Hi, my name is Matt. I'm 23, and I hail from the cheese filled state of Wisconsin but I currently reside somewhere outside good ol’ Chi-town. During the day I'm a design engineer, by night I draw.

Oh man. Cartoons started as far back as I can remember. It ranged from Voltron to The Super Mario Bros. Super Show, and everything in between. If it had a giant robot or a video game star in it, I was there. They have always been an inspiration to what and how I draw. Comics didn't start so early though. I didn't get into those until the fourth grade. The first comic I ever read was the X-Men. It was love at first sight. Notebooks, desks, and the inside of my locker were covered in Wolverine and Cyclops doodles. Yes, I got in trouble for it but I think it was definitely worth it.

Inspirations. There are many, but how do I decide. I could be cliche and say Joe Madureria like everyone and their mother, but I won't say that. I like artists who are heavy on the dark patches of ink. Examples include Michael Avon Oeming, Jim Mahfood, Doug Tennapel, Mike Mignola, and others. I'm also inspired by music and people around me. If I'm trying to draw something angry (Hulk for example) I'll listen to some death metal. If I'm drawing something cute (like froggies, or babies) I'll listen to some Incubus or Cake. I find it easier to draw when I have good friends over for a visit, or I see other artists drawing. That’s where people come in.

I wouldn't say that I have one specifically. Initially I'll draw with pencils, and ink with pigmas. For a while I would color with colored pencils. Not many of the pieces in my gallery are done that way. In fact I think there are only 2 of them. Anyway, if I don't like the way my inks turn out I'll use the pen tool in Photoshop to go over my drawing. Ever since I learned how to use Photoshop I’ve used it to color. It’s cleaner than colored pencils, crayons, paint, etc... Also Photoshop doesn't run out. I don't have to go to the store to replace it if it gets used up.

I studied at the Illinois Institute of Art, Schaumburg. It’s a small school, but I wouldn't know half the stuff I know today if I hadn’t attended. I majored in Media Arts and Animation (oddly enough I don't animate very often) and I minored in Fine Arts. I met a lot of friends there and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world.

I've had many a job but now I work for Cannon Fire Protection. I'm a design engineer. In short, I draw out floor plans for built or soon to be built areas, lay out pipes and sprinkler heads so that the shop guys can install it all with accurate measurements. It’s boring but it pays nicely. I do commission work frequently for people looking for t-shirt designs, album covers, or renditions of their favorite characters in my style.

Practice a lot. There’s nothing worse than rejection for a stupid mistake. Practice will help you get comfortable with your trade. Get to the point of doing 3-5 pieces a day and it will do wonders.

I really want to get into character design for video games. I've been so close so many times with different companies but to no avail. One day I will find the place that wants me. Until then, I will keep building my portfolio.

My proudest moment may not be huge to some people, but it was a big deal to me. I got some of my artwork on the ever popular "Adult Swim" during my favorite cartoon show of all time, "The Venture Bros". It was on the air for a total of fifteen seconds but it will remain as the moment that I was good enough to impress Adult Swim.

I'd like to own my own house one day. It’s the ultimate achievement next to having a family.

I found DA through a message board that my old school made. It was called X-4Artists. It was one of the coolest boards I have ever been on, but it was shut down about 3 years ago for reasons I was never told about. When it was still up a lot of people hosted their images on here. When I would click on their art it would link to here. I needed a place to put up my art to post on X-4 so I started an account here and the rest is history.

It’s been rather amusing. I love it here. I get to make online friends and I get to share my art with other great artist. Much like anything in the world it has its downs too. Sometimes it’s slow, sometimes it goes in to read-only-mode when I want to submit something, but all in all a wonderful community to hang out in.

Anything that truly catches my eye. It could be a piece with brilliant colors or it could be something that displays characters with odd anatomy. I also love fanart. I enjoy pieces that have characters I grew up with. It gives me that nostalgic feeling that can only be achieved by remembering your childhood.

I'm definitely up for any commission, any character design that anyone wants. My terms and conditions can be found in my journal sub-heading.

Don't be afraid to take breaks from your art. I found that if you force yourself to draw when you don't want to, you'll end up making things you don't like. Everyone needs a vacation once in a while. The paper and pencils will still be there when you get back.