Costi is one of the most amazing fractal artists on DA. His work is filled with precision and his use of gradients is always eye-catching. Anna and I decided to interview Costi because of the wonderful art he creates that inspire us all. Please visit his gallery, when you do, you will be very impressed at the outstanding artwork you will discover in it.

1. How long have you been doing art, particularly your fractal-art?
Since March 2007, which means that I'm making fractals roughly for about 6 months.

2. What, or who, got you started and influenced your work?
My dear cousin Vulcie brought me to dA after she has opened an account here. At first, I did nothing, except browsing through galleries. But then, one day I had broken my leg and was stuck at home. It was a real nightmare, both for me and for my poor relatives who had to deal with me and my... temperament. As Vulcie said, the day spend taking care of me is enough to try the patience of a saint. He he he.. So, when she had enough she told me that I should try to do something else than pissing her off and she convinced me that making fractals could be an interesting thing to do... And that's how I started my friendship with fractals.


3. Do you have any formal training as an artist?
No.

4. What software do you normally use?
Ultra Fractal and Photoshop Elements for post work.

5. Do you have a preference for the type of picture you like to create?
Yes, I do. I like to use very bright colors and make everything as shiny as possible.

6. Can you give a brief overview of the techniques you use?
I'm afraid it'll be hard. because of the medium I use, but I'll try. I always make as many layers as I can and then play with them, change the opacity, gradients, coloring methods and so on. Throw out what I feel is unnecessary, add textures, play with frames, masks and that's all.

7. What sort of things inspire your artwork?
Beautiful art that I can find on dA while browsing through galleries. It doesn't matter to me how you did it, the thing that matter is how much I liked it.

8. Could you pick out 3 of your most favorite images from your gallery and explain why you partiularly like them?

They're my favourite fractals, because I've achieved what I was looking for.

9. Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
Remember that you are what you make yourself. Don't be afraid of what you do and even if your pictures are creepy and look horrible that's fine. You don't make mistakes, you just make something in your style, and your style is unique. But don't forget that you can always improve your skills. The more art you make, the better it becomes. Experiment. Have fun


10. Do you have any future plans for diversifying your artwork?
Yes, I'd like to still improve my knowledge of Ultra-Fractal and if I'll find enough patience (I'm very impulsive, short-tempered guy) I'd like to learn how to make vectors, because that's kind of art that fascinates me lately.

11. Is there anything else you'd like to add about what you do? (Feel free to give links etc. where appropriate!)
I'd like to thank Vulcie =vulcania for translating my answers and for that she never gives up. If not her good influence, bright spirit and incredible patience, I wouldn't be here.

I'd like to thank my awesome supporters, especially Ewa =silwenka with whom I love to talk to ~ARomanov *irndit ~laarth - thank you! And big thanks to all my watchers, you're all very precious to me! Go and check their galleries [link]

Also, I'd like to thank you, Anna and Deb for the interview. It was a real pleasure to answer to your questions.

Here are but a small glimpse of the fractals you will discover in his gallery: