What is it about working with mixed media that interests you most?

I started doing collage at a young age -- I would cut up pieces of paper and use found objects to create collages that were sometimes sculptural. I remember coming across Dada and the photomontages of Hannah Hoch, and really feeling inspired by how Hoch placed juxtaposing images within the same space, often making commentary on industrialization, race or gender. Romare Bearden’s collages also inspire me, and his use of color and amazing cut outs, which create palatable atmospheres and moods. There’s something about the simultaneity of collage that turns me on; I like seeing different shapes and images living together that are at times, powerful, ironic, chaotic or just funny. As I explored collage, I started experimenting with different materials and how they could coexist within the same space. Mixed media appeals to me because I like the element of experimentation involved in working with and mixing different materials. I remember doing little experiments with ink, ground graphite, turpentine, rubbing alcohol and bleach, and observing the results; it was like being a creative scientist. Like humans, I like how materials have their own inner workings -- sometimes they flow together, create tension, coalesce or resist one another.

How has living in Brooklyn influenced you as an artist?

One of my favorite things to do in Brooklyn is to walk from neighborhood to neighborhood, let’s say from Fort Greene up Atlantic Ave. to Carroll Gardens and Gowanus and end up at Prospect Park or I may walk through Fort Greene Park over to Myrtle and end up in Clinton Hill where my community garden resides. Or walk through Brooklyn Heights end up by the water and DUMBO and find my way back to Flatbush Ave. I pay attention to the landscape, how spaces are structured, and intersected by different elements, such as the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges, old buildings, and the elevated G train with its flickering lights, that pierces the sky. I am inspired by how Brooklyn neighborhoods are connected and how we move through them. When living in London, I used to map my movements through the city and explore the shape of my movements. I am interested in doing similar projects here in Brooklyn because I am fascinated by how neighborhoods are connected or disconnected, and creating personal maps reflecting movement through the city.

How would you describe your style?

I feel like my textile designs are modern with an emphasis on color, texture, and movement, influenced by organic and geometric forms. I think that my drawings, paintings and even some of my screen prints also evoke movement, and are gestural, curvilinear and calligraphic, more immediate.

If you could pick only one, what medium would you work in and why?

Well, I love to draw and play with line quality, so I think that I would stick with pencil and paper, or an ink pen and paper. Sketching with pen/pencil on paper is a wonderful way to express ideas and work quickly without getting too precious, without my mind getting in the way. I appreciate instinctual, initial gestures because they work as a starting point, they help me develop and organize my thoughts and ideas.

What's in the future for you?

I would like to work on a series of map drawings using collage and mixed media. In regard to textiles, recently, I have thought about starting my own product line by digitally printing or screen printing my textile designs in yardage, and constructing accessories such as pillows and handbags. I am also collaborating with a graphic designer, and we are in the process of developing designs for graphic tees and apparel. I also have a few teaching gigs at LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC) and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). At LAGCC, I teach Adult Literacy, and at FIT, I tutor a few art history and Photoshop students, and I T.A. a couple Photoshop courses. Human relationships, the learning process, dialogue, and the theater that unfolds in the classroom spark my curiosity. The same way that I’m interested in mapping movements in space, I am interested in mapping human relationships and our interactions. In this way, I feel like there is a correlation between my teaching practice and creating artwork.

What kind of role has Carbonmade played in your life?

I learned about Carbonmade while editing and organizing my portfolio, and it seemed as though Carbonmade would be a viable place to display my on-line portfolio. When I apply for design related jobs, or write cover letters seeking freelance gigs, I always refer studios to my site so that they can learn more about my aesthetic and design point of view. After seeing my site, I have received some positive feedback and e-mails from studios about potentially working together. It’s been a great way to disseminate my work! Also, through Google Analytics, I’ve learned about the kind of traffic my site has received, and how individuals find my site, whether through Carbonmade or through other search engines. In a few words, it has been really helpful to have a site where all my work is organized and displayed to which I can refer people. Thanks!

Thanks for chatting with us!

For more of Deema's work check out her Carbonmade portfolio: http://deemab.carbonmade.com/

When did you start getting into photography?

My love affair with photography started when I was 15 or so. My mother had a whopping 3 megapixel camera that I would venture into her garden with. Soon I found online communities like DPChallenge.com, and I thought it was really fun to get a weekly challenge. I learned a lot about the basics through that website, but felt like a lot of the work that came from it was preditable and too "set up" so I continued to shoot and teach myself for the next few years and joined other sites like deviantART. I started out with self-portraits (since I did not have willing models at first) and photographing myself continues to be one of the easiest things for me. I didn't even take my first photography class until college and that was just months ago!

What is is about fashion photography that makes you love it so much?

I have really fallen in love with fashion over the past year or so. Perhaps it is just in an attempt to make up for my terrible fashion sense when I was younger, ha! Either way, I find it fascinating how such little differences in outfits can change the entire mood. I think merging these two passions of mine just seems natural. I've already got some projects lined up for a vintage company and I hope to work towards doing even more soon.

How would you describe your style?

That's a tough one. Some have said "dreamy" others have said "ethereal". I aim to incorporate both of those into my photography, so I do hope it comes off as such. I like narratives and stories and romanticism - maybe my style is something like a daydream from the 60s. Light and airy with a hint of vintage.

If you could shoot anything in the world, what would it be?

I think you could ask me this question everyday and my response would change, I'm constantly in a different mindset. At the moment I'd love to shoot editorials for the catalog of Urban Outfitters or something similar. Ask me again tomorrow and you might get a response like "street photographs of people in Paris." You can almost guarentee that you'll never hear "landscapes" from me, though! I find them boring to shoot.

What do you hope to do after art school?

Who knows, my goals could change. I still have three years to go! Right now I have my eyes set on fashion editorials. If nothing comes my way, I might work towards getting my masters and become a professor, that way I can just do fine art on the side. If all else fails, I'll just open up an antique store, become a cat lady and do nothing but photograph my kittens and trinkets all day.

Thanks for using Carbonmade! Has it been helpful?

Oh no, thank YOU for all that you have done! I've gotten so much more views on my works thanks to Carbonmade and have even gotten some great offers because of it. Everyone I've encountered on Carbonmade has been fantastic, it has been nothing but a pleasure.

Thanks for chatting with us!

For more of Rockie's work check out her Carbonmade portfolio: http://rockienolan.carbonmade.com/

Good day! How are things going?

I've been busy. I just spent a week in NYC attending the Pictoplasma Conference and seeing friends. Now I'm back in LA at my job at American Greetings and working on a ton of personal projects.

How did you get your start in illustration?

I'm not sure there's an easy answer to that. I've always been compelled to draw and doodle. In high school, my art teachers either labeled me a trouble maker or just didn't like me. It was really a travesty. I was basically a good, creative kid who was into punk rock and liked art, but the art classes were horrible. So when I got to college (Truman State University in MO), I went in with an undeclared major. I ended up taking a drawing class and a design class and found out that art classes don't have to suck. And I graduated with a BFA in Visual Communication.

I spent 2 years after college as an Art Director. In essence, I was the entire art department for a small company that printed t-shirts for college fraternity and sorority parties. Seeing nothing better on the horizon, I went back to school to be an illustrator at Portfolio Center in Atlanta.

After graduating from Portfolio Center, I landed my first bona fide job as an illustrator at Funny Garbage in NYC.

What inspires your work?

Jeez...that'd be a really long list. Just about everything that I see or hear influences my work in some way...whether I respond to it positively or negatively. A short list of some of the stuff I like, in no particular order: punk rock art, bmx and skateboard magazines, street art, graffiti, comics, underground comix, cartoons, pop art, psychedelic art, vintage movie posters, candy packaging, detergent packaging and I'm sure there's a whole slew of things I'm forgetting at the moment. If you think you see a hint of some kind of art or artist in my work, it's most likely one of the things that's in the stew.

What the heck is the deal with monsters?

I'm still figuring that out. When I started Savage Monsters Industries, I was collecting a lot of vinyl kaiju toys from the Ultraman series. Villains are inherently much more interesting than the good guys. And I figured that monsters are something that I'd never get tired of drawing since they're all made up anyway. With Savage Monsters, I was (and I suppose I still am) trying to create an entertaining and engaging site that could also double as a portfolio site.

You're a flash guy. What do you think about Microsoft's Silverlight?

I may be a Flash guy, but I'm still a total Luddite. I had to look up Silverlight and I still don't know what it is. I pretty much just draw and animate in Flash. I've got VERY basic programming skills. I've learned that if I know too much about programming and technology, I'll be called upon for those skills, thus, less time doing what I love to do...create.

How would you describe your style?

I try not to describe what I do. Most people's eyes glaze over when I'm talking about my work. I get responses like "So...you're a lawyer?" (That actually DID happen) It's much easier to show someone a picture.

Boiled down, maybe my style is Basil Wolverton meets Dr. Seuss.

What's the goofiest monster you've ever drawn?

I wish I knew. I've been going through all my sketchbooks from the past 10 years (over 110 books) and I've been finding some good stuff.

What's in the future for you?

That's one of the great things. I have no idea. I never would have guessed that I've been the places and done the things that I have so far.

I'm currently working on self-publishing several books of my work, developing properties for tv and for licensing. And I've got lots of pet projects like t-shirts, stickers, trading cards, vending machine toys and other things in the works. Always too many ideas and too little time and finances to bring them all to fruition.

Thanks for chatting with us!

For more of Dave's work check out his Carbonmade portfolio: http://davesavage.carbonmade.com/

Hello! How are you doing?

I am doing great! Just keeping my self busy most of the time but also trying to enjoy life at the same time.

How did you get your start in design? Was Art School helpful?

Well, art has been part of my life since I was a child. I started doing my professional works when I was 16 doing logos, self portraits, caricatures and other genres. Since then, I decided to go to art school and work for films, animations and games. Well, to answer your question, Yes, art schools and workshops are helpful. Although, dedication, respect and hard work is a big part of it.

What inspires your work?

Well, mostly anything that makes me stop what I'm doing. I am obsessed with nature, structures, life and it's textures. Mostly all films, television and games are also big influences, from concept art to the final product.

How would you describe your style?

I try to focus more on color, form, texture and composition. I like to to jump around from realistic, caricatured, illustrated or stylized but i tend to try other genres.

How would you distinguish between design composition and composition in painting?

Well, in my knowledge, design composition refers as the coordination and planning of shape, form, space, value, textures and colors in a two dimensional form. As for composition in painting refers almost the same as design composition although the main goal is to create a focal point, distance and a light source in a three dimensional form.

You've been freelancing since 2005. How's that going?

It's going well, I'm using it as my secondary job and also it keeps me busy at home.

What types of projects do you most like working on?

Well, anything challenging, creative and fun to do. Illustrations, portraits, caricatures, concept art, textures, 3D and even sculpture.

Would you be willing to explain what you mean by concept art in reference to your own work?

In my own work, I try to create a story, ambiance and feel in a painting. Showing composition, form, structure, design, color and value are also the main in ingredients on making concept art.

What's in the future for you?

Alot of things are going on right now so its hard to say. Right now, I am working for Naughty Dog as a Next-Gen Environment Texture/Shader artist working on a PS3 game. I will be still doing Illustrations and concepts as a freelancer. Also, I'm thinking of teaching for part-time in the near future.

Thanks for chatting with us!

For more of Genesis's work check out his Carbonmade portfolio: http://lazaruz.carbonmade.com/

How did you get your start in illustration?

Starting at my earliest memories, I have always had a passion for drawing. I remember that when I was a child I spent hours drawing characters from stories and fairy tales I made up for my friends or my little sister. Literally, I was a girl with a lively imagination: the idea of taking a blank piece of paper and knowing that anything is possible, well…it was and it is amazing to me!

That said, drawing has always been something very ‘spontaneous’ and I’ve never thought seriously to become an illustrator. As a matter of fact it’s totally by chance some years ago I accepted to work on my first commissioned piece and my illustrations have been featured in collective art-books.

What inspires your work?

My work is a collage of styles and influences. I don’t have a formal artistic training and the result is my way of drawing is a sort of collection of subjects I studied, places I visited, paintings I like, novels and comic books I read, all those things that I liked and I like without any particular connexion to art, sometimes. I mean for example music and reading have always played an important part in my artistic life.

About art, I think the most relevant influences you can find by looking at my work are a passion for Art Nouveau, Renaissance Italian Painting, European comic books, gothic and classical fantasy themes, popular fairy tales and it’s self-evident I like Japanese manga very much, too.

Nature elements, I mean plants for example, are something that also inspires my work. Drawing trees and foliage and flowers is more than a simple passion. I like so much having a walk in the woods and watching all the different kind of plants you can find around. I bought and I buy lot of books about gardens and plants! I think in a past life I was a botanist! Some years ago I made up a plot for a comic book when the main character was a young woman expert in botany. The story was set in the 19th century and it was full of travels and adventures and …plants of course! I should probably find the time to work on it…if only I had time for my own projects ^_^

Finally, being a very imaginative person, I'm literally with my head in the clouds the 90% of the day, I'm easily influenced by anything!

I can see the Art Nouveau you mention. What about the Pre-Raphaelites?

Of course, I think this art movement is very intriguing and my artwork has much in common with it. Basically because of its close connexion to Italian painting of 15/16th centuries, and the passion for subjects like myths and folklore, the visual imagery associated with the use of sepia and brown coloration, the richness of details and decoration.

You seem drawn to the erotic element in Victorian art. Which written and visual influences would you cite?

About the written one my first suggestion is “The Crimson Petal and the White" by Michel Faber. It's a postmodern novel, published in 2002 and set in Victorian-era England.

Basically, I always have had a weakness for Victorian period and 19th century in Europe and of course I read the most popular novels written in those years. I think my passion for this era was born when I started reading Jules Verne’s works at 9 years old! But it's after reading "The Crimson Petal and the White" that probably the erotic element has started to be present in my work. Although it can be said that Victorian ideology was sexually inhibiting, the Victorian era produced more inventive forms of eroticism visible in aestheticzised sexual symbols where the sexuality is permissible within the category of the aesthetic. This dichotomy has always attracted me. My visual references are the most popular artists like J.W. Waterhouse, Sir L. Alma Tadema, E. Dulac, G. Doré, A. Beardsley but basically I'm fascinated by the same themes, like classical myths and fairy tales, for example.

My style is very eclectic and the Victorian ages are known exactly for their heterogeneous revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of influences from Eastern cultures and art. Finally, it's a sort of "elective affinity", you know?

What types of projects do you most like working on?

I like working on individual illustrations mostly. Images done for short stories, novels, fairy tales... those are the most stimulating projects to me. Recently, I’m attempting myself by working on different projects like illustrating tracks from music albums or graphic novels.

How would you describe your style?

Hmmm, something confusedly related to a wide range of ideas, styles, and suggestions, probably!

What's in the future for you?

I’m not a person who likes making plans of her life, in general ^_^ All I do as illustrator has done by chance, without planning anything. I literally live day by day: life is so unforeseeable! Maybe tomorrow a popular publisher will get in touch with me for illustrating a book, maybe not. Meantime I go on doing what I like, that is drawing!

Thanks for chatting with us!

For more of Nati's work check out her Carbonmade portfolio: http://nati.carbonmade.com/

Hi Matt! Thanks for using Carbonmade for over 2 years! How's life? How's your new home?

Yo! It's probably closer to 3 years now since I first signed up with Carbonmade. I jumped on pretty early.

Things are good on my end. My baby girl is getting so big, so quickly - she's now 7 months. The new home is great! We're in a cozy old house on a quiet, friendly street. It's a great fit for my little family. I've got some pretty sweet office space in the basement as well.

How did you get your start in design?

I got into design and web development at the same time back in 1997. I had just formed a band and we wanted a website, so I signed up for an Angelfire account and started poking around in the "advanced editor" (which was merely a text box with HTML) and learned HTML through trial and error. Since the web was mostly text and animated GIFs at the time, design didn't come until later. I had actually planned on getting into video production, but once I got online, it was game over. I knew that's what I wanted to do.

What inspires your work?

Everything, really. Someone recently asked where I came up with the colour scheme for my redesign, which was actually inspired by a set of luggage that my wife picked up a few months ago. Originally, I had gone with dark text on a lighter background, but when I saw this rich brown suitcase with pink lining, I just loved it!

How would you describe your style?

When my previous design attracted so much attention, I was afraid that I was be held to designing grunge websites for years to come. But thankfully that hasn't been the case. I try and cater to my clients' needs as much as possible. But when they really don't have a set direction they want to go, I usually fall back to the eroded, beat up look. While the whole "grunge" thing has definitely gained ground over the last few years, it's still not overly popular to the point that people are sick of seeing it. But more importantly, I haven't seen a whole lot of really good grunge designers out there, and I would definitely say it would be my strongest style.

What types of web design projects do you most like working on?

Blogs for individuals, definitely. I prefer working one-on-one with people, and that sort of project allows me to stretch both my design and development muscles.

Why do you choose to freelance rather than work at a big design firm?

Commuting sucks! I worked in Toronto for 5 years while living in a suburb about half an hour out. Problem is, when you add rush hour traffic to the mix, the commute doubles, which results in 2 extra hours added onto my work day spent sitting in a car. Not fun. And with having a family, I would leave early in the morning and return after dinner in the evening, which meant very little time to spend with them.

Freelancing gives me the flexibility to take on the type of projects that I'm interested in, and pass on the ones I'm not. Unless I was in a managerial role at a design firm, I wouldn't have that luxury. And if I were in a manager position, I likely wouldn't be doing much design or development work, which is what I love doing.

Freelancing does have its down sides, though. Not having a steady pay cheque is obviously the biggest one. And when things slow down, it can really take a toll on your nerves.

How has having a blog, using twitter, flickr, and social media helped you?

Despite all of their problems, Twitter is still the most valuable social networking tool out there, in my opinion. Not only is great for getting feedback, advice, or making announcements. It allows you to connect directly with people that you might not otherwise have the chance to. It's also changed the way I blog over the years. I now focus more on lengthy articles and use Twitter to get smaller topics I'd like to mention, but don't want to blog about out there. People reply and share their own thoughts, so it's just like having comments on a blog post.

I've been trying to make an effort to use other services like Facebook and LinkedIn a little better. I've never been overly active on either of them, and am trying to utilize their strengths a bit more. The problem is mostly in finding time for them.

How has gaming influenced you as a designer?

I'm not sure that it has, actually. There isn't really a lot I can take from UI elements used in games that would be appropriate for web. But sure, some things relating to style and aesthetics in games have inspired me. For the most part, I find menu systems and such to be quite ugly and cumbersome. The odd game stands out - Codemasters have been doing some amazing things with game UIs lately with DiRT and GRID. Now if only someone would show them where the caps lock key is. ;)

Nintendo, Super Nintendo, N64, GameCube, Playstation 1/2/3, or Xbox/Xbox 360?

Back in the day, I was a Nintendo fanboy all the way. These days, while I have a Wii (and a PlayStation 3), I spend most of my time with my Xbox 360. I just finished up my second play-through of Mass Effect and have already started my third, and I've been back and forth between GRID, Unreal Tournament 3, Battlefield Bad Company, and some of the latest Xbox Live Arcade titles, like Braid and Geometry Wars 2. Really looking forward to picking up Mercenaries 2, Viva Pinata 2, Spore, and The Force Unleashed over the next few weeks.

What's in the future for you?

It's really hard to say, given that I've changed gears quite a few times over the past 3 years. But I think I'll be freelancing for some time to come. I've been doing a lot of brainstorming on ways to earn some passive income, so you're likely to see some side-projects coming out of me over the next few months. I've also talked about releasing WordPress, and I plan to pursue that sooner than later now that my redesign is out of the way.

Thanks for chatting with us! And best to your wife and two daughters!

For more of Matt's work check out his Carbonmade portfolio: http://mattbrett.carbonmade.com/

Good day! How are things going?

I am fine. I am at my desk answering to you and my English is not very good. (Editor's Note: We want to especially thank Pierre-Yves for taking the time to answer our questions since his first language is not English, but French.)

How did you get your start in design?

My graphic design started back with graffiti when I was young. After that, I went to an applied to art school and since this time, my best friend is my iMac!

What inspires your work?

My graffiti background influences my work, but I like to search for new ways -- new influences -- always with a "street touch". All things you can see outside, on the TV, around you, etc., are inspirations for me.

What types of projects do you most like working on?

I like working on projects with a bit of freedom; and working with typography and working with a funky theme.

In some of your work, I see the influence of the psychedelic poster art movement of the 60s. Does that work interest you?

I love the aesthetic of the old posters of the 50's and 60's. The colors and the graphics are so sensitive. There is a human side on these old stuff. When you associate that with a kaleidoscope, you have an amazing graphic result.

But there's also a strong element of graphic art and anime. Would you say that's your main inspiration?

I work mainly with Illustrator. For me, vector is graphism. My illustrations are influenced by my graffiti background. It is the same kind of work, just the media is not the same. I exchanged my spray can for a computer.

How would you describe your style?

My style is incredible! No, seriously I just try to realize funky graphics with vector.

What's in the future for you?

I am preparing a poster exhibition soon, but first I go to sleep because it is time!

Thanks for chatting with us!

For more of Pierre-Yves's work check out his Carbonmade portfolio: http://piksel.carbonmade.com/

Good day! How are things going?

Things are going really well, keeping busy.

How did you get your start in design?

I had a friend in the business and he occasionally threw work my way when he was swamped. I basically did the odd design gig while in art school to earn some extra bucks.

What inspires your work?

My Chinese heritage opened me up to eastern aesthetics early on and as I developed it became integrated into my work in different ways. I draw inspiration from classical Chinese and Japanese painting of course but also porcelain, lacquer, cloissonne, manga, anime, etc. and integrate them into a holistic visual language with various nuances.

What types of projects do you most like working on?

The kind where I have the most freedom to articulate my aesthetic and learn something new at the same time.

How would you describe your style?

Asian fusion tempered with a Western sensibility. Like a Chinatown restaurant.

Many of the organic forms you work with are broken into ribbons or bands. Are you thinking of the vascular system or is there another reason for this?

That's not a device that I consciously implemented but developed intuitively. The way that highways and roads can be likened to arteries and even rivers suggests a metaphor for the rhythm and flow of our environments in different contexts.

I am reminded of certain kinds of book illustration when I look at your work. Can you name any particular influences?

I was very interested in Chinese folk tales and myths in my early days of art school as way of investigating my heritage and that heavily informed my earlier work. I have also read countless books to my son throughout the last decade so I suppose visually expressed narratives has definitely had its influence. I also devour manga and anime and those are of course inherently narrative. When making a landscape painting I try to think of the verb or event in the work. There is always something happening in our environment and it can be subtle or extremely dynamic. It could be anything from different phenomena of light interacting with the landscape to a gentle breeze to pollination or even a combination of those elements. As for the characters that articulate these events I draw from early Taoist and Shinto beliefs that every living thing has a spirit. This is also perpetuated in a contemporary way in Disney movies, various cartoons, Japanese anime and children's books. I could certainly name a few obvious examples which are very inspiring such as Miyazaki's Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro, but it's really coming from hundreds if not thousands of sources great and small that are present at every stage of our lives that contributes to our tacit understanding of this kind of work.

What's in the future for you?

Well, design isn't really something that I still do now that my art career has taken off. I am preparing for a group show this fall in Toronto and I am involved in the Montreal Biennial in the spring and then I have a solo exhibition in the fall of 2009 at Parisian Laundry. I am open to exploring some crossover work though as it has some exciting possibilities, like the collaboration between Murakami and Louis Vuitton, or creating a children's book like Yoshitomo Nara.

Thanks for chatting with us!

For more of Rick's work check out his Carbonmade portfolio: http://rickleong.carbonmade.com/

Good day! How are things going?

I'm good thank you.

How did you get your start in design?

I have always been interested in art since I was little. I am happy that I am passionate about art today and hope not to lose this passion in the future.

What inspires your work?

I have always been interested in art and take inspiration from my daily life. And, of course, from other artists. I think every artist has a different point of view, and a distinct style and process that come from their own personal history and experiences.

What types of projects do you most like working on?

I really enjoy working on projects that I can do a lot of research and come up with creative ideas.

Your Personal Work (Carbonmade project) involves images of entrapment. Is this a theme you're consciously working through?

As mentioned, the most important theme for me is to express my feelings through my work. One of the reasons why my work tend to be dark is because I have constantly been struggled with themes and ideas. I want to be honest to my work, so my work will look different (like happier work?) depending on my feelings I guess.

You seem to be interested in the organic relationship between the human body and its surroundings. Would you care to comment on that?

I like to draw figures and work on narrative. I always try to create an image that has a story in it. The relationship between the figures and their surroundings really help me to create a scene in my work.

How would you describe your style?

I do not think I have a certain style yet. But I really enjoy experimenting with various forms of media, hoping to find new avenues to express myself in the future.

What's in the future for you?

I hope to keep trying on new things, not to be afraid of making mistakes, enjoy what I do in the future.

Thanks for chatting with us!

For more of Yuta's work check out her Carbonmade portfolio: http://yutajazz.carbonmade.com/

Good day! How are things going?

Hello, it's still shiny and bright summer now here.

How did you get your start in design?

When I found that watercolor, crayons, marker and pencil could make my playful funtime in my childhood, then I was very interested with a catchy visual materials stuff, example like movies either from Asian and Western. Since then an inspiration, experience and experiment was become a part of my starting point for creating artworks till now.

What inspires your work?

Anything God's creation, world artists, cultures, colors, fantasy, sci-fi and real life was my main part of inspiration.

What types of projects do you most like working on?

It which can give me full chance for experiment some interesting new perspective. I like creative project which can have balance between artists ideas and the client preference guidance.

How would you describe your style?

It's kind of flow or moving moments, attractive, action and bright colors. And also variations of abstract, expressive loose brush and realistic. I like both traditional or digital way of making artworks.

What's in the future for you?

Have more good projects and can share my humble inspiration.

What is the inspiration of the image above?

The Pandora idea came from the philosophy of the battle between good will and evil will. I change the mood and idea with my point of view from commonly pandora myth to relations about the live path choices by fill the symbols of good or evil reflections, shine and dark, light and shadow also adding some new elements of sci-fi and retro. My conclusion here was pandora choose the better condition of life and goodness.

Are you interested in working on graphic novels?

Right now I'm much more prefer the book cover or little series illustration project rather than graphic novels.

Thanks for chatting with us!

For more of Rafi's work check out her Carbonmade portfolio: http://raz.carbonmade.com/