[Socar MYLES]

Going more for mood than realism here...obviously.... And, of course, it's a rat.

[adigra]

I really like the way it's breaking out of the border. The fabric flaring out is especially nice. The mood, as in most of your work, is great, very bizarre. I wish that the border wasn't so solid and had some grain or texture to it. That is very minor and doesn't take away much from the image.

Your work really disturbs me, which in my opinion is a good thing, it evokes emotion. Some of the work on your site and previous posts is just disturbing to my "fragile" mind. Rats and birds getting ready to eat them, rats in hell, rats in heaven, and all depicted so masterfully and beautiful. It would be interesting to know what inspires you. I don't know if you've seen any of my work but it's very technically minded in it's purpose, very different from your work and approach. So I am intrigued by the thought process behind paintings such as yours.

Just a thought: I think you are asking too little for your work based on the prices on your site.

[Blitz]

Yah thats not intresting..=P
HEHE...KIDN
Thats neet. Im likeing it compleatly.

Very SWELL...hehe

Seeyas Raty Rat Rat

[Enayla]

Gorgeous, Socar.

For the umpteenth time, I must compliment you on your stunning ability to handle subtle colours. *Rasberries a certain person*

Maybe the white border is a wee bit too bright? It tries to pull my attention away from the grgeous skull and the wonderful folds of fabric.

[SlightlyTwisted]

Oooh, the Grim Squeaker!

I love it... I've tried to do rat skulls a few times, now, but they always end up looking a bit gawky.

I love the drapery, too... I've got to get me some robes like that. *nodnod*

[Socar MYLES]

adigra--Thank you! Yes, it is supposed to be bizarre, and perhaps a little disturbing. I'm not sure what to say about the thought process that led to it--I just...got the idea. But, in general, I'd rather make people think than make them smile, which is why there's usually a dark/nasty undertone in even my 'nice' pictures. (There are a couple of exceptions, but I'm bored when I'm just drawing pretty things.)

Hm...you're the fourth person to tell me I'm charging too little this week...Do you mean for the prints or for custom work? I can't really raise the prices for the prints in good conscience--they're not Giclee or anything spectacular...just thermal dye prints. Anyway, they sell well at their current price--I don't want to charge so much nobody'll buy anything.

Blitz--Thanks. Now, get to work on that soccer ball, and maybe you'll get a print of this.

Enayla--You're right about the white border--but the thing is...it's not really a border, just a white space left so it'll print well on white paper. But I had to leave the white space because of the way the image slops over the sides of the border.

SlightlyTwisted--I think rat skulls are gawky by nature. I streamlined this one a bit so it wouldn't look as lumpy as a real rat skull. Hm...I think drapery like that is a bit of a pain in the ass in real life...could you imagine going down a flight of stairs with all that flapping around you?

[agent44]

pretty cool, it does set a mood. I checked out your site and was wondering what's with the facination with rats? I like rodents for subject matter, as well, but I usually draw them in a bit lighter, comical way, whereas your's are dark and serious. Just wondering if there's any reason behind it.

[William H. Daniels]

Bravo! You've captured so much emotion in this piece. The rat skull was not immediately recognizable, but when I got closer (argh! radiation) to my monitor, I could see it.

Very nice. I hope it sells well.

[adigra]

Socar,

Prints aren't what I am talking about. It's what you list as your rate for actual work. I think your work would be worth more. Just judging from my knowledge and experience I think you should double the rate. I know this makes me sound like a greedy bastard, but I am sick of the "oh you're an artist, you'd do this for free anyways, so why not do it cheep for me." attitude. It seems like most of them want good work but pay close to nothing. Good work requires an equally good compensation.

But hey, this is just my opinion.

[Perplexer]

true adigra. i work under contract myself, but spoken from my bit of experience the freelance illustrators/storyboarders I have gotten to know didn't make under $5000 a month, often up to $8000 or more depending on their work load. most of them have an agent, so take 10-15% off. i know my current company has paid up to $1000 day rate for extra freelance storyboarders. of course as a freelancer you normally pay more taxes, too.

[ June 22, 2001: Message edited by: Perplexer ]