FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is gouache paint?

Gouache is a water-based paint that is opaque and similar to watercolor. It dries optically flat with a matte texture. I think of gouache as a middle ground between oils and watercolor - it is water-based, but its opacity and blending capability is similar to oils. Gouache dries quickly and was the go-to painting medium for concept designers before digital tools became the standard.

Can I commission a piece of artwork?

I am not accepting commissions at this time.

Do you sell prints?

I am not selling prints at this time.

How did you learn to draw and paint?

I’m largely self-taught. While I’ve been professionally trained as a concept designer, I’ve never taken a formal drawing or painting class. I started learning to draw in high school by watching YouTube videos and reading lots of books. I have an extensive collection of books on drawing, painting, and illustration that I read and refer to regularly.

What brands of paint do you use?

I use Winsor & Newton gouache almost exclusively.

What ballpoint pen do you use?

I use the Zebra F-402 for all of my ballpoint pen drawings. It’s a fantastic pen that provides deep tonal range and a rich texture.

How do you ship your artwork? Do you insure artwork for shipment?

I package all artwork myself and ship via FedEx for U.S. domestic deliveries, and DHL for international deliveries. I package each piece of artwork with extreme care and always insure every shipment. I ship my artwork free of charge within the domestic United States.

Do you use archival materials in your artwork and frames?

With the exception of the ballpoint pens I draw with, every material used in the creation and framing of my artwork is considered archival. The following is a list of the materials I use:

  • Winsor & Newton gouache (Permanence rating AA or A only)

  • 100% cotton papers

  • 100% cotton picture mats (for framing artwork)

  • Acid-free foam core (for mounting artwork)

  • Optium Museum Acrylic (UV protectant glass), the absolute best-in-class for protecting artwork from light and UV rays - many of the world’s most valuable artworks are protected with this museum-quality acrylic

The ballpoint pens I use (Zebra F-402) are not stated as having archival ink; however, in my experience, the ink used in these pens holds up extremely well. I recently removed a piece that’s been hanging on my wall for five years, directly facing sunlit windows that entire time, and upon removal from the frame and exceedingly close inspection, there had not been even the slightest shift in color, tone, or texture. All of my ballpoint pen drawings are drawn on 100% cotton paper and framed with Optium Museum Acrylic, which blocks more than 99% of harmful UV rays and protects the artwork extremely well.