Why don’t you update your site more often?
With all the freelance and work-for-hire I have to take on to survive, sometimes personal art has to, unfortunately, take a back seat. I’m almost always drawing, though, so please feel free to check out my Tumblr or my Twitter feed for updates as to what I’m working on. I usually end up updating those far more than anything else.

I’d like to hire you for [insert project here]. How do I find out your price ranges/rates and availability?
Thank you very much for your interest. My schedule/availability differs from time to time, so it’s best to send me an email detailing what you’re interested in hiring me for. So that I can quote you a fair price and time, please be as descriptive as possible. Also, please understand that I may or may not have time available to work with you, though I will try to always make accommodations when I can. I do appreciate your interest greatly. :)

Are you available for Adult/18+ illustration or sequential/comic work?
This question gets answered in private ONLY. Please send me an email with more specifications.

Your prices are WAY too high? WHY are you so expensive?
Truthfully, I price my work at fair market value that’s also commensurate with my ability/experience, currently, which is to say, far FAR FAR below Industry Standard (seriously, if you want to see what you SHOULD be paying an illustrator for work, please check the prices in the Graphic Artists Guild handbook. You’ll be surprised and then you’ll see that most every artist is very much UNDER-charging). Circumstances depending, however, I am able to negotiate on price to an extent. Please also keep in mind that you’re buying a high end, one of a kind piece of art tailored to your wants, so naturally, my quote might be higher than the next person’s.

Can you draw me [insert subject here] for free? How about an art trade?
Unfortunately, I am simply unable to draw anything for you for free (exceptions can be made for charities ONLY). I barely have time to draw for myself, these days. I am only able to take art trades with people I know/trust, currently.

Are you gay? Why do you draw so many girls? And NAKED girls at that? Why so many sad girls showing their breasts?
I don’t think my sexuality (which I decline to state) has anything to do with what I do/don’t like to draw. We all have our preferences; this is just mine. :) I appreciate you taking the time to look at my artwork, but if you do not like it, there are plenty of others’ out there for you to view instead. In the meantime, I will happily keep drawing my sad girls with boobies in full view.

Why are you so secretive/elusive? Why do you go under a pen name/don’t post your full name? Why don’t you post photos of yourself? Can we be friends?
I’m an extremely private person by nature (even my best friends have a hard time with me being shut off), so I’m a little paranoid when it comes to the internet. I’ve also had more than a few unhappy occasions with stalkers and obsessive “fans.” I just think there should be a dividing line between real life and the virtual world. Getting to know me takes a lot of time, but I’m always around to talk or listen or give advice. Twitter or Tumblr is the easiest way to get a hold of me in that regard, but please make sure to introduce yourself!!

What markers do you use? Where do you get them? Why are they so )#$(*&%#$()%& expensive? What other materials do you use?
I use Copic brand markers by the .Too company in Japan. In my opinion, there’s no comparison for a better product. I have no idea why they’re so expensive, but truthfully, it’s worth the price; especially if you’re a professional making high quality/high end art. Because I live in the United States, I buy my markers from Carpe Diem Store, who currently has THE lowest prices available. I also buy from Dick Blick when the need arises. I’m not sure how/where to get them easily outside of the US, but you can try places like Kinokuniya or even Ebay. As for other materials, I use way too many. :P I like to use gauache when I can, and Dr. PH Martin’s watercolors. I’m very partial to I.C. brand manuscript papers for comics and marker pieces. If not that, I’ll use Strathmore brand 300 series smooth bristol (mostly for brush ink works).

Copics suck! Why do you like them? [insert brand name here] is so much better!! Why are you so elitist?
Yes, that’s nice. In the end, they’re just markers, and are subject to personal preference. I like to use Copics, because that’s what I like. You can use what you like, instead. Nobody is forcing you to use a certain brand over another. It bothers me that people take this argument so seriously, really. They’re just THINGS. It doesn’t make me elitist that I use an expensive product–it just means that I’ve found my preferred medium. Please feel free to use what you like. It doesn’t make you any better or worse a person or artist if you use another brand of alcohol marker. :/

Where is that tutorial you did about Copics/alcohol markers?
That is located here: Copic Tutorial and Walkthrough.

Will you ever make a sequel to that tutorial or one that focuses on more difficult topics?
Yes, eventually, when I have time. Thank you for being patient with me.

How long does it take you to draw an illustration? A comic page?
Depending on complexity, each can take anywhere from 5 to 50 hours. It really depends!!

Your style is too manga! Your style is not manga enough! What’s the deal? Who do you think you are drawing the way that you do!!?!?
*sigh* The way I draw is the way I draw and is the culmination of a great many years (I’m old, haha) of practice and influences. I grew up on both American AND Japanese cartoons and comics (and quite a few European, as well). It doesn’t matter what race/nationality/creed a person is that determines their artistic style. People have the right to draw in whatever way they want!! If you don’t like it, again, there are plenty of others out there whose art you can view instead. And seriously, does it REALLY matter? REALLY? Really really?? I highly doubt it. This long argued debate is old and tired and I’m quite sick of getting asked about it. Unless you’re paying me to change it, and in many cases, that’s a job I will more than likely turn down, I’m just going to keep on drawing what I enjoy, style be damned.