Vera MT Rehaag
/Where did you grow up and when did you say to yourself: ‘’I wanna be an Artist’’?
I grew up in Hamburg, Germany. I kinda always wanted to be an artist; As a kid I used to draw all the time, even in class (which brought me into trouble eventually ;) )
Have you always been supported in your artistic path or has it been challenging to let your family and friends understand your choice?
My parents were always very supportive! And until now everyone that matters to me is still.
What was the strongest influence you had when you were growing up ( artists, movies, cartoons, comics etc.. ) ?
When I was younger, we used to get comics from the public library, such as Asterix, Donald Duck, Lucky Luke or Tintin...
I always thought that was so amazing, getting to draw as a job and making up stories for a living. And of course Disney movies.
Did you go to an art school or are you self taught? What helped you prepare to become the artist we know today?
I graduated as a communication designer with priority on illustration. And after that I went to animation school for a year, which had a big impact on my unfolding as an artist. But as any artist, I think, it's a big chunk of self teaching as well!
Did you have a favourite subject to draw when you were a child and do you still have one today? If you do, what makes it so special?
I guess I always loved to draw people. They are always around so there's a lot to observe. And every time you look, there is a new way of seeing someone. People are just wonderful and fascinating!
From the initial client idea to the final work: what goes through your mind when you're designing and what is the method you use when starting a project? Could you describe it?
Usually I prefer to have a specific task. The more specific, the better I feel at fleshing out the essence.
First I go and look for reference and inspiration (both for technical stuff as anatomy, structure, perspective as much as in terms of feeling, color, mood, style). It also happens that I draw something unintentionally, that then inspires me to dig deeper ;) Designing is a chain of associations to me.
What is your process in coloring your art and what type of tools or media do you use?
I mostly work in Photoshop. I don't have a set of brushes that I always use, neither do I have a concrete way of doing it. I just do what feels right to me and for the piece. But in general I try to lay out the general values and then go into colors. But I try to not settle too fast. That always kills it for me!
What part of the creation process is most fun and easy and what part is the hardest?
That really depends! But in general I am the freest when just sketching.
What are some of the things you have learned from other artists who you have worked with or whose work you have seen?
Just everything! :D The way of drawing faces like Phobs...the way of using colors like Loish and Nesskain. It all inspired me and I made it my own somehow.
What projects have you worked on in the past and what are you working on at the moment (if you can tell us)?
I am very fresh in the industry, but I have worked for Goodgame Studios for two years now, mainly on a game called Empire.
What is your longterm career goal and what would your dream project be?
To be honest, I don't have a set goal. I would like to keep doing stuff that is fun to me, and if I do it right here or if I move somewhere else at some point to work for movies or games industry, doesn't matter to me right now, as long as I feel happy.
What advise would you give to an artist who is dealing with an art-block? How do you boost your imagination and keep yourself creative?
Look at art. Watch a movie. Walk away. Try something new, something outside your comfort zone!
Who are the artists who inspire you the most today and what are some of your favorite designs?
As I mentioned before: Loish, Nesskain, Phobs. Also Claire Hummel, Kim Jung Gi, Claire Kean, Steve Thompson and many more.
We have a soft spot for hand drawn animation, what is your opinion about the future of this art form?
I hope and wish it will stay alive! But I am pretty positive about it. People tend to like it ;)
Finally, Where can we see your art online and get in touch with you? How can we buy your creations and support your work?
If you'd like to see some of my work, go check out my Deviantart page and my Tumblr blog! Vmtr89.deviantart.com and veras-art.tumblr.com
Thank you Vera :)
