrapher GW Burns, who I really admire, inspired me to do my striped works. And now I think those stripes are kind of a distinctive feature for me. And of course requests from fans, who want to see a particular pose or costume or anything else, and where I think to myself that that would be a great idea. So inspiration is everywhere out there!

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?
A couple of years now, I think it was 2006 when I was first aproached. First I was at MyPSPtubes, and now I am part
of CDO.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand
or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?
All my work is done traditionally, and I work mostly more than 50 hours on each piece.
I use pencil which you can get in any store, so nothing unusual. My preferred ones
are H, F, B, 2B and 4B, and I have two mechanical pencils (B and 2B). When I started drawing I tried a lot of different papers until I found the one which is perfect for me and my style: it's called Schoellerhammer 4R, and for blending I use blending sticks and tissues. I have two videos out on youtube where you can see how I work , if you're intersted. The colored pieces of mine are mostly digitally colored, there is only one piece which is colored with colored pencils, so traditionally again.

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create
with your artwork?
Well, I have an online shop, where you can buy all kinds of merchandise with my artwork on it (like mugs, shirts, mousepads), and if I don't have it there, just ask me, and I would see if that could be possible,almost everything is. But mostly I sell prints and posters of my artwork, and of course, not to forget, my own
artbook.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists
have influenced you?
When I first started to draw pinups, that was in 2004, I had a series of artbooks (Artfantastix series), and I was and still am influenced by most all of them. I even tried to contact those who I admired most. Erik Drudwyn, John Hul,
Monte Moore where the first to answer, and that's why I think I was influenced the most by these three. I asked them how they did their work, asked for step by steps, and tried to copy their styles. They really helped me developing my own style. I even met Monte Moore at a convention here in Germany, and we talked hours about my art.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known
with getting their names and artwork more visible?
For me as an artist who only creates not too many pieces a year it is really hard to get known, and the psp community sure does help me a lot! Thanks so much for that!

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?
Seeing all those beautiful tags that are beeing created. They are all little pieces of art for themselves. And it
doesn't matter if they are done with my art, or art of others, I adore all of the work!
And the community is so nice, never heard anyone say anything bad about others! It really is a family, and I am proud to be part of it.

Terra Bidlespacher

2012-01-26T14:40:00.000-08:00

Today we are talking with the artist Terra Bidlespacher. Terra has become known her for art style in the PSP community. You can visit her website and purchase her PSP tubes at MTA. Thank you for talking with us today Terra.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?
About 2 1/2 years ago, I originally sold with MyTagArt.
They were the first company i ever licesend with. The concept
kind of intrigued me. After the company closed I went
with my tubed art after seeing how many people enjoyed using my art.

2) What does your artwork mean to you?
It's always been a little world all of my own where no
one could tell me how things should be. Finishing a piece always
brings a smile to my face.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?
Everything and anything. I sometimes get inspiration
from the silliest things. On of my last paintings I
was watching a pretty lame version of Merlin and there
was an apple and it got the gears turning to do a
"Bad Apple" girl. Sometimes I'll just pick a theme like
that to work from like a lightning bolt or cherry. A lot
of my art has a playful side.

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?
About 2 1/2 years.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand
or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?
I paint everything by hand in acrylic paint.

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create
with your artwork?
Prints, bookmarks, stickers, coloring books and because
of sites like Zazzle that print on demand, you name it.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists
have influenced you?
I was highly influenced byt an asortment of videogames as a child
that my brother played, then later myself. I'm pretty sure disney
took its toll as well.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known
with getting their names and artwork more visible?
I think so.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?
seeing the creations people make with my art.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?
Morganna, Bite, Bad Kitty they were all pretty fun to me. Especially Bad kitty
Which is still one fo my fan favorites.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?
Both are Great to me.

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?
Not particulary but I do always take suggestions into consideration. Every now & again
on facebook I ask what people would like to see more of next.

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.The company I'm with has their own policies on that. Like full coloration and directly editing the art.

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.
I'd love to see them.

April Story

2012-01-24T18:58:00.000-08:00

Tonight we are joined by the Mermaid Artist April Story. April is new to the psp community and is quickly becoming a raising star with her fantasy artwork. You can visit her website and purchase her PSP tubes at PSP Tube Stop. Thank you for sharing with us April.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?
I was asked :)

2) What does your artwork mean to you?
It means the world to me. I live and breathe my art, even in my sleep
I dream of my next painting.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?
Usually color combinations and patterns stir up a new mermaid
in my head.

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?
Not that long, I am a newbie.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand
or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?
All my artwork is by hand. I paint with acrylics on canvas.

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create
with your artwork?
I make lots of greeting cards and prints and sell it all along with my
original art on Etsy. Fab site for artists! :)

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists
have influenced you?
When I joined local art organizations I got to know other acrylic artists
and took private lessons to learn new fun techniques, which has opened up
so many doors. I love local flavor. But at the same time, being on
Facebook I have met so many other artists that inspire me to keep
going and keep up with them. I love Maria Gonzalez and Crystal Moore's art!
They are both watercolorists and their imagery has inspired me and they are so
awesome and supportive.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known
with getting their names and artwork more visible?
I am not sure? I am still new to the whole psp tube thing. I honestly am not
even sure how it all works. But I am slowly starting to see what these 'taggers'
create and its stunning! Its like scrabooking but without the glue all over? Its so cool.
I hope it helps promote my work.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?
Let me get back to you on that?

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?
Every new piece I do, it becomes my favorite. This year already I have created 7 new pieces and each
one after completing I said, OMG this is my favorite I never want to sell..Then I make another and
the older one gets added online as the newer one is my fave. I love them all. Right now I am
loving my 'Valentine' one, she is so sweet and when I look at it closely I remember each stroke.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?
I think both are pretty cool. I just love seeing what people create.

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?
I haven't yet.

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.
Nope....well only thing I don't allow is printing my work and selling it without my knowledge..but freedom to create I say :)

14) Would you like to receive tags which our members may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.
I would love to see what people have created! :)

Simona Candini

2012-01-23T22:54:00.000-08:00

Tonight we are visited by the artist Simona Candini. She is new to the PSP community and is a rising star.
You can visit her website and purchase her PSP tubes at SNC.Thank you for talking with us Simona.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?
I was contacted by “Scraps N' Crap” for licensing my art as tubes. For me it was a new world in the beginning, but I soon discovered that art tubes were a very fun format for my art to be presented in. This is a community filled with great people and I enjoy very much being a part of it!

2) What does your artwork mean to you?
My art is very important to me and it's my biggest passion since I was a child.
The sense of accomplishment that each new painting gives me is the fuel that drives my desire to keep creating. Art opens us up to new ideas, concepts, it's like a wave that carries emotions from the deep to the surface, to be shared with others.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?
Music is my first source of inspiration. I always listen to music while I'm painting and picture what the song might look like. Music can be heard in shapes and colors which sometimes brings out what you can't describe with words.

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?
It's only been a few months, but I hope to keep expanding in this area for many years to come!

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?
I paint by hand the traditional way using paint brushes and acrylic colors. My artworks are painted on canvas, wood and masonite hardboard. In the past I've painted using different medias, oils, watercolors, pencils and even digital art. I've always loved to experiment with new things, but in the last few years I've been focusing on using acrylics which are my favourite.

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create with your artwork?
I create poster prints, canvas prints, ACEO cards that I personally sell in my ebay store (stores.ebay.com/Simona-Candini-Art). I also have a Zazzle store where I sell all kind of merchandise, like mugs, t-shirts, necklaces, keycains, mousepads, etc. My art is also licensed by Uniquely Different Bags, which created a whole collection of bags that features my paintings. It's great to see your art printed on different items, I just love it!

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists have influenced you?
I've been influenced by various big eye artists, from past to present, by pop surrealism artists, anime & manga culture, and of course by all the classical painters which I focused on during my study at the Academy in Italy.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known with getting their names and artwork more visible?
Sure, I've gained more fans since I've joined this community! :)

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?
I enjoy getting to know people that are part of this community and share with me the passion for art that they have. I also love to see how other people use my art tubes to create their own original tags and to express their own creativity. It's fun to see all the unique things people can come up with!

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?
One of my favorite pieces is "Cheers!" which presents a combination of elements from Picasso and the movie Clockwork Orange. Another favorite is "Winter Melody". I love violins, so I often paint of violin players. I like this painting because it expresses a certain

melancholy that winter carries.
A last one that I'll mention is "Oceansoul" which features a girl listening to the ocean in a conch shell. I've always been very fascinated by those shells that are rich in symbolism from different cultures and traditions.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?
I think they're both great, but I can't hide that I like animated glittery tags very much!

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?
I haven't thought about that yet. When I paint I normally focus on the original piece, and not so much on the idea of a particular product that may be derived from it.

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.
Not yet. The only thing I wouldn’t allow is to create something that could be disrespectful of the image.

14) Would you like to receive tags which our members may do featuring your artwork?
We often love to send the artists tags by our members.
Of course! I love to see tags and tutorials made with my tubes! I often add their links in my facebook page facebook.com/simona.candini and in my blog Thank you very much for the interview, I've enjoyed very much answering your questions!

Katerina Koukiotis

2012-01-22T17:45:00.000-08:00

Tonight we are visited by the wonderful artist Katerina Koukiotis. Katerina is known for her wonderful drawings in fantasy and other areas. You can visit her website and purchase her PSP tubes at PSP Tube Stop. Thank you so much for talking with us tonight Katerina.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?
I became part of it through license companies that licensed my work
for this use, in the beginning when I first started showing my art online
I would receive requests emails for my art to be used in tags,. signatures , tutorials,
at that time I didn't know much about it , I learned more about it once i licensed
my art and start seeing all the beautiful tags, the PSP community created with my art.

2) What does your artwork mean to you?
My art means everything to me , I Love ,drawing or painting, expressing my feelings /ideas
it's a really good feeling knowing what i create with my hands is not only
important to me but has touched the viewer as well,the biggest compliments
i received as an artist is when I'm told a drawing or painting touched them personally.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?
So many different things inspire me , fairy tales, Angels,music, books, dreams , Disney, people
real life experiences, stock models ,fantasy art,etc..so many different things

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?
I have been selling my art in tubes since 2005, when i was approached by
a Tube license company at that time Artistic Mind Inc.
I'm now Licensed with psptubestop.com

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand
or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?
I create by hand I'm a traditional artist
My style of art is realism , I specialize in pencil hand drawn portraits and fantasy paintings/drawings.
My preferred mediums are graphite pencil/charcoal, color pencils,watercolor, pastels ,acrylics.

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create
with your artwork?
I create Prints, bookmarks, magnets,key chains,Scrabble tile Pendants,
my art is also licensed and available in cross stitch patterns,Rubber Stamps,Bags, Fabric iron ons,
and bunch other products like Binders,mouse pads,mugs, cards, postcards through my zazzle store.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists
have influenced you?
I admire so many artists from pencil artists to painters, from Classic Pre-Raphaelites
Neoclassic artists like John William Waterhouse,John William Godward
to current amazing fantasy artists
it would really be impossible to list all of them, there are just too many :)
I love artworks that touch me personally and i hope my art can evoke the same feelings in people when they view my art.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known
with getting their names and artwork more visible?
Absolutely i think the support the psp community has shown to artists
is very helpful to artists and their work. I also want to take this opportunity to
personally thank all the taggers that supported my art.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?
I enjoy seeing all the beautiful creations taggers do, i also appreciate
seeing how supportive and respectful they are of my work
As an artist and a person it's very important for me for my work to be respected and feel comfortable
being part of a community that does that . from the beginning i felt very welcomed
from the psp community i met wonderful people/taggers who become really good friends
and i just want to thank everyone for their support.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?
That's such a hard question for me to answer because i create new art all the time
and with new art ,new favorites come along
...some pieces that come to mind are Morgan Le Fay, Dreaming on Aquamarine Tides,
Once Upon a dream, Ghost of a Rose,Twilight,My Heart is yours, Newborn Gift..

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?
I enjoy everything, animated or not, i think both are equally beautiful and creative.

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?
I have done commission for taggers and currently take commissions for taggers through psptubestop.com

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.
I 'm pretty flexible about rules only thing I don't allow is mixing with other artists work.

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork?
We often love to send the artists tags by our members.
Absolutely i love to see the tags,tutorials anything they create feel free to send them to me,
in fact on my facebook fanpage and website i have a special album dedicated to taggers and
gifts fans of my work do with my art , love to show off your creations :)

J.W. & Sandi Baker

2012-01-22T13:27:00.000-08:00

Today we are visited by the Artistic Couple JW & Sandi Baker. Both have been fixtures in the community with their wonderful and stunning nature artworks. Each of them has a unique style in the images they create yet you can see similarities in the styles. For this interview, I am posting both their replies. Sandi's will be in

a different color text.You can visit their website and purchase PSP tubes at MTA

1) How did you both become a part of the psp tube community?

Initially we were asked by someone I knew previously from the Airbrush Art World, to sign-on with CILM - after that contract lapsed, I decided to see for myself (as opposed to acting on what I was being told) how it was done with the other psp businesses, so I signed on with PSP Tubes for a short term, and finally with MTA - MTA is the only one so far that has not suggested (or told me) what I should think about the other tubing concerns - I find that to be a good thing, which sets MTA far above the others from my perspective.

We were asked by C.I.L.M. to join their artists back in 2006.

2) What does the artwork mean to each of you?

I cannot speak for Sandi's perspective on that question, but to me the artwork I create is about communication - it is an attempt to convey an idea as universally as possible so that each individual Viewer can find their own 'entry point' into that artwork and make it individually their own statement of communicating whatever it means to them...
For me, the works are the tangible product of a process of communion with the Universe..after which take on a life of their own. The works are not as important to me as the process. I do want them to find good homes though.
3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?

Life, Nature, and the Observation of events

The initial inspiration can come from anything...the colors on a piece of tree bark, the way the sunlight rests on fur....visual stimulus mainly, though imagination, and dreams can play a big part. JW is also very inspiring.

4) How long have each of you been selling psp tubes?

I think since 2006-07 was when we started with CILM
Since 2006
5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?
Both of you have such similar yet different styles, do you often influence each other in your artwork?

I am a; "Traditional Artist" (non-digital) using mediums such as Acrylics, Oils, Pastels, etc. - the "tools" I use are 'hairy sticks' (paintbrushes) and on occasion the airbrush. Both Sandi and I have similar interests with regard to inspirations and subject matter - based on that common ground, it is very easy to be inspired seeing how someone else works in the same genre - also, just being around someone as talented as Sandi "raises the bar", which is very inspirational - it keeps you motivated to explore your own potential!

I use an airbrush, sometimes regular brushes, sponges, etc. I mainly use acrylics and paint on wood panel. I think that JW and I influence each other...I am a huge fan of his work, but I want to keep my own style. We often toss ideas back and forth, inspire each other, I really can't speak for him but I will say that he has been a huge influence on my work in many ways. He has helped tremendously with showing me easier ways and better tools to help me create what I want. He has helped me to better understand and deal with the problems and challenges, both personal and professional, of being a working Artist. He inherently understands, I mean he gets it so that I never have to stop and explain to him why I am beating up a sheet of aluminum with a hammer, or bringing loads of tree branches into the studio....I think we work well together. His work is outstanding and is also a constant inspiration. He is extremely fun to work with and very easy on the eyes to boot. : )
6) Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create with the artwork?

Besides licensing the artwork to the PSP Community, we also make our work available as prints, note cards, through a POD (Print-On-Demand) venue, as well as licensing to various other businesses and/or individuals for specific need and/or projects.

Our work has been used on jewelry, note cards, posters and prints, cross stitch patterns, scarves, candles, rock art, coasters, mugs, cups, mouse pads, shirts, tile murals, and I am talking to a company right now about wooden boxes.

7) As you have developed your styles and artwork, which artists have influenced you?

I was inspired as a child by the Comic Artists - foremost among them would be Jack "The King" Kirby, Samuel J. Glanzman, Joe Kubert and Barry Windsor-Smith. Also inspiring are the works of Frank Frazetta, Brian Froud, Alan Lee, Arthur Rackham, Claude Monet, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, DaVinci, and Michelangelo

Mostly JW....I am finding the spiritual movement artists inspiring at the moment. The taggers and psp artists also influence me, the things they do with the art are amazing and inspiring.
8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known with getting their names and artwork more visible?

In all honesty I don't have a definite answer to that question - I can say with certainty it does make your work more visible to the the larger group that comprises the psp community as a whole, but for however large that "community" is, it is quite small by comparison to the larger Art World in general - the same can be said for example of the Airbrush World - although our names are fairly well known within that particular world, that presence there is still but a very small percentage in that same "larger Art World" - Still - every little bit helps! : )
I think so.
9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?

What I appreciate the most about the PSP Community is their overall advocacy and respect for the Artist's Rights (copyright) and also for the joy each individual member of that community appears to derive from creating their respective tags; to be a part of something positive like that is always a good thing! I also enjoy seeing how people utilize our works to create their own very unique interpretations and expressions of communication and joy - I am very proud to provide a part in that process!

The way the community stands up for copyrights! You guys absolutely rock!!! I have also met a lot of great friends through this community.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which each of you have done and why?

Tough question as there is no simple answer - for myself I am never satisfied entirely with anything I do, but then that keeps me going - I believe as a part of this interview a couple artwork examples are requested, so consider the ones I have chosen to be a couple of my favorites - as for favorites that Sandi has done - EVERY one is my favorite until she creates the next one, and then that one will supplant the previous one - as to the why; she is always pushing the 'boundaries' of the possible out just a little further, which in turn expands my own potentials seeing these new possibilities!

I like the way the Spiritcatchers turned out. I really appreciate the public's reaction to them. Right now I am in a copper induced frenzy that I am enjoying immensely. I am painting animals into faux patina copper backgrounds. It is like an obsession with copper, the way the light reacts with it and the patina that eventually conceals it. It just makes me happy. Now, as for my favorite JW pieces...I can't choose really because they are all amazing. I have been able to talk him into giving me a few paintings over the years. They were chosen because they were painted in close proximity to my birthday..or a holiday where I could scam them as a gift before someone bought them!! I just love everything he does. His unique style shines through in everything he touches.
11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?

I am not a big fan of animations - I like the ones where the backgrounds have some motion to them; wind blowing, leaf falling, water rippling, etc. - and I have seen a couple where certain animals appear to be breathing which were okay, but mostly the Wildlife and/or Human Beings animated just creeps me out, and jiggling body parts on scantily clad Female Forms is just kind of - well - crass.

I have seen both - both are really cool. The animation is like a new artform in itself.

12) Do either of you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for art pieces which taggers may have?

I have never been approached by a Tagger with a commission for a specific artwork aimed at a specific tagging need - it is an intriguing idea… I do accept commissions, there are however certain reasonable conditions - foremost being whether or not the project falls within the scope of what I actually do; having artistic talent does not mean I am inherently capable of doing every type of subject or art form. If the request falls outside of what one would see on my web site as examples of the types of work I do, then I will most likely decline the commission.
I do commissions for anyone who wants something painted. Taggers have been great collectors. Usually I will talk with the collector about what they want and we will share ideas until we agree and then the piece is painted.
13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.

Mirroring.? - I am not familiar with that one, as for animations, see Question 11 - otherwise I don't want my work used in a for-profit venue without license and/or permission, I don't want my original artwork itself altered in any way, nor do I want it associated with anything negative - i.e.; anything that espouses cruelty, hate or violence of any sort.
I don't think so - as long as it is copyright compliant.
14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.

Sure - people do that now and I enjoy seeing the various creations that people come up with - I take it as an affirmation that we are indeed on the right path with our artistic journey when I see people proudly incorporate our artworks in their own personal expressions of joy!

Sure - I love to see the amazing creations of the tag artists!!!!

Sweet -Pinup

2012-01-22T01:44:00.000-08:00

Today we are visited by the artist Sweet Pin-up. She does wonderful & unique dolls in her artwork.
You may visit her website and purchase her tubes in a variety of stores including MTA and The PSP Project.
Thank you so much for talking with us today.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?

I am a professional artist for several years and am in front of
about 11 years ago started as a 3D artist. I studied graphic design
in Germany and love to paint it.
The 3D work is really great, but I always missed the paint by hand.
In 3D, a lot is possible, but unfortunately not all. I have in my spare time
and again resorted to pencil and paper. I changed completely from 2D to
about 1 year. So I've come to the psp tube community.

2) What does your artwork mean to you?

I can completely relax at work with my dolls and scraps.
I dive into another world and enjoy it to see how an idea results in some great results.
For me it is a way of life with much love and my personal thoughts.
My art is my expression of my soul and that is very important to me.
You will never see things from me, where I personally can not stand behind.
My art is a very important part in my life

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?

I walk through the city and am inspired by everything. It can be very simple things.
A girl who eats while she is sitting on a wall and ice, or florists, or by people who are attracted unusual.
Even my little daughter brings me to really great ideas.

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?

This is not as easy to answer. I sell my work for 11 years. But directly PSP tubes since such a year.
I create to order and book covers. but that does not directly.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand
or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?

Ohh good question.

When cleaning cooking or ironing ,many ideas come to mind.
I always have a notepad next to me in which I paint little sketchy.
So I always start with the traditional way.

Then I projecting it into a digital form.
I use the programs: PS, open cavas and many other programs.
Each artist has their own programs and preferences.

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create
with your artwork?

As I said, I also work on commission.
I create book covers, logos, websites and artwork.
For a week I am about to write my first book and
to illustrate. A book, as I have done everything seblbst and not just the cover. There is a children's book and look forward to the publication.
But it will still take a while, I think.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists
have influenced you?

There are many artists who I think is great. That's not easy to answer.
Each artist has his own way and style direction.
I think the great antiquity: Leonardo Da Vinci.
He was a man with so many great inspiration and new ideas. He researched everything and was an exceptionally gifted artist.

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known
with getting their names and artwork more visible?

But yes, absolutely. It is not easy in this scene to be known. Only works with a lot of luck and hard work das. If Members are to use fans and show your products and also is the so very helpful.Without our fans and buyers, we were one, nobodys artists. Unfortunately, many forget the artists again and again.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?

I love it to see where all members come from. I have Member from the USA, Spain, Netherlands, Island, UK, Turkey, Ireland, Africa.... so many different people and also so different artwork. I love it to see how fast to grow up my fan base. I love it to see all great Artworks.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?

I fall in love over and over again in my work. Each work is always my
absolute preference * g *
But what I love is my every time: Fairy Ship. There is a set of elements into show pieces. I Have a picture you sent, so you see what I mean.
They are so adorable. I can not unfortunately Abiet on favorable terms, because I have too many hours with the formation of these tubes I've spent. But one is definitely worth buying.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?

Oh, actually I allow all of this works. You can animate it or not. I love to see little animations.
Tags are really great. I am amazed to see again and again, how many artists there

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?

Yes of course I do commissions. You only need to reach me.
I have also given the opportunity for communities or groups, a really affordable way to get offers groups.
Look here for all times: I'm always happy when I get email and always answer them.
I am always ready to pick up new ideas and help wherever I can.
So I just dare you not Beise.

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.
You may not resell my Art in any part! Thats all what I want. Sure do not share my tubes with your friends....
But that is all what I want. I love it to see all the great artworks, why I should reduce your fantastic work.
I know much Artist are do not allow animations or mirroring, but that is not my think.

14) Would you like to receive tags which our readers may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.
Absolutely yes!
I love to see, what do great work with the LSER my work.
If I get them via email: webmaster@sweet-pinup.de
I will publish them on my FanBase.

Constanza Ehrenhaus

2012-01-20T18:37:00.000-08:00

Today we are featuring a new artist to the PSP community, Constanza Ehrenhaus. You can visit her website and also here. You may purchase her PSP tubes at PSP Tube Stop here. Thank you so much for talking with us Constanza.We always enjoy getting to know the artist behind the wonderful art.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?

Lisa Cree invited me to take part in this project. I am normally very cautious about allowing other people to make money out of my work, but Lisa is a wonderful person and I felt that I could completely trust her. Besides, being an artist herself, she knows of the struggles we all go through as "starving artists" so she is incredibly generous when it comes down to share the profits.

2) What does your artwork mean to you?

My personal work is a way of expressing my most inner self. It is a way of explaining my sense of humor, my hopes, and the way I see the world. If I do not do art, if I don't scribble at least a bit, my soul gets sad. My commissioned work is a way of challenging myself to discover what lies within other people that want to show to the world.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?

Basically everything: life itself, music, nature, spirituality... But for the most part I am now focusing on positive images that pop in my head.

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?

Since December 2011

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand

or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?

My work is digital, I use Photoshop but everything is done from scratch. Basically you can think of it like this: The canvas is my screen and the brushes the Intuos pen, I make some of my brushes, mix the colors and draw every line by hand.

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create

with your artwork?

I mainly work on commissioned tattoos and character portraits, but I have done storybooks illustrations and worked for companies in creating an image for branding.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists

have influenced you?

Many of the best out there. Disney and Japanese animation were probably my first real influences, American and European style comic books, the masters such as Leonardo and Botticelli were great inspirations. More on the modern side I was influenced very much by Stephanie Pui Mun Law, who is also a darling person, Cris Griffin, Chris Malidore and Karyn Bonfiglio are just a few of great people and incredible artists who have been greatly giving as some sort of private tutors!

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known with getting their names and artwork more visible?

Only if they credit the original image, otherwise people will never know who is the artist. To those who do mention the artist name: You are awesome!

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?

I like being able to give people the chance of doing tubes in a legit way, those that pay for the hard work that artists put into creating are encouraging artists to keep giving more to them. I also love the collaborative nature of it!

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?

Oh, I did two tattoos for this lovely girl, a pagan Goddess and God, I liked them so much that I went ahead and colored them I really like them, especially her, the composition works, the effect of lavish life and movement on her contrasting with the barren landscape, the frame is a favourite too!

On the other hand, Holy Cow shows a lot of my goofy side and how my brain works most of the time. I really like this one because of the humor and the very heavy Catholic religious art look, which is a great inspiration to me too.

I worked also on this tattoo for a man in Middle East. He was very detailed about what he wanted and guided me thoroughly to achieve this lovely Winged Goddess, I am very happy with the result.There are other pieces that I love, but I am not allowed to show them yet.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?

Whatever gets the creativity going!

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?

Yes, always open for commissions!

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.

Besides the obvious no racism, pornography, misogyny and any expression of hatred, I really want my work to remain unaltered in color and aspect ratio (no stretching, please!).

14) Would you like to receive tags which our members may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.

Oh, that would be such a honor! Yes, please!

Rebecca Sinz

2012-01-15T22:04:00.000-08:00

Tonight we are visited by the talented Rebecca Sinz. You can visit her website and purchase her PSP tubes at DSI. Rebecca is known for her wonderful style of artwork. Thank you so much for talking with us Rebecca.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?

I started to get emails not too long after I began posting my art online requesting to use my art for psp tubes and tags. I didn't know what it was at first, but I thought it sounded like fun once I learned.

2) What does your artwork mean to you?

My art is everything to me! Once I really found my direction with my art, I haven't been able to stop. And I love that I've been able to create a small business doing what I love most! It is so rewarding to know that my illustrations can bring joy to others and that they like them enough to even spend some of their money on.

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?

I can be inspired by just about anything. You just never know where an idea is going to come from. Things in nature inspire me, such as the way the clouds look sometimes, or a foggy morning. I'm sometimes inspired by music, books, scenes in a movie and other art.

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?

I've been selling psp tubes for 5 or 6 years, since I was first approached by a licensing company.

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand

or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?

All of my work is done by traditional methods. I actually began with digital coloring in 2003, but soon discovered watercolors and never went back to digital. I never quite got the hang of it. But watercolors, along with colored pencil and sometimes acrylics seemed to really suit my style.

6) Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create

with your artwork?

My artwork is available as prints of various sizes, bookmarks, keychains, jewelry (such as rings and pendants), cross stitch patterns, fabric patches, and many other products available through my Zazzle shop.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists

have influenced you?

At first, I was influence by many fairy artists such as Brian Froud and Amy Brown and many Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite artists such as Waterhouse. As I began to develop my own style I began to really love the work of Jasmine Becket-Griffith, Victoria Frances, Kinuko Craft and Luis Royo. But that is really only naming a few. There are so many artists, both new and old, that I love

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known

with getting their names and artwork more visible?

Of course! Anything that brings attention to our work to those who may have never seen it before can help bring us more fans and potential customers. I've seen it myself personally and am always grateful for the extra exposure!

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?

I like to see what others create using my art. It is nice to know that others are getting enjoyment from my art and it is inspiring them to be creative with it too!

Roman Zaric

2012-01-12T13:05:00.000-08:00

Today we are visited by the pin-up artist Roam Zaric. You can visit his website and purchase his psp tubes at PTE. Roman is still relatively new to the psp community. Thank you so much for talking with us today Roman.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?

Jolene is responsible for my approach to psp tube community . She noticed some of my work . Sincerely , I thought it was some of the many Internet fraud . Of course I was wrong. Now I am glad that I joined . Here I met many wonderful people. I'm sorry that I did not before joined the community

2) What does your artwork mean to you?

Each of my work of art is especially . I am a great lover of nature . I like people, animals, plants and everything that surrounds us . I am a great optimist. Wherever I look all is the wonderful . That's why I like variety, and all my artwork is different . Every work of art is my favorite . Invest My entire soul and talent into my every move, brush, pencil, charcoal stick, pastel ... Very difficult for me to answer the question : What art is my favorite ?

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?

My inspiration is all around us . Inspires me, even this interview . It would be nice painting a lady who is writing the interview with me .On the Internet, and all around us there are many pictures video clips: silly, sad, everyday, so no problem to find inspiration . With the many conversations I learn how people feel . I try to brighten up their lives .

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?

My artworks are on sale from September .

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand
or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?

All my artworks are made by hand . I'm not a fan of photo editing and
   digital benefits . I have a lot of works on paper with pencil, pastel,
   oil on canvas. Now currently offline I switched to work on a graphic tablet .
   I can use with almost all the techniques of art, from classical
   to the relief of gold, stone carving, wood carving ...
   Great to serve with the computer, so now I'm working on a graphic tablet.
   Of course I know a great work in 3D technology, modeling, texturing , skining ,
   special effects ... in :3dsmax , 3dmaya , zbrush
   But of course I prefer painting .

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create
with your artwork?

As I gave the answer to previous question . I have done many videos. Using the
   3dsmax, 3dmaya, zbrush, adobe aftereffect.I have done many photo editing .
   I am a lover of photography, of course, make photographs very often .
   All artists interested in all types of multimedia, and I also .
   With my artwork I am pleased many people.I work on demand: portraits, still lifes,
   landscapes, many works have sold.On the Internet, this is my first job .

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists
have influenced you?

I am influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, Salvador Dalli, Pascal Choveby, Luis Royo,
   Paolo Eleuteri Serpiari , Carlos Diez , Paul Ballard .Alberto Vargas was the
   favorite of course, I agree with Mr. Keith .

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known
with getting their names and artwork more visible?

Of course . It has helped to get more people to see my work.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?

I mostly like what I can share my feelings through art to the people .
   This way leave something for future generations.This is a direct way to
   encourage young artists . I receive many compliments for my work, it
   encourages me to be even better

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?

All my artworks are my favorites, even those that I have failed .

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to
you?

Both great to me !

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?

With us there is a proverb, the majority decides

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example
mirroring, animation, etc.

No, I did not mind. I love that people are creative.

14) Would you like to receive tags which our members may do featuring your artwork? We
often love to send the artists tags by our members.

Like to receive tags , and thank you very much !

Charles Bristow

2012-01-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

Tonight we are featuring the artist Charles Bristow. He has a unique style that sets him apart from other artists in the community. He is fondly known as Cpt. Frogger to his fans. You can visit his website and purchase his psp tubes at AIL. Thank you for stopping by Charles.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community? I was introduced to PSP Tubing thru a Facebook friendship with Gary Rudisil. I had no idea what it was, I thought "tagging" was done with SprayPaint and Subway Cars..lol. But once I was introduced,I loved it!

2) What does your artwork mean to you? Everything. Its a part of who I am and I love to share my work with others. Its flirty,fun pinup art guarenteed to put a smile on your face..

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork? Hot women! Sex, Comic books and Rock n Roll! Seriously I am influenced from everything and everyone..and whatever my lil twisted mind can come up with..

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes? Only like 3-4 months. Be gentle..

5) How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand
or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork? All art work is produced by hand,mixed media of markers, color pencils, and acrylics on 9x12 Bristol Board. Then its scanned into computer and sometimes I tweak the colors a lil..

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create
with your artwork? Glossy Prints, Rubber Stamps,Christmas Cards,Fabric Blocks for Quilting,Tattoo Designs and Flash art, and I have a couple new products looming on the horizon..you have been warned ;)

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists
have influenced you? Wayy too many to list..

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known
with getting their names and artwork more visible? I think it does..

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community? The fact that even people who may not be "traditional" artists can still share their love of creating with everyone. Just because you dont know how to draw hot women, doesnt mean you dont have a good sense of design and composition..and cant make a kick-ass tag!

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why? My favorites have to be "The Frog Princess" ( Im Capt Frogger..go figure) "Emily in Wonderland" (Alice in Wonderland spinoff I want to do more with) and "Exotic Dancer Star" (model is the special woman in my life)

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you? Love the animation..cuz the taggers who do it are way cooler than me ;) Love all the tags people have made with my work..

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have? Absolutely..Just sold my first with more on the way!

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc. Just dont use my art to promote hated and intolerence..sex is good,racism is bad..

14) Would you like to receive tags which our members may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.

Always!

Maigan Lynn

2012-01-11T01:14:00.000-08:00

Tonight we are visited by the talented fantasy artist Maigan Lynn. She does wonderful fantasy images in her artwork. You can visit her website and purchase her psp tubes at CDO. Thank you so much for talking with us Maigan. I am delighted to have you here.

Maigan has chosen some of her favorite pieces to be featured here.

1.How did you become a part of the psp tube community?

A little over a year ago I was contacted by MyTagArt about licensing my images for tubes. I had NO idea what tubes were at the time so I looked into it and found this amazing community of digital tag artists (and they ARE artists in their own right!). I thought it was one of the coolest ideas so I, of course, said yes. A couple of months ago MyTagArt went out of business but I knew I'd still like to be a part of the psp tube community. By this time I had heard of other companies and did some research about different companies and Creative Design Outlet was the one that I felt suited me best.

2.What does your artwork mean to you?

My artwork is my sanity. If it wasn't for being able to express myself and being able to create this world for myself, I'm scared to think what might have happened to me. I struggled with severe anxiety for 11 years. I wasn't able to work any kind of consistent job. And to everyone else around me I LOOKED normal. I didn't look sick. But inside my mind I was having a hard time even getting out of bed every morning. I had always loved art and always dabbled in it but I found myself spending more and more time looking at different artists online. I was inspired by their stories and their craft so I really got into it and gave it a shot. I quickly realized that even though I was struggling with everyday life, I could create an entire world for myself where I could feel and be whatever I wanted. You'll notice a lot of my art piece are very brightly painted. I needed things that made me feel happy. In having painted this wonderful magical world for myself, I started to notice that the world outside started looking brighter as well. My art really was/is the most profound therapy for me.

3. What inspires you in creating your artwork?

You can be inspired by anything if you just open your mind to it. I make sure to surround myself with people, and things, sights and sounds that stimulate a positive vibe. As a kid I LOVED Disney movies. I loved the stories and the colours, and the magic of it. It made me aware of a place in my mind where anything was possible. As I got older I really started enjoying fairy and mermaid illustrations. The more art I sorted through the more familiar I became with the artists. Amy Brown was always the one who inspired me most. Not only her amazing artwork but her story. She was just a regular person who did a couple of drawings that sold. And then she did more and they sold. And thus began her career. It just made the dream seem so much more attainable.

4. How long have you been selling psp tubes?

A little over a year now

5.How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand

or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?

My process is a bit time consuming, I suppose. I do all of my work by hand. I do admire digital artists and maybe one day I'll gain the knowledge and practice needed to do it well, but that day isn't here yet! Instead I do it the old fashioned way! First I sketch out my design - either straight onto watercolour paper or I sometimes do a quick sketch on bristol paper and later transfer it to the watercolour paper. Once I'm happy with the sketch I outline it with black pigment ink. The next step is to paint it with watercolours and add in metallic acrylic bits to give the painting some magic and sparkle! I think because I use such concentrated pigments (less water, more paint), the paint tends to fade out the black ink slightly so the last step is to re-ink the entire thing to give it a nice crisp and clean look.

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create

with your artwork?

I have a few different licensors I work with that create all kinds of different merchandise using my images including stamps, fabric blocks, cake sheets, mouse pads - all kinds of things. I also make quite a bit of merchandise myself. The majority of the things I sell in my online shops have been handmade by me aside from a select few items (like my prints and puzzles.) I have things like keychains, magnets, bookmarks, necklaces, stickers, colouring books, and ornaments, just to name a few.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists

have influenced you?

Definitely Amy Brown. She's always at the top of the list. As I started getting more serious about creating art as a career I found the work of Rion Vernon who most of you know from PinUpToons.com. His work is VERY popular in the PSP community. His girls really inspired me. They were fabulous and beautiful and the big eyes really did me in. I started discovering more big eye fantasy art and came across the work of Jasmine Beckett Griffith. When I first started really selling my work I was so overwhelmed. But I was smart enough to ask questions of other artists who had been doing this longer than I had. I have made friends with the most fabulous, talented, and kind artists and I'm inspired by them all the time - there are now simply too many to name!

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known

with getting their names and artwork more visible?

Definitely. I have new fans and supporters because of the PSP community that I never would have had before. I've had lots of tag artists who have purchased my tubes and have then also purchased artwork from me, whether it be prints or originals or other merchandise. In today's world the internet is one of the biggest marketing tools. A lot of the PSP tube artists are part of groups on FaceBook or Twitter or MySpace or Google + which means they're more likely to find my work. It only takes one person in an online community to say "Hey, check out this girls stuff!" and then all of a sudden there's a flood of new fans and supporters coming in.

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?

I love seeing the different ideas people have when it comes to my work. To take one image and have it made into SO many different tags is amazing. I'm always in awe of the things these artists come up with and I'm humbled by it. I also love how friendly and interactive the PSP community is. So far my experiences have all been positive.

10) What are some of your favorite art pieces which you have done and why?

It's funny but a lot of my most favorite art pieces are a little more on the Goth side of things. There are a few on the light side such as Peacock Princess and quite a few in my Zodiac series. However my goth girls steal my heart every time. My ABSOLUTE favorite has to be Charlotte Metalwin. She's a blond mermaid with a bird cage head piece, a lace fan, and a stone lion. It is the one original I own for myself and will not sell to anyone. One of my other most favorite pieces that I only just recently sold was Red. She's Little Red Riding Hood inspired and she just turned out so lovely. I had had this image in my mind for a while and I kept having to put it off for commissions or for shows I was preparing for and finally in September 2011 I was able to lay her down on paper and she turned out far better than I had even imagined.

11) Do you prefer tags with your art tubes animated or non animated? Or are both great to you?

I think both are pretty fantastic. I don't think I've seen many animated tags as of yet. Most of the time the tag artists will send me the tag they created and I keep them displayed in an album on my Facebook Fan Page but I don't think I have any in there that are animated.

12) Do you do commissions for taggers? How about ideas for tubes which taggers may have?

I was only recently told what this actually meant. It's something I would definitely be interested in but I would have to check with my licensor before I said yes for sure. As for ideas for tubes, if it's something I'm also interested in It would definitely be considered. However, I'm starting to become quite busy and I have a list of art pieces I need to work on that feels like it's a mile long! lol! So it really depends on the subject matter, if it appeals to me, and how much time I have available.

13) Is there anything which you don't allow to be done with your artwork? For example mirroring, animation, etc.

Not really. My biggest concern is that whatever is altered that it be tasteful and not diminish the original image. These creations are more than just drawings to me. They really are an extension of myself. I'm pretty open to anything as long as my work is respected.

14) Would you like to receive tags which our members may do featuring your artwork? We often love to send the artists tags by our members.

Of course! I would LOVE to see them. Like I mentioned above, I have an album on my Facebook Fan Page that I add the tags to. I try to give credit to each tag artist if the information is available to me. I LOVE keeping a collection of all of the beautiful and unique creations!