Hello dears! My name is Skyward and it is an absolute pleasure to meet you all! Here it is, the long anticipated FAQ journal, well anticipated by myself at least *laughs* I swear I've had this on my two do list for ages and it's finally here. Hopefully this will answer all of the questions that I've gotten over the past few years as well as a few of the ones I may receive in the future. If there are any questions I have missed, of course, please do feel free to ask in the comments below. I do hope you enjoy looking through my gallery and have a wonderful rest of your time here!
Onwards and Upwards
~Skyward
Art Questions
What Traditional Mediums Do You Use?
I use a variety of mixed media as well as brands in my works. It truly depends on the feel I want for a piece.
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Colored Pencils: Prismacolor Premier, Prismacolor Scholar, and Crayola
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Markers: Prismacolor, Copic Sketch
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Liners: Sepia Copic Multiliner Set, and Prismacolor Premier Fine Line Markers
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Watercolor paints: Crayola
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Acrylic Paints: Various
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Paper: Canson XL Mix Media 9X12What Digital Mediums Do You Use?
I use one of the older generations of the wacom bamboo tablet (3.75”X6” screen) And Paint.net though I am trying to transition into Paint tool Sai.
What Tips Would You Give to a Beginning Artist
Now that's a though one to be sure *smiles* First I would have to say congratulations for deciding to become an artist! I can't wait to get to know you better Madame or Monsieur! However tips... hmmm, well there are the obvious ones such as Practice and Patience (which I can not stress the importance of enough) but also anatomy. Don't just copy your favorite artist's style or pass off bad anatomy as stylistic (which is in most cases an incorrect statement) Look at the world around you, look at life. Artists are human beings with their own interpretations and flaws, even some of the best don't always get the anatomy quite right in every one of their pieces where as Nature does. The first step in becoming a great artist is to study and learn. That takes a lot of work but there are tons of pictures on the internet as well as muscular and skeletal studies done by Anatomists. Once you get a handle on that you can move onto things such as the color wheel and basic composition. Taking a beginner's art class offered at your local school or college is also a great idea! Good luck and best of wishes! *grins and waves*
What Tips Would You Give an Intermediate Artist Like Yourself
This question is a bit easier *smiles* I know over the past several months I've been looking into a lot of concepts such as Line Weight, Color theory, Reflective Lighting, Detailing, Folds, and Varied Sizing. I highly suggest that everyone to look into them as knowing about them continues to improve my work every day.
DeviantART Questions
Can I Use Your Art For…
✿Nonprofit School project: Of course Dear! I would be honored ^w^
✿Print out for personal use: Yes
✿Use in a group or Page here on DeviantART: As long as in the description it says something along the lines of free for use. All I ask is that you remember to give credit. *smiles*
✿Use on forums/sites: Probably if in the description it says something along the lines of free for use! Just be sure to ask me and of course remember to give credit.
✿Use for shirts/tattoos/to Sell: No
✿Reference: It truly depends on how heavily your referencing. For artists it is always better to reference from real life. If you like certain aspects of a piece however feel free to take inspiration from it! *smiles*
✿Trace: Absolutely not, I’m afraid I have to put my hoof down on this, My works take a long time to conceptualize and create. While I find it flattering that you love a piece that much dear I’ll admit is hurts me to see artists crippling themselves by relying on tracing. With such a crutch how are you to learn to walk and eventually fly? I'm sorry but please do understand. *smiles sadly*
Can I Commission You?
Of course, dear! So long as my commissions are open that is, my commission status as well as price sheet are always listed and linked on my profile page as well as at the top of this journal.
Can We Do an Art Trade?
It depends love. Please check on my page to see if my trades are open and then please read my art trade terms and conditions which is linked most of my descriptions, signature, profile page, and of course at the top of this journal.
Do you take Requests?
No not anymore, I'm sorry, though I do take Commissions feel free to read the question above in regards to those ^w^
Can I draw Fanart of Your Characters?
Of course dear! I absolutely adore receiving gifts and they always brighten up my day! *grins*
Can you help me with things?
Sure! Though I can't guarantee a quick response. I’m afraid especially during the week I have quite a busy schedule and don’t always get around to answering all of my comments and notes, especially the long ones. If you need a quick answer or one at least in the next several days I suggest using google or asking another artist as an alternative.
Can we be friends?
Of course! Though close friendships do take time to develop I am more than happy to chat. Please feel free to drop by and say hello!
Do you have a…?
Sorry, love, but I don’t. I’m afraid outside of DeviantART I don’t have any form of public communication if this changes in the future they will likely be linked on my profile page.
Actually nowadays I'm happy to say that I do indeed have other forms of public communication outside of DeviantART, most notably my instagram and pintrest account. I do also have a tumblr and a youtube, but those are more for personal use and I'm afraid. As such I don't check on them often. You can find links to all of the above on my profile page or by searching for SkywardSylphina on any of those sites.
Personal Questions
Where Did the Name Skyward Originate?
Skyward was actually inspired by the Legend of Zelda game 'Skyward Sword' I must admit it was the first time I have ever felt truly immersed in a story and admittedly helped my daydreaming tendencies to grow. Not to mention the almost painterly style with its soft and yet vibrant colors and beautiful soundtrack influences my art even to this day. It will forever have a special place in my heart. However since it's creation it has grown to mean so much more to me. It just seems to captivate what and who I am, It's hard to explain all that it means without diving into poetry but I think it was Leonardo Da Vinchi said it best “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”
Where did the Phrase 'Onwards and Upwards' Originate?Actually, I found the phrase used in a group called Pony in a Box who in turn got it from Doctor Who. I thought it fit my name well and thus decided to use it as a way to tie up my descriptions with a nice little bow. It's almost like a 'sincerely' at the end of a letter but with wishings of a good day. *smiles*
What Fandoms are You a Part Of
Currently I'm active in the My Little Pony:FIM, Pokémon, Over the Garden Wall, Steven Universe, Welcome to Night Vale, Undertale, Hamilton, and Warrior Cats fandoms but I have followed Fairy Tail, Gravity Falls, Legend of Zelda, Okami, Doctor Who, and Sherlock, fandoms as well.
Any Interests Outside Of Fandoms?
I love Dramatic Readings of Fanfiction, The French Horn, anything of elegance, the French Language, Hiking, motivational/high performance speaking and coaching, oh and of course art!
Favorite Foods
Calamari, Seafood Alfredo, Milkshakes, and Muffins
Things I Dislike
Mmm that’s a hard one, I don’t dislike much but I suppose… Strong Language, Needles, Bases, Poorly Designed or Written Ocs, and Watership Down
