.: Updates
18 sept
Today I will be getting the key to my new apartment. So that means finally moving from my dorm to my own (very) little house <3 That means today is painting day! *throws bucket of paint against a wall*


.: The Artist
My name is Esther van der Drift. I am an twenty year-old girl and grew up in a tiny village in the Netherlands. I'm currently living in the big city of Utrecht where I also study. I have been drawing since I was a little girl, but it wasn't until 6th grade that I became interested in anime and manga. About 8 years ago I started experimenting with digital media using Photoshop 3.0. Now I use the more recent version CS4. I have tought myself everything about the program, simply by experimenting and trying out new tools.
I have attempted to learn to work with Corel Painter several times, but I couldn't quite satisfy my cel shading needs. Don't get me wrong, I love soft shaded pictures, but they are just not my style. Plus I am more of a digital artist than a traditional one (Painter is a program based on imitating the traditional arts after all).

.: My Tools
My works usually start of with a simple sketch, using HB pencils on A4 printer paper or a sketchblock if one happens to be lying around.

I used to scan in my doodles using a rather old scanner, but we recently purchased an all-in-one printer, copier and scanner, so I use that one now.I try to scan on high resolutions, making it easier to digitally enhance it in Adobe Photoshop CS4 later on (2000 x 3200 px is not uncommon for me).

For inking purposes I use the pen tool. It gives you those nice, clear and smooth curves. The inking process takes up most of the time, but the end result is well worth it. Of course coloring the actual work is almost just as time consuming. I am a horrible failure at soft shading, so therefor I usually cel shade, again using the pen tool.

The amount of layers I use varies per piece (and mood). Sometimes I put all limbs and clothing on separate layers, which totals about 50 layers per piece. Other times I just use 10 or so (when I don't feel like pretending to be the professional artist). More layers IS helpful however when you want to go and change colors later on.

The most important tool however, is an artist's imagination. Without that, nothing will appear on the screen, not to mention DeviantART.

Feeling inspirationless? Plan an 'artistic inspiration gathering hour' by trying to find as many inspiring pieces of artwork, photography or writing you like within an hour. Look at them closely; why do you like them? What makes them so special? What do you think inspired this artist? After the hour is up, doodle something, the first thing that springs to mind after seeing the wonderful art the world's got to offer; and I can guarantee you, you'll be amazing! (Just don't go around copying other people's work okay?)

.: My Interests
I like to listen to music to find inspiration within myself, but also to just relax or sing along. You will often find me listening to OC remixes or up-beat DDR songs (I play Stepmania on my computer with my dancepad). I also like to listen to J-Pop/Rock, any music by Live, Switchfoot, The Fray, Nickelback, Coldplay or bands alike.

In my free time I draw (anime, manga) and design (websites, wallpapers and other).

Sometimes, when I don't have too much homework preventing me from doing fun stuff, I play videogames; sadly not as much as I used to. I like (MMO)RPGs, such as World of Warcraft, Guild Wars and Neverwinter Nights. But a puzzle game every now and then won't hurt either (Schizm, Myst series).

.: My Idols

and more~