Jesselee at Dark Geometry Studios in Alberta, Canada

I’d like to introduce Jesselee from Dark Geometry Studio in Alberta, Canada. Jesselee produces AMAZING fantasy artwork.

We asked Jesselee some questions over a ‘virtual bottle of Molson Canadian’…..

1. How did you end up getting into microstock with your stunning fantasy based artwork?

Years ago I came across a microstock agency surfing the web, I read a bit and decided to give it a go, I uploaded some photos and managed to get in, it was a lot easier to get in then, but it wasn’t long before I realized my photography just wasn’t up to par with the increasing standards of the microstock industry, so I stopped contributing photos and I started to upload my designs and 3d work, It was apparent right away that I would have more success uploading my designs and 3d work so I stuck with it and throughout the process over the years I’ve learned a tremendous amount and became a better artist.

2. What are the things you like and hate about selling via microstock?

I like that microstock continuously pushes you to do better as quality standards increase, you are constantly encouraged to try harder, do better, be more creative and so you do tend to learn a lot, on the flip side everything you create and submit still has to be commercially viable, so there is always a barrier between what you would like to create and what the market demands, As a fantasy/sci-if artist I wouldn’t want the market to become the sole reason I create, I try to split it down the middle. I like that we have the opportunity to gain some exposure and possibly make new clients outside of microstock as a result of that exposure. What I don’t like is how touchy and fearful some agencies are about this.

3. Where do you get your inspiration for your artwork?

Inspiration has never been so abundant, so much information is available to us, more now than ever. but if I was to list a few continued sources of inspiration for me they would be Nature, Music, Films, photography, Mythology, wizards of the coast, japanamation, animation of all kind, and the artwork of many many artists who share their work online from around the world, armatures and professionals alike.

4. 3D and vector art and illustrations have been a big trend in the marketplace for the last few years…where do you see these market sectors heading?

I see the markets getting bigger and better for microstock agencies and buyers, and a lot tougher for the contributors, as more and more contributors join in and more content is being uploaded it is becoming harder to get your work noticed, so in effect contributors are striving to become more and more unique and creative than ever, and this is a good thing, it keeps us on our toes and also fuels the growth of the 3d/design marketplaces ensuring fresh and new resources, such as 3d models, Photoshop brushes, programs, vector templates etc, for artists like myself to use in creating our illustrations and designs for microstock.

5. If you could only take 3 pieces of your artwork to a desert island – which ones would you take and why?

1.I’d take my glowing mushrooms http://www.pixmac.com/picture/colorful+glowing+mushroom+clusters/000075794021

This piece was inspired by all the little micro cultures and the different mushrooms I came across exploring in the Canadian wilderness, so many marvels right at our feet, this image reminds me of those adventures.

Simon note: You weren’t eating those mushrooms you found?

2 .I’d take this little guy, I just find him hilarious.  http://www.pixmac.com/picture/alien+cartoon+character/000036287597

3.Third I’d take this elf portrait, I like the way her simple smile and expression turned out.  http://www.pixmac.com/picture/elf+princess/000046506277

Simon note: ‘elf portrait’ or ‘self portrait’ Jesselee?

6. Along with your 3 favorite pieces you have created you can also take 3 DVD’s/Films’s to the desert Island – which would you take?

1. Planet Earth documentary.

2. Lord of the rings.

3. and the manga, Claymore.

7.  If you could have dinner with 3 famous people (alive or dead) who would it be?

1. David Suzuki  (Simon note: David is a  famous Canadian environmentalist)

2. Albert Einstein

3. Jesus

Message from Jesselee:

I’d like to thank Simon and the Pixmac crew for taking the time to help me out when I need it, expressing respect, and appreciation for me and my work. I look forward to making my entire portfolio available at Pixmac. Thanks again gang, keep up the good work.

Jesselee
Dark Geometry Studios
www.darkgeometry.ca

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