Interview by: [email protected]
Interviewee: James "Stilgar" Christenson , Marz Website






UBBDev: Could you tell us a little about your background?
Stilgar: I've always been into some sort of art. All throughout school I took as many art classes as I could. I didn't get into digital art until after I had created my first web site. That was about four years ago. Most of which I've spent slowly teaching myself how to use image editing software. I also run a very humble gaming review web site, Marz.

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UBBDev: What is your graphics program of choice?
Stilgar: I use PhotoShop 5.5. I went out and bought the upgrade to PS6, but since I'm self learned I find myself using PS 5.5 most of the time.

UBBDev: Do you use any other tools or programs to aid you when you're creating graphics?
Stilgar: Yes. As you may know, I'm partially color blind. I use this tool called EyeDropper. It allows me to check the exact hexadecimal number of any color. It can even be set to websafe colors to make things easier.

UBBDev: Are there any other graphic programs that have piqued your interest and tempt you to try something new?
Stilgar: Not really. I'm kind of stuck in my ways. I like my PhotoShop and I like my Notepad.

UBBDev: What inspires your creative nature?
Stilgar: A lot of things. Many times I'm inspired by others and their ideas. I'm also often inspired while sleeping. I'll usually get up in the middle of the night and bust out with something very new.

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UBBDev: What's your favorite beverage when you're in a creative mood?
Stilgar: I knew this was coming. I like to drink water at night.I do most of my graphic art at night. During the day I'll have a Coke or two. If I get the chance to doodle in the morning I'll be sipping my double mocha. Oh, yeah.

UBBDev: Can you share a simple graphics trick that is useful?
Stilgar: Well, this is a tough one. My most helpful trick I can share is the use of layers in PhotoShop. Layers, layers, layers... always use them. Don't delete or rework them. Save them and always, always save your .PSD. Trust me... I've learned from my own mistakes.


UBBDev: Can you recommend any useful graphics websites or tutorials?
Stilgar: I can recommend a few.

• hexadecimal color codes: http://www.24hourhtmlcafe.com/colors/
• Great tutorials and inspiration: http://www.eyeball-design.com/
• More great tutorials: http://www.phong.com/

UBBDev: Do you have any plans for the future?
Stilgar: My only plans are to keep working on my Marz site, finish my redesign for another site (top secret) and keep trying to find the time to help all the people who ask. And that's a lot. Lastly hope to be inspired to create more cool images that people want.

Here are more examples of my work:


UBBDev:
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us James. The graphics you create and share are greatly appreciated by many and we look forward to seeing more of your fantastic work in the future.