Favorite Quote:
Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right. - Henry Ford
Favorite Movie:
Almost any Coen Brothers' movie
Favorite Book:
Any Vonnegut
Favorite Bands:
Too many to list... rock and folk
Favorite Songs:
See previous
Favorite Photoshop Tool:
Layer Mask
How did you get your PSC nickname?
I have used this nickname for 18 years. When I started chatting on Yahoo! chat and needed a screen name, I had a figurine of Cringer from the He-Man series on my desk. Simple as that.
What is your real name and age?
Ryan, 32 (I hope I remember to update this answer every year)
Where are you from and what do you like best about being there?
Originally from New York, now in Seattle (for the last nine years). I don't really like Seattle as much as home, but things are working out for me here. I'll stay as long as it keeps up.
What do you do to keep the bills paid?
I use 3D CAD software to design jewelry.
What do you do in your spare time?
I walk my dog, play videogames, and chop.
How did you find PSC, and what do you like most about the site?
I researched websites that run photoshop contests. This one is the best. I like that there are contests every day and the people are friendly.
If you could change one thing at PSC, what would it be and why?
I always think of things that they could change, but then think of reasons why those things should stay the same. I think it functions as best it can.
Is there any other information about you would like to pass on?
That's pretty open-ended. Can't think of anything...
How many hours per week do you spend on PSC?
Are you really gonna make me think about that? LOL, too much time. Over 24 hours a week.
What other sites, not Photoshop related, do you like to surf?
NFL.com
What tools do you use to chop?
Photoshop Elements on a PC running Windows 7. My computer is pathetic and PS crashes frequently :(
What gets your creative juices flowing, how do you create a masterpiece?
A great idea. If I'm really behind my idea, I will pour hours into it.
What inspires you?
Other choppers. I see things people have done in the past and it unlocks creative avenues I wouldn't have thought of on my own.
Do you have a system? Does a chop have to be done a certain way following steps or are you a messy chopper and just go with the flow?
I usually think I have a system when I start, but by the end, my layers are mess and happy accidents abound.
What style of chop do you prefer to create?
I prefer to use all source, if I can. Humor is a big part of it for me. And I try my hardest to make it photo-realistic. I have lots of room for improvement there ;)
Filters, brushes and techniques: Which do you use, and not use, and why?
I use the selection brush to create layer masks (because Elements doesn't have a pen tool) and liquify to move certain parts of an existing image. I do not like to use the "artistic" filters, because I'm never happy with the results.
When do you know that you have it just right, or is it constant changes up until, or after, you post?
Oh, it's never right. I just have to stop looking and post :)
What is the limit to what you will chop?
I am not opposed to gore, if it makes sense and is humorous, not vulgar. I avoid political statements and religion for obvious reasons. I'm not here to debate ;)
Are there any tips and/or tricks that you would like to pass along to less experienced choppers?
Less is more. Don't overextend your abilities. The more you try to do, the greater the potential for mistakes. Try something new with each chop, but only one new thing ;)
What is your favorite type of source image, and why?
I don't have a favorite, but I have a least favorite; cars :P
There is often talk about how the source is used and to what extent it should be. What are your views on all sources, outside source use and animations?
I think it's all fair game. I think the source should be easily identifiable, but use whatever you want and animate it if you can.
What is your preferred resource for outside source images?
Google Images. Is there another option I should know about?
In your opinion what makes a good chop?
Thinking outside the box. I like to be surprised.
Do you have a system to get things started?
That's a really good idea... but no I don't.
Have you ever completed a chop and then decided not to enter it in the contest? If so, why?
I have scrapped some chops midway through, but if I "finish" it, I will post it.
After you finish your chop do you just post it or seek opinions of family and/or fellow choppers first?
I just post it. I'll hear all the opinions I need after that.
If some one finds a fault in your work do you change it or stay with what you posted?
Depends on the fault. If it's a quick fix, sure. Sometimes I have merged certain layers and to fix the issue, I would have create them again from scratch. That's a downer.
What qualities do you look for when deciding to vote on a chop?
Effort, creativity, execution.
Some member prefer not to vote for filtered chops or animations. Is there any particular style/type of chop you won't vote for?
Nah, I don't make rules for myself. If I like it, I vote.
Time is always a factor, how much time do you spend on a chop and how much time is too much?
Currently, I spend about three four hours on a chop. I haven't tried spending more time, so I don't know how much is too much.
We all love to get votes. Now are you a constant vote checker or do you just let it go and check once a day? (be honest)
Constant vote checker. Mainly for the comments left with the vote, but winning is nice :)
What chop of yours did not do as well as you expected?
Lightning Worm. I thought it was a very cool image made up almost entriely from the source. I was so bummed with its performance, I lost the will to chop for a few days :D
What do you consider your best chop so far?
Humor: Nose Fountain, Photo-realism: Tee Hee Hee, Execution: Lightning Worm
What do you consider your worst chop so far?
It's hidden from my portfolio and it will stay that way ;)
Who is your favorite chopper out there and why?
I like that TheShaman and TBC give advice on chops. I like that kittie uses the chat. I like Employed Droid's forum posts. I like a lot of people's art; Anfa, bogonet, Claf, ReyRey, TBC, etc. I don't have a "favorite" chopper. Lot's of great people here in their own way.
What do you NOT like to see in a chop, and why not?
Sloppy, lazy work. Lack of skill is one thing, but not taking the time to clean up your work, that's another. Anyone can use the eraser tool. Clean it up :)
What is the best chop of all time?
Oooooh, I don't know. I haven't had a chance to go through EVERYONE's portfolio. I'll get back to this one...
Do you have any other PSC related comments to add?
STFUAC ;)
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