Frequently Asked Questions
- How and why did you start drawing these derby
portraits?
It originally started out of necessity. Going into our inaugural home bout season, we had very few photos of our skaters that could be used for flyers. So as an illustrator, the solution was simple—draw a derby girl instead! At least until we got some really great photos. But the skaters loved seeing the drawings of themselves and it quickly became a tradition.
- Why not just use stock photos or clip art?
Honestly, I don’t like using stock photos if I can avoid it for a few reasons. First, I’d prefer featuring our actual skaters—they’re the ones putting in all of the hard work at every practice, they’re the ones getting battered and bruised and they’re the ones you watch at the bouts. Therefore they’re the ones who deserve the spotlight.
Second, if I do have to resort to stock photos, I always want to make sure that I’m either paying for it, acquiring permission or at least citing the sources in the case of free royalty-free images. Even so, there just isn’t a great deal of good quality roller derby stock photos. There is so much amazing derby photography out there, but not derby STOCK photography.
Third, I prefer using as much of my own work as possible. It could be artistic snobbery, but it does help make things less complicated in relation to image licenses, copyrights and all that jazz.
And I’m just going to pretend like you didn’t ask me about clip art at all…
- How long does it take to complete a derby girl
illustration?
If we’re talking a pin-up alone (that is, just the skater, no background), at least 10 hours is probably a pretty accurate estimate. It can vary quite a bit though depending on various factors like pose, bust vs. full body, coloring styles—even just a skater’s appearance! Some people just have that je ne sais quois that is difficult to capture.
- What’s your process?
If I’m depicting a real person, I start off with research. Honestly, it’s a bit more like cyber-stalking (minus the menacing intent) because I gather as many good photos of them as I can. It’s borderline creepy. I admit it. Anyway, I get both close-ups and full body shots from a variety of angles, and maybe even some action shots if there’s a pose I really like. That way, I have a more 3-dimensional understanding of that person’s physical characteristics, from their facial expressions to their boutfits, mannerisms and gait.
After I’ve finished my photo-reconnaissance, I start scribbling up a ton of thumbnails until I’ve come up with a pose that I like. Then I start to draw out the actual sketch. Once that’s complete, I scan the image and do the inking (line work) and colors digitally.
- What tools do you use?
For derby art I typically use paper, mechanical pencil, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator (for flyer designs) and my Wacom Cintiq 12WX. I also have a Wacom Intuos 3 to fall back on if my Cintiq is ever indoctrinated by Skynet.
Despite all of the digital tools I adore traditional media. Ink, Prismacolor professional markers (really want to give copics a try), watercolors, gouache, acrylics, oils, stencils & spray paint, charcoal, fabrics (and my sewing machine!), clay etc. Love it all! You just don’t get the same tactile response or satisfaction out of a tablet.
- Do you have an art background?
Indeed I do. My mom told me that as a little kid I used to stay up late cutting designs out of paper. And growing up I was constantly drawing something—either characters from my favorite cartoons or making up my own comics. But I doubt that’s what you mean.
Long story short, I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Illinois School of Art + Design in Painting. Still draw cartoons and comics though ;)
- Can I share your work?
But of course! I would very much appreciate that, actually, as long as you’re linking back to this blog, my portfolio, or at the very least, crediting me for the work.
- Can I use your artwork?
If it’s for personal use, you’re more than welcome to! But as much as I want to share the derby love, please do not use my artwork for your roller derby league’s designs without direct written consent by me. I put an awful lot of time and effort into my work, and I did it for my league (or for people who’ve commissioned me to do so for them).
I also ask that you refrain from editing and/or using my work for commercial purposes. If you have questions as to what does and does not constitute appropriate use, please feel free to contact me! You can also reference the creative commons licensing restrictions that I have posted at the bottom. I refuse to use other people’s work without their permission so please be respectful of mine as well…lest I need to get an attorney involved (as I have 2 in the family, this is easy enough).
- Will you draw me, please?
I would love to, but I very honestly don’t have the time or the financial stability to just give away my work for free—I’m sorry! Please try to understand, between my day job, derby, design responsibilities, family and friends, (and let’s not forget just how long these drawings take me) I scarcely even have the time to sleep. The only way to guarantee that you’ll receive a drawing from me is by hiring me to do so. Besides, it’s a bit like asking a plumber to fix your sink in exchange for a smile and a hug. Except I have slightly less butt-crack spilling out than the aforementioned plumber.
- So I can commission you?
Absolutely! Commission info coming soon!
Any other questions? Please feel free to ask!
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