Moar Tuesday : Questions for the Artsy/Writy mofo's.

[Deleted member 66627]

I can't just ask one question. I think I've kinda made that known about myself. So I figured the best way to get answers was to do something akin to the TMI Tuesdays.

What's goin' on: I've recently been shoved (in a wonderfully epic way) back into the world of writing. -- I've been dabbling half-heartedly in a few different projects for months now. But haven't really felt that, yanno, spark that I used to get when writing.

It's back now. And I'm trying to center it currently. Soo.. I'm gonna spout off a buncha questions to you guys. Please try to delve as deep as ya can, cus I am totally gonna be suckin' off each response. And yes, I know that reads dirty.

Anyways.

Here:

And THANK YOU.. in advance.

----​

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?


- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?


- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?


- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?


- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?


- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?


- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?


- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?


- What pulled you out of it?

 

[Gothika]

What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing? metal


What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?listen to some metal lol


How long do you work on a project in one sitting? untill im dont with it


What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?i can be in just about anymood i guess my mood reflects in my work

What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw? pictures i see,things people say there are lots
of stuff that gets the gerbals rolling lol

What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?try to think of something else i wanna do or add to it


Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around? mostly alone but people dont bother me so its all good


What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it? ending it

What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?months


What pulled you out of it? an idea finaly popped up lol

 

[Myriads]

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?

I prefer silence. But can work with a radio in the background.

- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?

Nothing really. I either want to write or don't. If I have to write because of a deadline, then I take a moment to clear my mind, settle any distractions (check mail etc) then sit down and write.

- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?

It can vary quite a bit. Sometimes many hours if I'm in the right mindset and have no time issues. Other times only as long as I have which might be an hour or so. Sometimes I'll work for a short time, edit a bit, write a few hundred words, etc.

- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?

My best work flows from me, which means that my mood needs to be one that doesn't block the flow. So I need to be rested, in decent spirits, not hungry, and motivated to get out what is in my head.

- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?

Often reading some good work (of any sort, just good writing in general) will motivate me to try and create something. Sometimes I feel I just need to say something. So words come out.

- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?

I don't write my stories in a linear fashion. I'll often write the key sections then back up and fill in other parts sort of at random. So I don't get 'stuck' in the way I think you mean. If something is not working, I'll leave the section, and work on another, with plans to come back later with fresh eyes.

- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?

Alone. Though I can with people around, but dislike the distraction they tend to become.

- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?

Starting is the biggest hurdle for me. I tend to need to know the entire story before I begin to type the first word. So I often don't start until I reach a point of comfort with what I plan to tell.

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?

A few years. Three or four.

- What pulled you out of it?

It just came back on its own. Never had much control over it.

Myriads

 

[milagros317]

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?
Nothing. I need silence to write.

- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?
Eat a good breakfast and get to work immediately afterward.

- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?
Two to four hours.

- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?
Relaxed with no pressure from other activities. That's why I write during the summer when there are no classes.

- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?
Some come from seeing my interests (women's feet and tickling) in real life, some from seeing them in film or on TV, and some come from dreams.

- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?
Force myself to write a little, even if I then delete it.

- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?
Definitely alone.

- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?
Starting. I get more excited about a story as it progresses.

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?
About a year.

- What pulled you out of it?
Meeting Goddess Shelly and talking to her about my fantasies.

 

[myth77]

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?

I prefer instrumentals from the hip-hop, electronica/downtempo, and trip-hop genres. Need a beat with no lyrics, that's a must. I prefer tunes played in minor keys, the notes feel more emotional.


- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?

I say to myself, "B*tch, get to work!!" . For real though, if it's really hard to get into the groove, I'll set time aside for it, get some new music to inspire me, maybe a bottle of wine. Indulge in some 'herbal relaxation' to relax my mind.

- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?

Depends. A shorter time works best to prevent burnout, but if I really need to, I will work on it for hours after work, as if it's a second job. I finished a major project in 2 weeks by working 5-8 hours a night after work, after my kids went to bed. I was exhausted, but the shit got finished.


- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?

When I'm in a 'passionate' mood, whether that be romantically or just passionate about life in general. My poetry requires it, and any other type of creative project I've worked on has benefited greatly from that passion and hot-bloodedness 🙂 .

- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?

Instrumental music. Rain. Love. Hate. Puppies?


- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?

Put it away. Sometimes the piece is waiting for you to obtain a new life experience to finish it right. No use forcing it.


- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?

Alone. If the other person is a creative-type, I can work around them because they're on the same vibe I am.

- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?

Beginnings and endings. If you fuck either of those two up, the rest won't matter.

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?

2 years. I thought my ability to write had vanished. I just needed to evolve for awhile before going back to it.

- What pulled you out of it?

Music. And Divorce .

 

[Amnesiac]

What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?
Nothing. Music has a dissociating effect on me, and it will turn me inward and I'll go off topic of what I'm doing.

What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?
Either study something directly related or do something completely unrelated. The former helps direct me to a more controlled process/result; the latter will usually give me an idea that I'll have never thought of on my own.

How long do you work on a project in one sitting?
That's the problem. Autism turns your creativity into a diesel engine: it takes you a while to warm up, but once you do, you can go for hours, even days; I once had to fight myself to get up and eat. But no one can afford to take days out in a row to work nonstop so that's a reason why I've avoided writing for years.

What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?
Awake and alert. Seriously, if I sleep myself to restoration, my mind will take me there on its own. But without that, isolation in a large or very small space will do the trick: I have to feel cloistered to do good work.

What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?
Usually my day/dreams will do the trick...once I take the really fucked up stuff out of them. Other than that, comic books and TV.

What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?
Try to grind it out. But if I have another idea waiting in the wings, I move on to that and get back to the stuck piece when I'm done. I rely a lot on momentum to get something done and if I put it off, the engine runs out of gas.

Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?
If it's not my project, I prefer other people because we can brainstorm. If it's my project, I MUST be isolated; even if that means being alone in an entire building. The feeling of being completely unobservable (even by accident) makes a universe of difference.

What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?
Middle. I write in sections so I know how to start and end, but bridging the pieces together can be a BITCH because it doesn't have the urgency that a beginning and ending do. It kinda feels like filler and I don't like filler.

What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?
8 years.

What pulled you out of it?
The extremely urgent need for money.

 

[Marquis De Sade]

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?

Music has become SUCH an important part of how I write, why I write and I rarely work without it now. In many cases it comes first as I may have an idea for something but don't dare start until I find the right artist and song or put together a number of tracks that will bring the idea to life. If it's a very involved story which I know will take a lot out of me emotionally I'll even create a separate playlist on my iPod and label it with the title of that story so I have constant stimulation at the ready.

Lately I've been drawn to the more passionate and sensual slow-burn aspect of sex and lust and love so I go to more recent and much slower NIN material where Trent's vocals rarely even rise above a whisper, but its fragile and furious intent is smoldering throughout, in between and beneath and over the beats and every note.

I also like How To Destroy Angels (his wife's group), 30 Seconds To Mars, a lot of Crystal Method and Massive Attack. I've also discovered new artists on movie soundtracks, some with lyrics, some without.

Those all fit the current mood I'm enjoying exploring now in writing so it does change. But regardless of genre, I listen to what's behind the words, listen to the music itself and behind it. The mood that artist captures and watch the images that flash in my head as I'm listening. If I'm able to capture whatever moves me in music and allow that to flow into words, I'm happy.

- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?

I usually try and write when I come home from work, so I shake off the day and try to rid myself of any distractions that may remain so there's nothing left pressing. This could mean cleaning the house first, eating, playing some rounds of a video game and wrestling my cat.

Then comes my routine/ritual:

Yoga mat rolled out on my floor, computer, keyboard and mouse removed from desk and placed on the floor. I have always written on the floor since I was a kid so it continues.

Energy drink beside me, electronic cigarette charged (I quitted the smokes), blinds drawn. Then a few paragraphs of whatever book I find inspiring, a few clips of a certain movie maybe (not porn), iPod beside me. Then I'm ready. I write in small doses a lot. A line here, then a "smoke", a song, then another few lines. If I get stuck, I put on the headphones, go downstairs, listen to a song, "smoke", then run back upstairs again after having been re-charged in sunlight and taking a mental break.

I've been writing a lot, but not posting here. I worked on a 50+ page story called Sex, Guns & Violence and the amount of upstairs/downstairs running was damn near a cardio workout. 😛

If I'm continuing where I left off somewhere, I have to read everything I've written from the start to get back to where I was emotionally so it flows and hopefully, no breaks are noticeable in the final polished/edited piece. If that becomes too long (like 50 pages), I read the the most parts that pack the most punch.

Also, one important thing to me is research. I will do RETARDED amounts of research to make something real to me and to that character. If I'm writing about someone who owns a gun for example, I need to know what type of gun, the mechanics of it if a certain part needs to be mentioned, how that guns fires, the type of bullets it uses, the damage it causes and whether or not it's even available in that country.

Some of that most likely won't ever even be mentioned but the process gets the wheels turning as I have all these random details I need to thread in and out of a line or passage so the creation around those details is a fun process and tends to help.

- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?

I usually only have a few hours before I legitimately have other things that need to be done so I'd say three to four. If I know for a fact I only have one or two I don't even bother as it takes me such a long time to get into that right head space that by the time I'm charged up, I can't even start before I have to stop. Given too much time, like a stretch of five or six hours with nothing to do but write I've started to recognize I can only actually write for about three to four anyway before I burn out and the writing gets lazy, the muse is exhausted or I just get really hungry and have to eat. That's when I read the work back the next day and facepalm.

- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?

Free of mind-clutter. If I'm stressed out about something, it's just not going to happen and if I'm stupid enough to press on, I'll erase all the crap the next day anyway so I've learned to not waste time. I've accepted it's impossible for me to control my muse so SHE tells me when SHE'S in the mood. I can't harness her for shit. That's just the starting point though. The actual emotional mood during writing comes from whether or not I'm really and truly rested enough to be able to handle the slipping in and out of the minds of all the characters and living through them whether it be one line or a passage, an outlook on something or a physical action.

- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?

Music. Or sometimes a picture. A friend of mine asked me to do a take on a character that pretty much belongs to him now. I'd read everything that came before but still said no because of time constraints. Then he sent me a pic of her and there's was something in her eyes that screamed at me that she wanted a story be brought to life.

- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?

I've re-written passages over a hundred times and given up. Then looked at it the next day and what should be written is as clear as sunlight. I realize now the important of being able to recognize when I'm stuck, it's time for a break no matter how long. If the piece/character wants to be written, it will be eventually. If it never gets completed, I probably wasn't that attached in the first place.

- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?

I can brainstorm with other people, sure. I've done that a lot which is new to me. But during the actual writing I need absolute solitude. Just me alone with that character or characters and their stories. I need silence to listen to them. I also tend to shut down in the middle of something and not show it or share that much detail with anyone, collaborator(s) included because at that point the story belongs to who I'm writing about. I also don't much enjoy the notion of someone else editing.

- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?

That first line. Before much of anything I can have certain scenes I'll want to see in my head and it's threading those scenes together. I need a start, a middle and an end before beginning it. But the first line dictates the whole mood, feel and rhythm of everything else to come. If I can get the first line down, it's usually pretty smooth from there. It's also something to go back to if and when I get stuck.

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?

A year maybe?

- What pulled you out of it?

Taking care of everything in life that needed to be taken care of before my muse felt relaxed enough to come out and play again.

 

[Deleted member 66627]

You guys are amazing. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Seriously.. mucho help it is.

 

[kurchatovium]

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing? Nothing I like absolute silence when I work.


- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something? Looking at nature, a sunset or the stars something along those lines


- How long do you work on a project in one sitting? Usually about 3 hours at a time.


- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why? Happy. Because I want my art to make others happy too.


- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw? Nature, The Universe, God, cute widdle animals, atoms, other scientific things


- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece? I stop and start again tomorrow or a few days later


- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around? Alone. Totally by myself. Its almost a trance like state I enter when I am working well.


- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it? Starting, I need a mindblowing inspiration.

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced? A day or two tops.


- What pulled you out of it? Rest. 🙂
__________________

 

[BlackestLily]

Mine will all be strictly from the drawing standpoint.



- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?

I listen to a huge list of music. The type of music I listen to depends on the product I'm trying to draw. If I'm drawing a sexy, seductive girl...I'll listen to that same type of music. It really helps me get into the frame of mind I need to be in.

- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?

Not much. If I really need to pump myself up for it, I think of how I want the finished product to look and I listen to LOTS of music that points me in the direction of the type of illustration I want.

- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?

Hours upon hours with lots of mini-breaks. I'll be online chatting with people while illustrating at the same time. If I need absolute concentration, I'll just work for about 6 hours in each sitting. NORMALLY though about 2-3. If I force myself, my work doesn't turn out as well.

- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?

I have to feel angry or at least emotional in some way. Raw feelings inspire me to create in dramatic ways, which in turn become what I feel are my best pieces.

- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?

When I see someone stand/pose in a certain way. When someone has an incredibly strong personality that I'm drawn too, I feel compelled to illustrate it. I prefer drawing women, so I watch them a lot more (like the voyeur pervo that I am). I also get the urge when I want to tell a story. My stories are just in pictures, not words.

- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?

I do more research, I look at reference photos, I look at artwork I aspire to have the ability to create...usually those techniques work.

- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?

I absolutely HATE drawing while other people are watching what I do. I can work around others, but I need them to leave me alone. If they do we're golden.

- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?

The basic wireframe sketches are the hardest for me. Working out anatomy of human beings, in my opinion, is one of the hardest things to draw.

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?

I have them for months at a time before I feel inspired enough to create another illustration. If I try to draw something and I'm not feeling it, it's just not going to happen. The end.

- What pulled you out of it?

I think of something I want to draw MORE than what got me stuck. Something hits me so hard, that I feel inside I HAVE to draw and record that.

 

[Dave2112]

I've been writing mostly mainstream of late and not sure when I'll get back to fetish fic...but here's what was relevant in the day, and currently with my other projects.

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?

This completely depends upon what I'm writing about and in what style. A couple of stories have even come directly from an inspiration within song lyrics. Funny thing is, when I'm writing in third person, I tend to listen to more progressive stuff...when writing in first person it's usually classic rock...and on those occasions when I delve into first person/present tense it's usually something more hardcore.


- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?

Usually nothing. I either am or I am not. If I'm not in "creative mode" there's little that will force it into play.


- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?

Usually two to four hours, depending on the project. Unusually robust creative periods have seen me finish a short story in one sitting, but I don't do that much anymore. With fetish, I could usually write a complete story in two sittings, but with the things I'm working on now there's more planning and a far more mapped approach. Plus, with a little one, you only get so much time, y'know. 🙂


- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?

There isn't a specific mood per se...but whatever mood I'm in to create what comes out of it must be intense. That's for the best works at least.


- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?

In fetish, it was mostly a way to tap into those dark little recesses of my psyche. Sometimes, I'd realize how inherently humorous our fetish really is, and went that way. I guess it all goes back to the "mood" question. With artwork, it was basically a matter of being inspired by ideas and fantasies that are illogical or unrealistic in real life.


- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?

I'll walk away from it for a day. Then, I'll reread what I have from the point-of-view of a reader, not the author. What does the reader in me want to read next? Sometimes this will happen several times, and more often than not involves at least a partial rewrite to spark the juices again.


- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?

Generally alone.


- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?

All three have special challenges for me...but if I had to pick one, I'd say starting. Things usually tend to flow rather well once I have the story rolling.

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?

A couple of years.


- What pulled you out of it?

I am honestly not sure, and I don't think anyone should worry too much about "techniques" or such to accomplish this. Creativity comes when you feel it.

 

[milagros317]

You guys are amazing. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Seriously.. mucho help it is.

You're welcome and you know that we all love you.

 

[Ishaanshah]

Well I can answer one question.

What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?

Slow music preferably instrumentals.

 

[TropicThunder]

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?

My ipod on shuffle. I listen to it all day, regardless of whether or not I'm writing because it helps keep me inside my head.

- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?

I actually can't. It just has to happen.

- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?

It depends on what it is. I've completed a story in under an hour and I also have projects that I've been working on for years. My writing can stay unfinished for all eternity, but an incomplete drawing or sketch drives me mad.

- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?

with writing, my best work often stems from negative feelings. Frustration, anger, sadness. I don't like it, because I'm generally a positive person. I'd like to somehow express that part of myself.

- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?

People. Often it'll just be someone who's features I know I can really try and capture.

With my writing, stories just create themselves inside my head. Usually just a key scene or two, and I have to build the rest of the story around it. I have a really frustrating time with character building.

- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?

Leave it. Move onto something else and sleep on it. I'm currently stuck in the middle of several pieces.

- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?

I can deal with other people being around, as long as they don't try to impose or offer suggestion. It makes me doubt my ideas.

- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?

The most frustrating thing for me is the fact that I start somewhere random. Maybe in the middle, or I turn it into a beginning or the end later on. I start somewhere and I build around it. I can start with one sentence and spend months adding words and descriptives.

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?

4-5 years. I spent those years with someone who consistently told me that my writing and drawing were a waste of time, a waste of my life. Stupidly enough, I started to believe him.

- What pulled you out of it?

Getting far away from said person, and being encouraged by those around me now.

 

[T.O. Guy]

I have very recently started writing a lot again after a year long absence.... so I thought I'd chime in.....

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?

I usually try and listen to something that I can ignore, but enjoy... tends to be softer stuff that wont distract me.


- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?

I've always found that I hafta be IN IT.... can't force it..


- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?

Until I feel stalted... I hate forcing it.... sometimes I'll write for 4-5 hours.... sometimes 20-30 mins.....


- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?

I have always written the best when I'm really angry or upset about something.... when you are passionate about something it makes it easier to write about, methinks...

- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?

back in the day it was broken hearts and girls.... nowadays it is more when I have strong feelings/opinions about something or sometimes something just "hits" me...


- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?

Come back to it.... I edit the crap out of my work anyways, so getting stuck in the middle just allows me to come back, read what I've written and make sure I'm happy with the direction it's headed....


- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?

alone...


- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?

Ending it.... I always wanna end it with a bang so I will torture myself writing and re-writing the end until I think it "pops" enough...

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?

the last year.... Hadn't written a thing in a year until a week ago... thank god...


- What pulled you out of it?

Someone read some of my old stuff and asked me to contribute to his website... kicked me in the arse....


Hope this has helped....

 

[Snail Shell]

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?

Whatever. Music. Hockey game. Nothing. IM. Cartoons.


- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?

Quiet evening at home? Go be productive you lazy dog!


- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?

Until it's done. One straight week one time.


- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?

Calm. Anger disrupts the steady hand.


- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?

Other people's works.


- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?

Set it down for a while and come back to it. If I set it down, it usually means I'm unhappy with it. If I think I can fix it, terrific. If not, start over or let the idea go.


- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?

Solitary.


- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?

Start. Once pencils are done, it snowballs like a well-rolled katamari.

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?

Since February, but that's because I still don't have Photoshop.


- What pulled you out of it?

Getting Photoshop will pull me out of it nicely.

SS

 

[Bohemianne]

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?
Rock, Metal or Classical music

- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?
Nothing. All I need is time, hemisphere and fists.

- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?
It depends.

- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?
Either relaxed or under extreme pressure.

- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?
The core.

- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?
Coffee. Otherwise, I simply lick my dentils.

- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?
Both. Just no smoking please.

- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?
There are always complex things…

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?
Being over indulged with many activities eat me alive.

- What pulled you out of it?
passion, (creative) warfare and demand

 

[Soda Bobinski]

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?

Music mostly , but sometimes I'll have the TV or radio on when I'm drawin'.

- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?

Flipping through comic books or magazines/books featuring comic art will usually do the trick.

Watching certain movies'll work sometimes , too.

- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?

These days , I'll usually work in spurts of a couple hours or so. I don't seem to have the time to work on anything for hours on end anymore.

- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?

I hate to say it , but I think I do some of my better stuff when I'm up against a deadline.

Which is weird , 'cause when facing one , I don't really feel all that "comfortable". I hate the feeling of having to complete something by a specified time ; but when there is no deadline , I tend to procrastinate like a muthafucka.

So while I don't prefer it , I guess I hafta say that I work best when I'mmmmm ... pressed.

- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?

There are a TON of comic book artists whose stuff inspire me. Guys like John Romita & John Romita Jr. , Art Adams , Ryan Ottley , Joe Madureira , John Buscema , Sean Galloway , Ed McGuiness , Steve Dillon , Dave Gibbons , & Jim Cheung ... just to name a few.

When I see the work of artists I like , I kinda get a bit amped to do my own thang.

And again ... if I see a cool movie or television program , that'll sometimes prompt me to pick up a pencil & sketch some shit.

- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?

I guess I just kinda sit & stare at it for awhile. If I remain 'stuck' , then I'll take a break from it for a spell & maybe start working on something else.

- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?

I can do some half-assed , silly stuff while other people are around ; but that's not really my thing. I totally prefer working when I'm alone.

- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?

lol Yes. All of that.

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?

There was a period after I graduated high school where I didn't do all that much drawing. I never completely stopped drawing , but my output wasn't what it used to be.

Eventually , I began getting back into my work a bit more.

- What pulled you out of it?

Heh. I don't know if I completely am.

I mean , there are times when I do draw a lot , but I don't feel I'm very consistent w/it ... especially during when the weather's nice.

I eventually wanna get to a place where I'm drawing every day ... or just about every day.

 

[Jagermeistered]

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?
Heavy rock/metal music, to keep me in my zone.


- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?
I'm directing and producing a movie.


- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?
I try to stay within a fifteen minute time frame. Tunnel vision sometimes is non-productive to the more important things in life.


- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?
Carefree... Otherwise, the work is not truly honest. In my opinion.


- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?
A fantasy or an argument...


- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?
Take a break: Re-read and go over my mental notes.

- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?
Both

- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?
The end

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?
Four months due to laziness, or other events happening.


- What pulled you out of it?
My passion

 

[Saeria]

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?
I have a few standard songs I like to help me think : Malmsteen's "Icarus Dream Fanfare" with the Japanese Philharmonic Orchestra, All of Yes's "topographic Oceans", Sometimes Jonsi and Alex "Daniell in the Sea".

- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?
wake up.. I'm stuck in that mode pretty much always

- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?
I once worked on a painting for 29 hours straight.. I finished Tarik after a 3 day writing (boozing) bender..


- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why? It depends on what I'm doing, but I guess it helps if I'm not distracted by some anxiety


- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?
Clouds, Dreams, memories, smells, photographs, Sensations, daydreams, certain sounds.. can I just say everythng?


- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?
I'm cyclic in creating things, If I get stuck while writing something, I'll usually go through a period of painting, or if I can't seem to paint anymore I'll get to writing piano pieces, if I can't seem to make decent noises then I go back to writing

- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?
It depends on what I'm doing and who is around me, some act as my muse, while others distract me

- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it? Ending it, I always want my projects to last forever.

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?
4 years


- What pulled you out of it?
Feeling as if what I created mattered at least to one person.

 

[chicago]

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?

Something that relates to how I'm feeling at the moment. When I wrote some of my better, gritty stuff I was listening to a lot of Tom Waits and reading a lot of Charles Bukowski.

- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?

I try to read a book by an author I admire. Cormac McCarthy, Hemingway, Bukowski. It tends to jump start the creativity.


- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?

Everything I've written has been something I've done in one sitting. Things like album reviews and such can take me up to a week because I can't put as much of myself into them. When I write, I feel like I have to write until the urge passes and once it does, I usually have something pretty good on paper, but I can't leave something to finish it later. I've done that a million times and not once have I gone back to it.


- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?

I tend to write the best when things are really going downhill for me. I guess when I'm happy, I'm just too busy being in a good mood to write anything down. Negative feelings are one I can just describe better, make them seem almost tangible to the reader. I haven't been able to do that as effectively with happy shit.

- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?

Life and books mostly.


- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?

I save it and tell myself I might use it or come back to it, but that never really happens for me. I have a lot of stuff that has been lying incomplete for years.


- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?

I always wanted to write something where the piece was broken up between two authors. I think the juxtaposition of two different styles could be really awesome.


- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?

Beginning is always the hardest part, but once I start, I just let it take me wherever it's going.

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?

Feels like it's been a good three years, but I was writing a lot back then. I don't think I could churn out that amount of content these days. I have done a few pretty good things since then though.


- What pulled you out of it?

Feeling like I had something to write about, feeling like I had someone that wanted to read it, and sheer will. The thing about writing is even when you don't feel that creative high to scribble until your hand hurts, you have to write. Everyday, you should write something, even if it's garbage. It gets you back in the habit of doing it and exercises that part of your brain that allows you to come up with stuff. I've heard that all my life anyway and I tend to do it for a few weeks and then stop, but it'd probably work if I ever gave it a chance.

 

[JJB]

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?

There's always some type of music playing. I live right downtown in the middle of the city, so I'm not accustomed to peace and quiet. The same applies to my writing and editing. I need noise, and great music tends to fill that void.

- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?

I'm always there. I have enough ideas flowing through my mind, so I don't need anything to jumpstart me. Wake me up in the middle of the night (even though I'm up all night) and I'm ready to rock.

- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?

It depends what's required, what the subject matter is, and most importantly, how much I'm paid for it. I've worked 24 hours straight on a project before. A 16-hour day is normal sometimes when I get in the groove of writing and editing.

- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?

There's no set mood; I don't get upset by external influences or get bummed out about something that would interrupt me from writing and editing.

- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?

Money. Remembering what it was like years ago when I had none of it and was at rock bottom. Happiness that I can do this for a living and look out my window or watch from my balcony at everybody walking/driving/biking to the rat race and remembering what that was like. It's nice avoiding rush hour traffic, business wear (especially with a heat index of 123 like last week), boring office environments, mundane 9-to-5 schedules, and not being allowed to do more or work harder (and earn more) when innovation was required. Leaving the corporate world behind a few years ago was the best decision I ever made, especially financially.

The few times I do feel a little bit tired and need a "push" to finish something or start a new project, I just tell myself that if I don't do it, somebody else will, and they'll get the credit, accolades (and money) that I want, so that usually gives me a little push to get it done so I can have that myself.

- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?

Move onto another piece. I never lose momentum.

- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?

I work from "home" so it's usually alone, but I have no problem writing or editing a project in the middle of a busy shopping mall (like the Mall of America), which I've done many times.

- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?

None really. It's easy to get in that groove. Like I said before, if I don't, somebody else will, and I want it to be me.

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?

None really. While it seems like "writer's block" is a norm for most writers, I don't experience that since I'm writing or editing multiple assignments on a variety of topics. The inspiration all flows together, so if one topic is lacking, it doesn't last long since the excess inspiration from another will pour over into that one.

- What pulled you out of it?

Big paychecks. 😉

 

[Kunzite]

I thought I might share my thoughts on this:

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?
I really need silence to actually write, although sometimes I find it helps to have an inspirational song running through my head. Having some folk metal in my head is a great way to be inspired without being distracted.

- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?
I actually like to walk. I compose sentences while I'm walking outside, and when I think I have enough, I hurry back to the computer and write it all down. Hey, it works for me.

- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?
I would say at most an hour, sometimes considerably less. Most of what I write is put together in small pieces over a long period of time.

- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?
I generally find that I write the tickling and non-tickling parts of my stories separately. It's hard to name the moods, but you know when you're ready.

- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?
Favorite novels, poetry, and classic/folk metal all play a big part in what I write.

- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?
Stop for the day. You can't force it, and there's always tomorrow.

- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?
Totally alone. I don't even like other people in sight when I compose.

- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?
I'd say ending it, because I put off the scenes I'm most hesitant to write until the end.

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?
I get an awful lot of those. More than a year.

- What pulled you out of it?
I think one day you just remember how much fun it was to create, and you give it another shot.

 

[Aimee]

Seeing as I am not much of a writer, all of my answers will be about art only.

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?
This varies. It's not like one certain song / TV Show / Movie / Play or what have you can get me into the mood to draw.
Really I could be in any setting, it's if I am in the mood that matters the most.
That's why it is great for drawing--I can go to the park or the zoo and draw and nothing would really bother me because I am in my own world pretty much.
My co-worker usually gets mad at me at work, because on the weekends she will want to talk to me, and I will start to draw and just tune out everything around me.

- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?
Usually something just clicks. Sometimes out of nowhere, too.
But when I really want to create something, having the right tools around me makes me really get into it.
I can't tell you how many times I've been drawing and had no eraser available. To me, that is frustrating, and can put me out of the right mindset to even continue with the piece.
There have definitely been days where I'll crumple something up, throw it away, and say, "It's just not a good drawing day." It happens.

- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?
A quick sketch can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours... however if I am really into the piece I can sit there for hours without even realizing it.
If it takes more than that I usually get bored with it, or find something I don't like about it, and just stop. I have tons of stuff sitting half finished. It's ridiculous--but I can't just force a piece to be good. It has to come naturally.

- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?
Stress-free mood.
If I am sitting at home and there are dirty plates or what have you laying around I can't concentrate.
Also, I like to work alone because I don't feel like I am being judged before the artwork is even finished.
Art school was horrible for my artwork. Projects having to be done in a certain time-with a certain element-ugh! It was horrible. The worst was drawing class..
Picture this: It's drawing class. Still life. (Sometimes it was a set-up of random items, and sometimes it was a nude model.) We are all sitting in a circle. Subject/item is in center. Start drawing. The teacher walks around. Keeps walking around. Stops. Stands behind you for a few minutes-watching you draw. Stops you. Tells you are doing it wrong. Takes over. Then you are forced to start over with his method of how to correctly draw it. He continues walking. Stops at another person-but they are doing it the way he likes-so he says: "Come look at this drawing. This is what I am talking about."
It.Was.Horrible.

- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?
Mainly it's just the idea in my head of my next piece and thinking of different ways to enhance, or what to add to it, or how to paint / draw it.
Finding the picture I want to draw...and the type of action going on...is what really makes me want to draw it. I love to see how closely I can match the drawing. I am very much, these days, into realistic.

- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?
If I get stuck-I'm done.
It has got to flow. The entire time.

- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?
I prefer working alone, but it doesn't mean I can't create with other people around.
As I mentioned before--it's not so much the environment, but more the mood I am in when I go to start drawing.

- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?
Ending it. Definitely ending it.
I can get so fed up with a piece right in the middle and just give up on it.
It's actually rare that I finish a drawing and actually like it.
I think that's why it was so hard for me in art school because I knew I was turning in projects that were half-assed.

- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?
2 years.
After I left CCAD I didn't touch any type of art for the longest time.
My heart just wasn't into it. I felt like CCAD took away the freedom I always felt when I was drawing. It took me a while to get it back.

- What pulled you out of it?
Art will always find it's way back to me. It's a part of me.
As to what it is that brings me back? It could be anything, really.
Seeing artwork from others is a big motivational thing for me because it makes me want to draw something that I am proud of, too.

 

[thetmfobserver]

- What do you listen to while you are writing/drawing?

I can't have anything on in the background when I'm writing. I'm WAY too distract-able for that.


- What do you do to help get yourself in the mindset to create something?

Generally, I need an idea before I can sit and write for any length of time. If I try to write without an idea, I basically wind up typing a grocery list.


- How long do you work on a project in one sitting?

Ideally, I work on a piece until it's done, or until I am interrupted. However, after an hour or so, I'm usually burnt out, and need a break.


- What mood do you have that you feel most comfortable in to create some of your best work? Why?

This sounds corny, but I need to feel inspired by the idea. If a really good story premise has hit me, I feel like I can really get into it. Otherwise, I'm stagnant.


- What are some inspirations that give you an urge to write/draw?

Truthfully, most of my inspirations have come either as I'm falling asleep, or when I'm out in the world just sitting around and observing. Yesterday, on my way out of the grocery store, I saw a woman dressed in a tight white tank top, black skirt, and a neck brace. To me, she looked like a stripper, then I thought of how hilarious it would be to see a stripper in a neck brace. Sometime soon, I'll expand on that premise.


- What do you do if you get stuck in the middle of a piece?

Either take a walk around, or muddle through it. I'm a poor editor, and I want to improve on it, but usually I just try to get something written.


- Do you prefer working completely alone, or are you able to create with other people around?

Completely, 100% alone, mostly because my writing is usually inappropriate for some viewers.


- What is the hardest part of a project for you; Starting, Middle work, or Ending it?

Ending and editing.


- What's the longest 'dry spell' you've experienced?


I've gone a year or so without writing more than a paragraph at a time.


- What pulled you out of it?

The right idea to motivate me.