Hey there everybody, how you all doing ?
Today we're again interviewing another Digital Painter, she is absolutely amazing, so talented and so kind !
By the way, I would like to say thank you very much to all of you ! Your support is amazing, and thanks to each and everyone of you that my articles !
So as I was saying, this girl is talented, she is gret a friends with two other person I interviewed ealier on ... She is the one and the only ...

Enjoy the read !

What is your name ?
Marissa Rivera

What is your alias and why you choose it ?
PearlPhoenix - I chose this name based on two inspirations. One, I love the concept of the phoenix. It is depicted as a beautiful fire bird but on a rare occasion do I see it accompanied by colorful feathers. Aside from the looks, the concept of dying then being reborn is like a reflection of my own life.
I have quite a thing for Pearls and "orbs". The white surfaces of such gems captures the atmosphere colors, creating a multicolor goodness and eye candy. So there you have it, I combined Pearl and Phoenix.
As you can see, my name creation is not as lame as...`adonihs .... kidding...

Tell us a bit about yourself Marissa?
Well, let's see... I’m rather shy in person. It takes me a while to open up and socialize. I love animals, dinosaurs, Science Fiction, Fantasy, video games...and of course art...I also love anatomy! I do have an interest in Astronomy and Physics (except for the math bit). If I want to research into a topic that grabs my interest, I will buy a book on that. I obsess with knowledge, knowing more can inspire new amd improved ideas for my art. I've created many stories in my head, thanks to the inspirations coming from movies and video games. It was my hobby to draw mini comics, depicting these stories. Today, I feel this hobby is now my dream goal. I've been constructing a story in my head for years... Hopefully, one day I'll finish it.



Do you get loads of support from family/friends?
Totally! My family is rather proud of me. They even brag about me and show off my art to their friends, colleagues and any other acquaintances. Keith (my boyfriend) never let me down. He fully supports me, especially when I'm doubtful of my abilities. My father (God rest his soul) wanted me to become an artist, thus following the path he intended for me.
I am grateful for the friends I have. They push me to do better and listen when I need to let out some steam. Angela *Nerversis, Reid *Rahll, Danny `adonihs and Guillermo ~Sake906, I love you guys, you are all awesome <3

Have you done any previous studies before getting yourself into Digital Art?
Not so much, wish I had gone to an art school instead. Art was a hobby throughout my life. I suffered major art blocks and gave up too easily during my teen years. A year after graduating High School, I forced myself into art and never looked back. That was when I started up digital art.

How long does it take you to get into the feel of creating something new and stunning?
Depends. Can take hours, days, weeks or months. You have to keep in mind that confidence can be an issue. When there's a lack of confidence, an image will not be finished. Too many times, I've encountered this.



Do you plan your images before doing them, or make them up on the spot ?
That depends on two things. If it is going to be a complex piece of art or if it’s just to let out my emotions. When perspective is an issue and needs to be done right, I will plan it. Ideas can flood its way through in the middle of the creation process once everything is in place. When I'm creating a quick painting (or speed painting) I am letting the ideas constantly flow out of my head. There's so much more freedom and fun when I don't plan.

What does your work represent to you?
My dreams, life experiences, imaginary world, stories and emotions. I have a couple of images depicting scenes from my graphic novel but they can also relate to what I am feeling or have experienced.

A lot of your work are rather dark, and fantasy creature? Have a special "thing" for them or you just find them easy?
It's never easy ...
I do have a special thing for them. They are capable of representing the human emotion. A lot of these emotions are fear, grudges, weakness or on the contrast…hope, forgiveness, strength...



Who will be your favourite artist at this moment ?
John Kearney

How do you respond to change in trends in this "digital" world ?
I'm not a big fan of trends.... I feel much more accomplished when I can try to make up something of my own. I'm aware that nobody is 100% original, not even I am. Inspiration is great energy, when done well.

So where is your working place, in an office at home ? Once you're finished with your pieces where would you post them ?
-Home, like a loser. Hi Danny and Reid

I post at too many websites...
Here
my own website : [link]
CGHUB : [link]
IT'S ART
Renderosity
Art Squared
My blogspot : [link] needs more updating
LiveJournal - I post here a lot : [link]
MySpace (UGH) : [link]
ImagineFX
I ...think that's it...



What software do you use and what is your favourite tool ?
Photoshop....the paint brush

Is there any tips for other Digital Painter or Illustrator you would like to share ?
It's been said many times already, so I'll throw in my support. Start with the basics, the pencil and paper. Traditional art is very important. It will discipline you since there is no "undo" button or special tools like Dodge and Burn. Look up Andrew Loomis. His books are free for the public to view and thank God for that. He teaches everything, composition, perspective, shading, planes, anatomy, color theory, etc. I would also advise to buy art books, from master painters to tutorials to eye candy...Not only will you be motivated but inspired as well.
Reference books are great too
Let's not forget the importance of observation. If you do not observe and study anatomy, how can you draw an animal or human being with confidence? If you do not know how sun light will affect a shiny surface, how can you depict it well? When you go out, be more aware of your surroundings...I'm a dork like that. You will find me inspecting the area around me, studying the angles, details, perspective...and people! I also study the colors and atmosphere.
Lastly, do not give up and don't be stubborn. Be open minded and think realistically. You're not going to learn to draw like a master within a few months, it takes time, practice, patience and potential. This especially goes to those who want a serious art career or if you're selling art. Keep challening yourself, it does nto hurt to try out some new things.

Do you work with commission, if so is it enough to make a living out of ?
Yes and No. Selling art is not enough for me. You need to work in the industry for that.
Freelance can be hard to achieve.



So we see, that you are great friends with 2 really well known artist, Reid *Rahll and Dan `adonihs. Feeling privileged or did you know them since the start?
No, I feel unlucky. They are bastards and all they do is mock my sad face
Joking aside, I did not know them from the start...but I'm glad to have met them. I watched Reid first when I saw his gallery...then I noticed his rant about Daily Deviations (LOL). I don't know what it is, but it's like I have a beacon for knowing how people are like, in a way. I knew from that moment he is an outspoken individual who concerns himself with the lives of others. He’s a good person, trust me. He also has long hair.
He then told Danny about me (Danny referred to me as "that chick with the face?" because of my avatar), so I started talking to him (and I hate to admit but I was scared of him :< ). I saw one side of Danny, a scary one that can rip your ass a new hole. As funny as that seems, it's true, he's a Call of Duty maniac. Ahem...but I got to know how he really was like. I have to say, despite how many people think he's a pompous jackass, he's not. Ignorance is a sad thing....

Can you put yourself, in front of these two and any response you would like to add, to Dan's sweet words about you ?
Haha...funny question. I don't really feel unworthy or mediocre around them, despite I'm very hard on myself...they are there to kick me in the ass when I feel down about my artwork. I'm not allowed to feel down, I just might earn a new bruise .
Danny's words really touched my heart, as cheesy as that seems, I'm being serious. I am not the most confident person in the world, so his words really brighten my day. I do hope to work with him too (So yes, I accept your proposal Danny ). It would not only be a privilege but friendship wise? I think it’s awesome working with friends. The atmosphere feels much more comfortable, we understand each other's views, ideas and communicate well with criticism. He’s a great guy, with a positive attitude and always wanting to help others.
That reminds me, I need to get into this buisness, before Danny kidnaps my hamster

Do you usually have a message to send through your work ?
Yes. My life experiences, my feelings and to have a sense of hope. I know, not a lot of my images have a positive influence, but there are several that try to convey a moral value…not as much for others but for the self. There’s a great need to aid those in need…but you should care about yourself too.



What is your opinion about people thinking a tablet will make their work better, especially on the Cintiq side ?
The Cintiq and tablet, unfortunately, does not grant you talent . It does not give you magical powers to create the most amazing piece of work ever. It's just a tool, a very good and pricey tool. I've seen people work wonders with the mouse and that makes me want to stab myself in the eye.
I use a Cintiq because I'm accustomed to seeing what I draw on a surface. There are other artists who feel more comfortable drawing on a regular tablet with no LCD screen. That's ok! I think beginners should spend their money on a less pricey tablet to get a feel of digital art first. Investing in a very expensive Cintiq can backfire if you later realize art is not for you. You purchase a Cintiq if you are experienced and very serious about an art career.

What would be your casual routine like ?
Wake up, eat, work out, draw, chitchat, draw or play a video game (must…kill…more…zombies…in…L4D), eat, feed hamster, draw, read, sleep. Can’t really say repeat, you just never know what might happen D:

What are your other hobbies, when you're not drawing or sketching ?
Amazingly, I read! I say this because I used to hate reading… I also love to watch TV shows
such as Fringe and The Shield which just ended in the most depressing way ever...
Then I have Lost to look forward to. I still gotta catch up with House before Reid kills me.

What is your ultimate goal in Digital Art ?
To be a kick ass artist, to inspire people and help them come up to this level. To ...pretty much enjoy this life of art without the frustrations and lack of confidence.
I think frustrations will always haunt me, as I keep challenging myself into new horizons.

Where does your Inspiration source come from ?
First off, my Dad who is resting in peace. Two things that taught me to never give up from him.

1. He told me how he hated Math. He could not figure it out. One day, he threw out the stubbornness and pushed himself into learning the material. After all the practices, he became a pro at mathematics and a technician. His math skills were vital to his job; he also did some carpentry on his own time. I admired how he overcame his weakness in a subject I still hate today... lol. Although, his efforts inspired me to pick up on my art.
2. His dream. [link] "He had a dream about walking into the forest, leaving behind his troubles, until he saw a beast. This beast was holding within its grasp...a beautiful bird...the bird you see depicted here. He quickly snatched the bird away from the monster, but strangely, it never retaliated...only submit to defeat. My dad then ran off with the bird, held it tightly, away from people who kept begging to buy this beautiful creature.



Symbolism. The beast was his old, painful life. The bird was his new life, like a phoenix, reborn"

Others
-Movies such as Event Horizon and The Fifth Element
-Video games such as Ecco the Dolphin, Final Fantasy, Panzer Dragoon, WipeOut, Breath of Fire, MechWarrior
-Music…I’ll leave that to the music question
-Fantasy and Science Fiction Art - Good examples are Targete, Daniel Conway (Arcipello),
-John Kearney, Jason Chan and Andrew Jones.

As for old masters, I always had a fascination for Vincent Van Gogh and Da Vinci's wonderful anatomy studies.

What would your top 5 tips be for anyone that is starting to Paint or Illustrate ?
1. Don't give up
2. Get rid of the inflated ego and take criticism.
3. Study traditional art, it will help improve your digital art
4. Please...study...anatomy....PLEASE. Your "awesome" digital coloring will not cover the flawed drawing! Drawing skill is a must.
5. Look up to the masters and professionals. Observe how they work and their techniques. Observe MANY techniques; find which one is for you.

What do you think of today's Digital Arts levels and amount of work ?
Words cannot describe, I think my reaction is better suited for this.“....Holy shit…” “GOD DAMN” “I suck…”

LOL

You have achieved 1 Daily Deviation, how do you feel ?
Grateful I'm happy a lot of people liked that piece. All thanks to *thegirlinthebigbox for suggesting the DD <3



What type of music do you listen to ?
A variety as long as it is not Country, rap, reggae, or old school...stuff...
Trance, Rock (alternative, gothic, some metal), Techno, Epic, video game music, Dance and electronica.

What is your gear like ?
-Got a Cintiq 12wx
-HP scanner
-Gateway (vomit) computer

All in this picture [link]
studio art desk, pencils, erasers, ink pens, markers, colorpencils [link]
tabletop easel
Paints [link]
some books and references (sorry, blurry) [link]
Hamster named Cinnamon Cakes [link]



If there was another software you would like to master, which one would it be ?
Zbrush, Painter, 3DSmax, Maya

Your popularity over DA is ever so increasing, how do you feel ?
I'M POPULAR?? ROFL! Sorry sorry….I still don’t think I’m that popular. That's probably a good thing?
But for the moment, I think it’s nice being a little well known. I feel loved and like receiving a lot of feedback, suggestions and criticism.

Did you had to go through some very challenging task in your Digital career ?
When I had to deal with my mistakes? Yes, mentally. I went through a lot of this breaking down and feeling like I'm the crappiest artist in the world... Is giving up an option? Heck no, not for me.
Simply because I could not draw a hand right. Ok not exactly, but there were many flaws that bothered me. Expanding your horizons and going outside of your comfort zone is a huge challenge.

What are your future plans ? Are you thinking of taking Digital Art into the next level and make it as your main profession ?
Of course! I still wonder what industry I'll fit in most. I can be a concept artist or illustrator I suppose. I also want to illustrate my own Graphic Novel; hopefully it will sell…if the story is good BUT I have faith!

If you could, you would ...
buy a nice house to live with my boyfriend.
…………….What??

DON'T JUDGE ME :<

What is your favourite piece, that you ever created ? And why you chose this piece ?
Wow.... that's a toughy..But I think I'm going to have to choose "You are not alone"

This image has a lot of meaning to me, emotionally. I think anyone can relate to this image. It is also based on my graphic novel. As for quality, I love how there are many colors and space features.

What are your favourite pieces on DA, could you share them ?


If you had to sum up all your work into one sentence, what would it be ?
Colorful or dark images communicating a message to you.

And to finish it off, What would you like to say to your fans out there ? And what did you think of this Interview ?
I want to thank them for their never ending support. Admittedly, I do need someone to cheer me on, lend me confidence and make me feel good for what I do. I enjoy art for myself but it feels so empty when I'm the only one feasting in this delight ya know? So, I really appreciate the fans out there. I’m sorry I can be anti-social at times, I’m sorry I can’t offer anything greater than a “Thank you”… I wish I had more to give but deep down, I appreciate you guys...I hope that will suffice. I never thought I would have people or even fans offer me their love and support. This world at times can be dark and grim, with the war and economy at its current state…when you see that humanity is still capable of loving, you regain a lot of faith….no matter how gloomy the times have become. I honestly, do not know where I would be today without any kind of encouragement… depressed? Hopeless? Loneliness is my greatest fear…
I think this interview was a great opportunity for me to open up. I am quiet and reserved; do not like to talk about myself so much. So, thanks for interviewing me !



And that was it for today Hope you enjoyed tho !
As you saw, she is amazing and deserve much support and . So let's all go to her gallery, drop a few comments, and (to keep her busy) !
Now enjoy the show ! And to show your support

Thank You Very Much,
Regards,

=Sangiev,