Over the next couple of weeks I will be interviewing fellow gamer/artist I have met on the internet! The interviews are to get exposure to the growing world of talented gamers who are also artist!
Everyone knows artist are involved in creating games on all levels. But one thing I have noticed is that so many artist who grew up playing video games are now artist that love creating art depicting what they love to play. Whether it is fan art or fine art, video game art is produced by the thousands on a daily basis.
I showed some of DrManiacal’s illustrations over the weekend, and now we get a closer look at the person behind the art.
Meet DrManiacal!!!
DrManiacal thanks for participating I really appreciate you taking time out for this! Introduce yourself…
“Alright let’s see…”
“My name is Chris, but I go by ‘DrManiacal’ or just ‘Doc’ online. My interests include gaming and art of course, but I also enjoy golfing and bowling, as well as going to the movies, amusement parks, the mall, and various other places my friends decide to drag me to. My family also owns a boat, so fishing, tubing, swimming and simply riding around are some other things I like to do.”
*questions by me* *answers by DrManiacal* All artwork by DrManiacal
What do you think the role of traditional art plays into in todays growing use of digital media?
“In my opinion, traditional art is sort of being eclipsed by the new, digital media that has been developed over the past few years. You see more and more professional artists producing their work with programs like Photoshop and Corel Painter, rather than traditional media such as paint and canvas. I believe this is because the artist find that they have a lot more control over what they are creating, and that it is easier to put amazing detail into their work with digital media than with traditional media. Plus, certain features of Photoshop and Painter make painting with a tablet and the like a much quicker process than using traditional media. And time is a very important aspect to pro artists everywhere.”
How long have you been an artist? How long have you been a gamer?
“I’ve been drawing since I was around the age four or five, when my father brought home my first pack of crayons and a massize, poster sized sheet of paper he took from the newspaper company he worked for. But, I’ve only gotten serious about my art in the past year, since I figured out how to paint and make cool things in Photoshop, and since I met Raimu, the guy who is now one of my best friends and who served (and still serves) as my ‘art sensei’, so to speak. He’s played a major role in my developement and improvement as an artist in the past year, and I’d like to thank him for it here.”
What systems do own? What are you playing now?
“Right now I own an Xbox, Xbox 360, PS2, Gamecube, Wii, and N64. And even though I have most of the next gen, newer systems, right now I’m playing my N64 the most and revisiting my older games like Mario 64 and the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Though I play Super Smash Bros Brawl online quite a bit as well.”
How do games of today compare to games 3 years ago in terms of game-play/ replay value/ originality?
“Hmm… well that’s kind of tough. Honestly, I’m having just as much fun with current gen games as I am with ones that date a few years back. Time Splitters 3: Future Perfect for instance is a couple years old now, yet I still find it nearly as entertaining as other, newer shooters like Halo 3. Newer games have massive graphical improvements over older games of course, but in my opinion, gameplay is still just as fun in the older games. And that’s what counts.”
Where are the future of games headed (next 3 years)?
“I really can’t answer that for sure… I know we’ll be seeing better and better viuals in games as the years pass, I have a hunch that there will be more and more MMO games like World of Warcraft produced do to their popularity, and I’m sure we’ll be seeing new systems produced by the three major gaming companies (Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo), but otherwise I don’t really know.”
What do see yourself doing with your art? (Dreams/ goals/ ambitions)
“Well, I’d like to improve my skills to the point that I could become a professional illustrator or concept artist, and work for gaming companies, or anyone else who would need the services of a good artist. But I have nowhere near the level of skill I’d need for that kind of career at this point, so I can only practice, and dream…
Last Question: Favorite game ever?
“Ooh, tough question. I think I’m going to have to say Super Mario 64 though. It was the first game I ever played back when I got my N64… 12 years ago I believe, and I’m still having fun with it today. I’ve played some amazing games like Smash Bros Brawl, the Halo series, Gears of War, and the Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion (which is a close, close second to Mario 64 in terms of awesome),but my first game still takes the cake.”
Thank you DrManiacal! It was a knock out of an interview! We will all be looking forward to more work from you! If you want to see his full gallery click DrManiacal
He is always looking for some heads to crack in Smash Bros Brawl for the Wii!
The Gamer who digs Art 
Cool interview! Lots of talent you got there Doc.
What a interesting interview!! Cool art Doc.
ohhhhh his work is pretty sweet!! i like the second to last one with the girly character…. she’s got some sweet turquoise tats!! bright illustrations for sure!!!
Yeah, his work is pretty nice, and he is such a young guy. He has a lot of time to polish his work if he wanted to pursue and career in the art field!