Yes, although it’s been a whirlwind since I’ve been back, from park life to doing freelance projects, the whole thing is still sinking in.
'''So how do you keep busy during the week?''' <br> Well, as most of you know, I work out in Universal Studios inOrlando, and I spend a great deal of my life there. I draw live every day along with handling the unglamourous stuff like fixingair compressors and scrubbing off tables covered in paint. I stillfind it very fulfilling even after all these years...every drawingis brand new and like an audition....Unlike a gig, every newcustomer I get has never seen me before, never seen my workbefore and even today I got asked, “You any good?” It hasn’t
happened yet, but I am still waiting for my first reject after being
named Caricaturist of the Year. I still have to draw some cutesy
feel it’s more than necessary for anyone who wants to grow and
get better, including myself.
'''Sounds like you keep yourself quite occupied. I know you
spend a lot of time airbrushing, especially at the park.
surprised if I make my debut master wall presentation without
any airbrushed pieces.<br>
'''It’s good to see that you are constantly stretching out of
your comfort zone and learning new things. Tell us a little
people laugh and howl with happiness when they see their
drawing. That’s something they don’t teach in art school.
'''It’s always great to hear that hard work and determination
do pay off. What do you do to improve your skills? Are
there any websites or publications you would recommend?'''<br>
I learn any way that I can...the world is a classroom. There is somuch stuff available online that you can learn from that wasn’tthere 10 years ago. I feel anyone driven enough or determinedenough can make giant strides in their artistic growth. Thisorganization has such an incredible wealth of artists willing toshare their techniques and abilities that it’s almost hard notto pick up something just by visiting the forum or even better,attending a convention. I still however, seek out workshops orclasses or groups that get together in the name of achievinga higher level. I plan on attending another Dru Blair airbrushworkshop this year and who knows what else. For me personally though, I learn so much from studying other artist’s work. Ilove analyzing them and trying to discover how they engineeredthat work of art. When inspired enough I take that energy backto the drawing table and trial and error it until I get it right.Patience and work ethic are two qualities that come naturally tome, so those mixed together with determination to learn something usually yields success, even in small doses.<br> '''Now back to the reason of this interview: Your winningThe Golden Nosey. That is quite an impressive displayof Noseys that you have there. I believe you may be therecord-holder for most noseys won by a single person!Can you give us a brief run down of your NCN/ISCA awards(Noseys) from past years?'''<br>Haha! Yes, I have managed to grow quite a collection. I havebeen so graciously blessed with 33 awards in the past 7 years.I’ve received 3 Guest of Honor awards which I cherish as muchas my Noseys which I have 3 bronzes, 2 silver, and a gold. Myawards table and wall have become a bit ridiculous, but I havethem arranged in a nice bowling pin formation.<br>
'''When did you win your first Nosey? Do you remember howit felt?'''<br>2004...The year Steve Brodner, of whom I am a giant fan, cameto the convention. By this time I felt confident in my abilities topossibly be a top 10 artist, but not necessarily a Nosey winner.After the 4th place was called and I was still sitting down, myheart started pounding as I realized I could possibly be takinghome one of the precious metals. Still on the high of just being awarded the Guest of Honor award from Steve Brodner, Ithought this is just too good to be true. Then I thought...unless Iwas 11th, or 12th...and then Dion called my name. Thinking backnow, it felt similar to the way Gold felt now. I was elated. Full ofmore pride than a new father. Roger hugged me and said “YourMom (who passed away two months before) would be proud”.
'''It must have been frustrating to be so close to the gold