Q: What do you do?
A: I am a professional illustrator with a BFA in illustration. I have worked many years creating artwork to accompany fiction and nonfiction alike. I work with large publishers and first-time authors. I have also been published as an author of short children's stories and a photographer for nonfiction. While practicing and refining my craft, I was lucky enough to pick up practical technical skills as well. Here is a run-down of what I can be hired to do:
Illustration of both fiction and nonfiction. Any genre. Several styles suitable for a wide range of audiences. I have been published for the early literacy, children's, Young Adult and Adult markets. I've done fantasy and science fiction as well as children's work and science art.
Layout and design, Graphic design.
High-resolution modeling of complex organic 3D models/Logos, including illustrating from fossil remains-see Trilobite illustrations.
Q: Are you STILL working on your version of "Alice In Wonderland?"/
What projects are you currently working on independently?
A: Here is a list of projects that I am currently working on independently. I may be searching for an agent, publisher or an expert in the type of research that I'm compiling. So, if you feel that you have something to add based on what you've seen on this site, don't hesitate to drop me an e-mail.
RyanDurney@hotmail.com
"Giant Bugs!" (official title TBA) apprx 100 pages. A book for kids about the large arthropods that crawled the planet long before the dinosaurs. Why should dinosaurs get all the limelight when 7 foot millipedes and dragonflies the size of eagles used to roam swamplands in what is now Ohio and Pennsylvania? I may be interested in co-authoring this with a research professional such as a paleo-entomologist. I will also be sending out a sample chapter in search of interested publishers.
"Alice in Wonderland" Yes, I'm still working on it!! It will be done when it's done. Although I have received a few kind offers on handling its publishing, I think I better finish it in time for the possible films Steven Spielberg may be doing with Dakota Fanning as Alice. That would be a nice time to realease it. My site has some of the artwork from my Alice.
Q: I'm a first-time author, do I need illustrations and/or would you be willing to work with me?
A: As an author you could draw interest by submitting your manuscript with competent illustrations. There is a chance that a publisher's submission guidelines ask that you do not include art. It depends on where you want to submit your work and your marketing ideas. As we all know it is a different landscape with self publishing now.
A: I will kindly review your materials (under a collaborative aggreement if you like) and we'll take it from there. I try to choose projects that I know I will be right for. I cannot create an estimate for my rate until I know the following:.
A) What is your subject matter?
B) Will it require historical research on my part or will you provide reference?
C) How many central characters will be on a page, typically and/or are there any crowd scenes?
D) What timeframe are you expecting?
Q: What do you charge? Is there a way that I can afford your work in my first picture book?
A: Please see the above response. I typically charge a flat rate, divided into three payments, with the first payment due up front. There are many ways to compromise so that we can reach an agreement. Extra time is one, as is rights management . Royalties can be good, but not preferred in every situation. More creative control is always a plus. I will not work for contributor's copies only nor will I work for future pay or future royalties only.
Q: How do you create these images?
A: First, I draw, in one of three master sketchbooks. Then, I gather reference and refine notes and maybe I refine a drawing or two. When the basic sketch is passed, I jump into 3D sculpting, painting, hand painting, scanning the hand-done effects, shooting photography and compositing everything together.
Q: But what software/hardware do you use?
A: This is such a weird question to me! It used to make me chuckle and now I admit it grates a little. A artist's work is never a summation of his or her tools. Ask me about particular images, stories, or the state of modern illustration instead. :)
Q: How long does it take you to do what you do?
A: That depends on what it is and how many figures are in the scene. For example, the Kraken took me almost 4 days because of the number of sailors being tossed around. The shortest period that I could finish an image would still be over one day most likely. Digital art does not mean "shortcut" when the work is striking or meticulous.