|
Today our guest is an Ukrainian illustrator - Andrey Krasnov. Looking at his work, it's hard to believe that Andrey is self-taught. Read our conversation and enjoy his artworks. Hello Andrey, welcome to our website, Vectorboom. Tell us briefly about yourself. Do you have a basic education in art or design?Hello friends, my name is Andrey Krasnov. I am originally from Donetsk (Ukraine). This is where I live and work. I got a higher education, but it was not quite art, it was mining … I am a mining engineer. At that time working in the mine was still considered to be prestigious and well-paid. When in school I was lucky to make money for my first computer. Did you learn about all the basics of art on your own? Without taking any coursework or school classes? How did the passion for graphics and vector in particular started?
Well, learning about the basics of art and learning about all kinds of programs had to be done through the rule of thumb. As soon as I got access to the Internet then, of course, various tutorials have become very useful. I've played enough computer games and have come up with a question about what else one can do with a computer. Since I have been drawing since childhood, the question disappeared right away. No, not that right away, I tried different options as well as 3D graphics and Flesh animation, and even programming, but I stayed with vector graphics. What attracted you in vector? Were you inspired by the masters’ artworks?I was attracted by its versatility. You can apply it in creating the most common advertising models as well as in the creation of photo-realistic graphics. At the same time without any consequences you can always edit picture, or use any other element in the work, not even mentioning the zooming feature.I was definitely inspired by the artworks of the masters such as SIN Customs, Zombie Yeti Studio, well known Joshua Smith, or Hydro74. At first I tried to simply imitate and then I eventually developed my own style… well, that is what I believe and I think it's mine. But it is in the process of constant transformation.  consequences you can always edit picture, or use any other element in the work, not even mentioning the zooming feature.I was definitely inspired by the artworks of the masters such as SIN Customs, Zombie Yeti Studio, well known Joshua Smith, or Hydro74. At first I tried to simply imitate and then I eventually developed my own style… well, that is what I believe and I think it's mine. But it is in the process of constant transformation. Working in this style, of course, is very labor-consuming. Did you come up with an idea on how to simplify your workflow? Or is it a sketch, Pen Tool, Pen Tool, Pen Tool and Pen Tool?That is how it is, but I like to mess with small details, that is why it does not bother me at all. I am trying to make each illustration as neat as possible … without unnecessary objects, extra points and open paths. Working with microstock sites teaches you a lot in this context.
Basically, I use a standard round brush, well, that's assuming that there is a pressure-sensitive graphic tablet. There are several sets of different elements on different subjects, for example, blots and elements of heraldry. Has graphics become your profession or is this your hobby? In other words, where do you work and what do you do? Are you a freelancer, staff designer, contributor of microstock websites?It is in a different order, but everything is right. First I am a staff designer in an advertising agency, but I was quickly bored by business cards, calendars, etc. Now I am a contributor of microstock websites and freelancer. I see that you have the status of an exclusive author on the Istockphoto. Does this mean that you are not working with other stocks or just different portfolios?I see that you have the status of an exclusive author on the Istockphoto. Does this mean that you are not working with other stocks or just different portfolios?This is exactly what it means, that I only work with Istockphoto, more precisely what it used to mean since I cancelled the exclusivity. Since it was sold to Getty, the business went down a lot. As soon as they will take my exclusivity cancellation (usually it takes about 30 days), I will start working with other websites. I plan to start with Shutterstock and Dreamstime. I should think about the other, but when will I have time for drawing? Do you have an artwork that you believe to be the most successful?Successful… well… let it be the fat zombie. If you work as a freelancer, what kind of work do you do besides vector?I do vector only. My freelance work mainly involves the creation of t-shirt design, and this can better be done in vector. Photoshop and others are only used as additional ones. You can briefly describe the technical requirements for the t-shirts design vector?It all depends on the customer and the print method. If this is Vinyl T-Shirt Printing, I try to do a minimum of colors and the picture itself should be the simpler the better, without excessive details and fine lines, so that the plotter was able to cut it all. Well, and of course no overlapping of colors and gradients.
Dye-sublimation printing is way easier. Here you do not have to bother neither with colors or with fine details. Anything can be printed; it has to be synthetic material though.
Well, the layout for screen printing again depends on the customer's wishes and possibilities.
I usually use between 4 and 6 spot colors. Where do you and customers find each other?Most customers come from Istockphoto and deviantART, although social networks have now started to bring clients. What do you do on your free time? What would you like to achieve?My leisure time is very limited, but if I have a chance I dedicate it to sports, biking and gym.
I want to learn ZBrush and transfer some of the illustrations into 3D format. Thanks for the interview; it was very pleasant to talk with you. I wish you success in artistic work and good sales on new market places. Andrey Krasnov on the Web:
| 
