1. How did you get into drawing and illustration?
Well, I've been drawing pretty much as long as I could remember--and further back than that, if what my mother says is true! It's really just always been a part of my life. My mother drew since she was a child too, and was more than eager to let me join her.
2. What are your major influences?
Firstly would have to by my mother's artwork; as a child I wanted nothing more than to be as good an artist as her. At the time she did anthropomorphic comics, so I got into the wonderful world of furrydom a lot earlier than most. I like to say that I was raised by furries, both because it's more or less true and because it helps people realize that this subculture has been around a lot longer than they think.
Apart from that, my uncle introduced me to Studio Ghibli when I was just a tiny thing, so tiny that the first film I can ever remember seeing was Ghibli's My Neighbor Totoro, followed by Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind and Laputa: Castle in the Sky. To this day those are some of my favorite films, both for the animation and the depth of the characters and stories. There are worlds there that go far beyond what we see on screen, and that's a true marvel of the artistic world.
Miyazaki's work has always blown me away, from my early youth to the present day, and I firmly believe that he is one of the greatest artists and storytellers of our time. I aspire to be even a fraction as creative as he is--if I ever make it there, you can bet if you see me at a con I'll be the happiest girl on earth.
3. What media do you use?
For digital pieces I use Adobe Photoshop CS, about half the time using a traditional sketch or inked piece for the lineart, the other half of the time using the pen tool to create some nice clear linework. For traditional pieces I use Prismacolor markers and colored pencils, occasionally charcoal or chalk pastels, and sometimes weird little things like gel pens or nail polish. (Really, I've painted an entire picture using nail polish. The fumes almost killed me, but the finished piece was pearly and shimmery and awesome.)
For basic pencilwork I just use whatever happens to be lying around, most commonly a Bic mechanical pencil, and for inks I use Sakura, Zig and Pitt brand acid-free pigment ink pens.
4. Is there anything you do for inspiration?
I usually rely on music for my inspiration; good artwork does it too, urging and guidance from friends, family and loved ones, but in the end if I don't have the right music I'm not going to be able to finish a piece to my satisfaction. It's also something that helps me when I've got artist's block, believe it or not. Nothing helps me draw something I like better than putting O-Zone's Dragostea Din Tei or Akiko Shikata's Utau Oka on repeat for a while.
5. Can you draw something for me?
Unfortunately due to time and money restrictions I can't take plain old requests or art trades, but if you're willing to pay for the work you want to see you can always hit up the Commissions page and I'll get right to work!
6. Where can I read the rest of [story]?
The multi-chapter writing works in the Prose Gallery are works-in-progress and have yet to be completed, so you can't read the rest yet! However, I do post updates here now and then, and if ever I get something published it will be posted here for purchase first.
7. Can I use one of your pictures on my website?
Originals? Not unless you commissioned it. Fanart? Probably, just ask me first. The same goes for icons, banners and whatever else you happen to come up with.
8. Can I use one of your pictures for a roleplay?
See above about icons, but if you want to take an original piece and use it for the "played-by" of your character...no. Sorry, my characters are my characters, I really don't like when people use them without actually using them. (This has happened before.)
9. Any advice for a budding artist?
First and foremost, do not use those How to Draw Manga books. Just don't. Especially not the American-made ones. Invest in a good anatomy book, take some classes, learn how to do it like it really looks before you try doing it how you want it to look. Starting off in a stylized format will teach you bad habits that are really difficult to break, whereas learning how to draw realistically first allows you the freedom of stretching your boundaries when you get to a point where you're comfortable with your own style.
10. Who are your favorite artists?
I'm assuming you mean aside from those near and dear to my heart. If not, Blu. Aside from her, I greatly admire the work of Varethane, Michelle Hoefener and pretty much anything produced by Imaginary Friends Studios. Someday over the rainbow, maybe I'll be half as good as...any of them.