@Bundeluxe - @Aalasteir (Q) - Index

Q: What does it mean to be an artist?

A: In my eyes, it just means creating something for the sake of fulfilling some specific creative ambition. Painters, musicians, writers, people who make 5 hour long video essays on their favorite TV show, people who make low-effort

memes, etc. All artists in their own way. Everyone has their own definition for it, though, and I don't think mine is objectively correct.

Q: Your experiences of creating art and what have you learned about yourself?

A: My experience creating art has been a mostly confusing one. Only recently did I figure out what I actually wanted to do with it, which is comic art. Before that, I was kind of floating around between "maybe games maybe comics maybe

animation uhhh" and never had a clear focus, which may have also hindered my progress.

However, I did learn that I, too, can get things done if I just put my mind to it. I'm not a perfect flawless artist right now or anything, but I am currently at a level I couldn't even IMAGINE I'd ever be at 10 years ago. So if there's

any specific lesson I can take away from this, it's that I'm not exactly a quick learner - but I am still a learner. Maybe there are other things I could (slowly) learn to do, that seem impossible to me right now.

Q: What does it take to grow as an artist?

A: Growing as an artist is a mix between being stubborn enough not to quit after multiple failures, but also not so stubborn that you ignore the fundamentals you need to work on before you can git gud. I don't think I started making any

notable improvements until I finally started practicing gesture drawing in 2017 after watching a few Proko videos. Until that point, it was five or six years of me trying to make futile things work and never understanding why they

wouldn't, as well as never properly listening to advice and critiques.

Like I mentioned earlier, I think it also definitely helps to have a clear goal to focus on. What do you actually want to make? You should always learn the fundamentals regardless, but having a clear idea of where you want to go

with your work is a good thing as well.

Q: What are the biggest hurdles you feel artists deal with when creating art?

A: Three big ones, mainly.

1. Time: Too many people simply do not have the time on their hands to make what they want to make, as often as they want to make it. I think it's a big reason why a lot of artists want to do some kind of art for a living, because (aside

from winning the lottery or something) it's the only way to keep making money AND making art often. However...

2. Motivation: At some point, you just burn out. At the beginning stages of learning, it's easy to lose hope and put down the pencil because you feel like you're never going to actually get better. Pretty often, your ambitions and goals

will be beyond your current skillset and it can be hard to stay motivated when you can't live up to your own desired standards. But even when you're past that, you just won't always be in the mood to make art. But sometimes, even when

you do feel ready to go...

3. Physical: Artists who get in "the zone" tend to forget to take breaks or just neglect them, which can lead to all sorts of bodily issues. Back pain and wrist pain are probably the most common.

Q: Do you feel it is a skill to be able to appreciate art?

A: That depends, really. "Appreciating art" is a pretty loose concept and the answer to this question will probably vary from person to person. For example, a guy could be watching a satirical comedy and completely miss the social

commentary and themes, but still genuinely laugh at the jokes. I'd say that this hypothetical guy still appreciated the art just fine, even if it wasn't in the "intended" way.

Q: The story of how you created your account, and why?

A: Honestly, I don't remember at all! Looking at the dates, I created my account during the infamous "Tumblr Exodus" but I didn't even have a tumblr account at the time. My only active platform at the moment was Twitter and I think I

just saw a bunch of people migrate to NG and thought "yeah sure I could do that too". Whatever the reason was, I'm glad I did, because it's currently the only platform I'm active on.

I have been on Newgrounds long before that but without an account, somewhere in the mid-2000s. My brother showed me Weebl's Badgers video along with a couple of dumb Mario animations and I LOVED it.

Q: Your experiences with the community here

A: Pretty much only positive. I find it funny that NG is still seen as an internet boogeyman in some circles, because I can't see why anyone would look at current NG and think that. I know this community has had more "rowdy" days but

it's legitimately one of the chillest communities online in its current state. Last year I also finally started actively posting on the BBS and I gotta say I've really missed that "online small town" feeling of browsing a forum where

you can recognize most regular posters. I also love how many collabs, contests and events take place here, there's always something cool to look forward to.

Q: Your advice on using the Internet, where do you feel people go wrong using it?

A: Where people go wrong using the internet? A LOT of ways, too many to name. But mainly, I think people could use less scrolling in their lives, as well as the ability to just walk away from dumbass arguments every now and then.

For artists, the first one is important because too much scrolling through other people's cool art can really demotivate you. That's not the case for everyone but if you recognize yourself in this, I highly recommend that you make

rules for yourself about what you're allowed to see and look at before you get to work/while you're taking breaks. Overloading your brain with a bunch of high quality concept art and then being hit with the reality that you can't

replicate that level of quality (yet) is a great way to lose your drive instantly. Browse responsibly, please.

The second one is important for everyone ever. When you're on your deathbed, you're not going to think "if...if only I had argued on the internet a few more times..."

Q: What is it like to live in The Netherlands?

A: Pretty good, actually! Weather's never consistently good but I legitimately love it here and don't see myself leaving anytime soon. My favorite part by far has to be the cycling infrastructure. You can easily travel small/mid-sized distances that are just slightly too long to walk, and not only is it far cheaper than a car, but it's also free exercise any time you need to go anywhere. Aside from the very reasonable healthcare, this is the main reason why I can't

ever see myself living in most other places. I got that Dutch cyclist blood in me.

Q: What makes a good Newgrounds member from your perspective?

A: I don't really think I would be a good authority on that sort of thing. If I had to give an answer, it'd be something simple like "someone who enjoys being here". I think both the people who create and the people who enjoy said

creations greatly contribute to the atmosphere of the site.

Q: Is there a joke that generally makes you laugh?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0TEvK-mjlg