Interview with Rittik-Designs

Have you ever studied Art at school or University? Are you self taught?

- I’m self-taught, that’s why I still make lots of mistakes. I try to improve, but it’s a long process! I started exploring Photoshop about 7 years ago and there is a lot to learn yet.

What is your inspiration? Where do you get ideas to create your designs? Why design fantasy objects?

Oh, that’s an interesting question. I take inspiration everywhere – in nature, in everyday objects, sometimes I look at something and think: “If I add some swirls here and put a blade there, it’ll be a sword!” And a lot of ideas come when I sleep, in my dreams. Sometimes I wake up at the middle of the night and make a few sketches.
Why fantasy objects? Well, I have another account – my first, actually. I started with drawing fanarts, then created several original characters, later I tried making some accessories for them and suddenly understood that it’s what I really like.





What is the process you go through when designing a piece of work till it's final state?

Sometimes commissioners ask for a lineart, and then I’m at a loss, because I newer make them. I start with a rough sketch and for some time try different variants, change or add something. When I’m satisfied, I make vector shapes for all small details – sometimes up to 50-70 layers if the design is detailed. And then colour them, using also Photoshop styles for glass and metal effects.




What would you consider the most important points to think when drawing or designing art?

The most important thing – draw what you really want. When I drew people, I was never satisfied with the results, and drawing was almost a torture. But creating jewellery and weapons is a great fun! I know a lot of my friends think my designs are not real art and I waste my time with them, but I’m sure that art should bring happiness. Unfortunately, I know many artists who draw what is popular, not what they like, and I think it's wrong.
Another important point is patience. An artist should be ready to face problems, learn on their own mistakes and remember that progress is a slow process.





What are your plans for the future?

Don’t really know! If a few years ago someone told me that I would draw weapons, I wouldn’t believe! So I can’t tell what I’ll be doing in future. Maybe I’ll return to fanarts, maybe will try new styles, maybe will choose art as my profession. The only thing I’m sure about is that I won’t stop drawing!





Is there any advice you could give to learning artists? Is there any learning materials, artists, books or references you would recommend?

I must confess – I’m a really lazy person. I never read books or watched any tutorials, I even explored Photoshop without reading instructions, just by poking different buttons. Of course, it’s not the best way to become a professional artist.





People usually ask where I take Photoshop styles for glass or gold effects. Here is the site where I found some interesting styles – ilovephotoshop.ru/
And another great resource is a site with free textures and cliparts - lenagold.ru/