The Fanart Spotlight strikes again! And this time we’ve got two more awesome artworks to show off, so we’re running a double feature. Both of the artists were also kind enough to give us an interview, so be sure to hit the jump and see what they had to say about their works.
About the Art: “Charr” Artist by Ruebot
How long did it take to make the piece?
Somewhere around two and a half or three hours.
Was there a specific inspiration behind the artwork?
My charr Mesmer I’ve been playing in the beta events so far. He’s a lot of fun, and he’s my favorite character that I’ve played so far.
What programs/mediums did you use for this piece?
Photoshop Elements 8 and a Wacom tablet.
What originally got you started doing art?
Playing too many games and watching too many animated movies and getting really inspired by them.
What advice would you give to other/aspiring artists?
Don’t let yourself stop enjoying whatever kind of art is is that you do! I started this after I’d had a rough couple of days and was being all dumb and pessimistic about my art on top of it, and just goofing around and sharing a little Guild Wars love made me feel a lot better haha.
About the Artist
Were you a big fan of the original Guild Wars?
Oh yes. I still am, too. Though now I find myself occasionally trying to dodge in the original game, which as you can probably imagine really doesn’t work out too well.
Which profession do you plan to have as your main character?
I still really love Mesmer! Though I have some plans for a potential Engie character, too.
Which of the races are you most excited to play as?
I’ve really, really enjoyed myself as a charr so far. I’m still looking forward to Asura too, though!
Which aspect of Guild Wars 2 is your favorite? (PvE, PvP, WvW, Dungeons, DEs, Crafting, Exploring, etc..)
Tough question. I’m primarily a PvE player and want to be going out and exploring the world. I’m also looking forward to the teamwork aspect in the dungeons. And then there is the crafting. It is probably more accurate to just answer Guild Wars 2 is my favourite aspect of Guild Wars 2.
About the Art: “Keep Calm” by Booboolalaland
How long did it take to make the piece?
It probably took me more time than it should have. It took me a bit more than 2 hours because I kept changing my mind on little details. I’m a compulsive perfectionist haha. It started off as only “KEEP CALM AND PLAY GUILD WARS 2″ with it’s logo but I thought midway through that it was too generic and needed a bit more personality.
Was there a specific inspiration behind the artwork?
Indeed! I already have posters like these for other games I enjoy like The Sims 3 or Skyrim for example. I felt like I needed one (or more in this case) for Guild Wars 2 as well. And why not play with the races instead of the whole game since I think people get really attached to their characters and their origins.
What programs/mediums did you use for this piece?
I used Photoshop CS5 extended with a bit of Photo Filtre studio for resizing.
What originally got you started doing art?
I’ve always been attracted by all kinds of art, but only since I’ve started taking a part in The Sims community and seeing all of the beautiful art people would make from it. I took an interest in altering pictures myself and it grew and grew from simple color filters to learning about techniques, to enhancing photographs more professionally. But it wasn’t really enough. I’m not really good at drawing and needed a way to be creative and came along graphic design. I want to create something completely new, not only alter it. I’m still a amateur though and have a long way to go
What advice would you give to other/aspiring artists?
Let go of your fears and just.. jump! Take the leap and try and create, do not doubt yourself. Search for feedback, be open to critics and never stop learning
Tutorials are a good way to start. Oh and my last advice is more technical: train yourself by trying to recreate what you see. You’ll learn easier this way and gain an experienced eye.
About the Artist
Were you a big fan of the original Guild Wars?
Actually, no I wasn’t. When I first saw the trailer for Guild Wars 2, I’ve thought to myself “Meh.. not my thing” but it is only when a guy (Tr1age, alttabme.com) started covering Guild Wars 2 in his stream that I decided to give it another try and really get to know the game. I fell in love. This is the breath of fresh air I needed in MMOs. Something new, something exciting! And it appeals to my customizing/high visual criteria in video games.
Which profession do you plan to have as your main character?
I’m thinking of choosing Elementalist for the fun factor. I had a blast playing with attunements and I love me some AoE damage. But so far I did not try all of the professions so in the end it is still suspect to change.
Which of the races are you most excited to play as?
SYLVARI! Oh dear, I am going to be a sylvari nerd. I love their lore, how they are and how they’re truly an unique race. Also they look amazing.
Which aspect of Guild Wars 2 is your favorite? (PvE, PvP, WvW, Dungeons, DEs, Crafting, Exploring, etc..)
Hands down PvE. The way it plays out so differently than your generic MMO stole my heart. I’m so excited to finally not get that feeling of redundancy while questing.
I love the way the game isn’t gear-based, too. I never liked that technical aspect of MMOs, I always felt that I didn’t fit in because I didn’t have the best stats when here with Guild Wars 2, my skills are what defines me. I can show my true talent, not that I’m better than you because I have those specific shoulders.
I could go on and on here so I’ll stop myself
Thank you to both artists for the interviews and for their cooperation with our interviews. If you liked either artist, be sure to follow them on their Tumblr accounts!
If you have any fan art, or want to suggest some that we should recognize, don’t be shy. Shoot me an email at MissAlietteFaye@gmail.com!
