=Manip-Equips has chosen to open the year with ~MelyannaM and give you an exclusive interview with this incredibly talented artist.
Her gallery is so varied and unique there's no wonder why we chose her to be =Manip-Equips' January Featured Artist.
here is some of her work:



Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Milica Acimovic (the trick is that it's read like Militza ), but people usually call me just Mili I am 22 years old girl from Belgrade (Serbia) and a student of Spanish language and literature. My hobbies are digital photomanipulating and painting as well as ice skating and swimming. If I wasn't a student of Spanish language I'd definitely try some designers' school, but in my country that is quite expensive. I have a big family, my mum, dad 2 brothers and a dog There are plenty of stuff I could tell but this should be enough I think

How did your art influence your life?
In many ways: As a Libra, I love to surround my self with beauty = art. It is a way of (self)expression, a unique way of communication so it influences my life everyday. Visual arts or music or whatever art there is.

You're 22 years old, do you wish to pursue a career in your art?
Yes I would really like that. From time to time, there are some freelance projects but it's not the same as a real art career. It would be such a thrill! But, we'll see. Time will tell.

What are your future goals?
As for now, I'm focused on my studies. It is tough when your heart is in art, and mind in some other work that is not as interesting as creating an imaging, but I love my studies and I plan to finish them soon.

Why, when and how did you start creating digital art?
I found digital art quite late, in 2004. A friend of mine referred me to deviantArt and it was like a discovery for me. I saw what people can do with images, and that's when I fell in love with photomanipulation. The works of other artists inspired me to create something similar. And I realized that technique is not always as important as the ideas.

There are so many different pieces in your gallery, what inspires you?
It's true. There are some quite different pieces and styles in them that I can't explain. I guess it's just a matter of my current mood. I find inspiration in the people and things that surrounds me and often, my works reflect some of my personal philosophy about things.

You're an incredibly talented artist, what's the next step for you art-wise?
Wow, thanks. I have to say that I still have much to learn. My next step would be learning more about the techniques so I could express my ideas better. And time, I need time for creating and often I don't have it at all.

How would you define your style?
I still can't define it. It goes from some fantasy to gothic creations, swinging from one side to another. Maybe one day I could define it with one word.

Of all the pieces in your gallery, which is your favourite and is there a special story attached to it?
My Plague (Dec. 2004) is definitely one of my favourites.

Of course there is Portrait of an Ivy

And some personal pieces that are, I believe, important only to me.

I see all your gallery is of digital art, do you use different form of arts, or wish to start?
I'm really not sure. I like digital art since it doesn't take too much of my space if you know what I mean, and it's much easier to correct errors while creating, comparing to traditional art. Then again, time will tell.

What's your favourite tool to work with and how did you learn using it?
I mainly use Adobe Photoshop and my wacom tablet, an old one that really needs to be replaced soon, lol, sometimes the good ol' mouse is just enough. When I like to experiment more, I use Corel Painter which is a really powerful program, but I use that one when I paint. Photoshop is for my manipulations, and I use it most.

When it comes to stock photos, do you use any and what do you look for in a stock photo?
Of course! Stock photos are very important in my case. And what I look for in a stock photo is: high quality and the feeling it transmits.

From your own experience, could you give us some tips about photo manipulation?
Tough to be said shortly but I'll try. A good photomanipulation is one that leaves you thinking about where the photo ends and your work starts. You should know a lot about the program in which you work. Also, don't let the effects you used be obvious- that way the magic disappears.

What advice do you have for a beginner?
Never give up and work, work, work! Practice makes it better, of course. And, no matter how talented you are, it's all about work.

Who are your favourite artists around dA?
Wow, I can't even start answering that question! There are so many artists that I admire, traditional or digital, photographers or writers, fantasy or macabre...The list is big. I just can't nominate couple of them and leave out others.

Fair enough. Thank you for your time to answer all my questions, is there anything you would like to add?
Of course, Happy New Year!!!

Thanks to ~MelyannaM for taking the time to take this interview with us and sharing her experience with us.

Interview taken by: =zuzu123
Previous Interviews:
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