You seem to have a wide array in your portfolio, what gives ? Too much coffee ?
     Well, I have been asked this many times over. It is no attempt of mine to be a "jack of all trades". Far from it infact. Reason being, I have worn many hats over the years, from being a T-shirt artist, to Graphic Designer, to a Web Design person. Each discipline has left its impression and has influenced me to a large extent, The very same influences seem to surface across from all those disciplines to being an animator and concept artist at the moment. To me, that is what keeps me ticking and gives me tremendous pleasure to work in different media, when called for.


I do enjoy my cuppa joe, yeah.

 What are you most comfortable with, the computer or traditional tools ?
  I enjoy the cumulative advantages of both. I take immense pleasure in combining the two. I almost always draw, sketch, thumbnail out on paper and then further refine it on the computer, or not, depending on what I'd like the finished artwork / idea to convey .

With the massive improvement in software tools, this is certainly a very exciting time to be involved.

 May I use Your designs in my work ? Publication Perhaps ?
    Email me, Furrrst.

 What software do you use? Which would you best recommend me to study / buy?
   Personally, It is hard for me to imagine life without Photoshop. Well I can but its not.......,errr...., I cant...., there wont b.....choke*...ack.
Ahem ! Well, for 3D, Alias' Maya is what I use. Why? Is it THE most BESTEST program in the worrld?? It just happend to be the first 3d software that I was toyed around and felt comfortable with. So there. Although, I would have to say that emphasis should ALWAYS be placed on a strrrong foundation, Your grasp of the fundamentals is what's going to shine through, irrespective of the software you use.

Experiment and Explore. It's a matter of personal preference really, and to an extent, it depends on the nature of work one needs to settle into. For instance, Gamers might prefer 3D Max over Maya just cus of the fact that it is the most widely used in the gaming industry, or not.

 Given 5 1/2 million bucks what would you rather be doing?
 Frankly?! I'd much rather be doing the very same thing I am now. In a much BIGGER way of course. There is no dearth of projects that could do with some financing <hint, hint>. Directing my short films and music videos would definitely take center stage. Simultaneously, I'd like to finance other independent projects that I have a fancy for. Oh yeah, and a Porsche 911, wouldnt be too far off down the list.

Do You Collaborate with other Artists?
    Yes,I do enjoy Collaborative projects. However, at times I do need to be selective about the amount and the nature of work I take on, due mainly to time constraints.. Apart from doing Concept and ANimation work, I do like to involve myself with print and web projects. (Working in different media keeps my creative juices flowin).

   Currently I am in the throes of putting together a team for 2 collaborative projects. The Robotmaker is one such collaboration with a talented writer and friend Brian West. Since the story and design is currently in development, I will not throw out unnecessary information just yet.

The other, theCreatureFactory.com, is my own personal idea (that in developmental stages)

 What inspires you? Where do you draw inspiration from?
   I dont know. Quite frankly, Annnything could potentially inspire me. Anywhere from a dirrty toothbrush (not mine, mine's clean :) to the dirt and grime collecting on a window pane. (Yeah, I do have a thing for Dirt and Texture showing through in my work ). This being a Visual medium, the possibilities are infinite. I do enjoy reading and perusing any material that comes my way. Sometimes, there lies an answer.


 If I were to get into animation, should I take up studying 2D or 3D?
    TwothweeeDeeeee. Seriously, If you do plan to settle in Computer Animation, a good grounding in 2D Animation will definitely be worth the time and effort invested in it. HowEVA, If you are on your way to polishing your skills as a 2D Animator, it wont killya to give some 3d a crank. It's a matter of personal peference once again. Orrrr, if you are iINdecisive, like some people I know.... flip a coin.


What is the best school to study Animation?
    I would have to say, there is NO one "best school" for anything in this field. Seems to me that every school has its own set of pluses and minuses. Firstly, be clear about your expectations from any school, RESEARCH, ask around, visit the school, go on a tour perhaps ( keep in mind, not all tour guides have any clue as to what goes on ("Hey, howmai supposed to know? I only work here"), Hence, ask a lot of questions) Some schools have the prettiest tour guides, BEWARE, turrn back, turrrnn baaaccc.... Always, check to see if Industry professionals are teaching there or not. They are the best resources to students at times.


What city do you live in ? Why?
    San Francisco. You Serious ?! It's the Best city in the worrrllduh.