I have the immense privilege of interviewing a great variety of artists on this blog, and today is no exception. This interview, however, is rather special, in that I got the chance to interview my better half, Daniel Lecky. I am beyond blessed to have a significant other who is not only a talented artist himself, but also one of my greatest creative inspirations. He continually pushes me to try new things and reach further with my work. Aside from that, he is one of the most varied artists I know, working in everything from pen and ink to 3D modeling to furniture building and beyond.

1. What/who do you find to be your biggest source of inspiration?

Internet/magazines/people watching/other friends' interests and things they find.

2. What's your favorite medium to work in?

Pen and paper is definitely my default. I like drawing in pen because it forces you to commit to every line drawn. If it didn't come out right, you have to improvise and find a way to save the picture without that nifty CTRL+Z.

3. Any new mediums you're itching to try?

Vacuum forming and casting because reasons.

4. What would your dream project be?

To collaborate and be part of something that will leave a mark on this rock.

5. Describe your studio/workspace. What would you change, given the resources?

Spare bedroom converted into a studio/supplies storage. There are stacks of wood leaning in the corner and a restructured dresser holding my graphic novels and the cabinet of death (full of fumes from spray paint, epoxy, etc). My great-granddad's drafting table and a lower desk. I move my cintiq between either one depending on the mood. A bulletin board covered in images and inspirations. And lastly, a TON of natural light from my walls being half windows, so that's awesome.
I'd love to double/triple the space. Basically a 2 door garage converted into a woodshop with the studio upstairs...and a dart board.

6. Do you like to warm up before drawing? If so, what fun exercises do you work on to get in the zone? (ex. Noun generator, word games, etc.)

Noun generator is fun for getting in the mood for conceptual sketches, really gets you working on breaking barriers. For other warm-ups I like to browse different categories online (based on whatever kind of piece I'll be doing) and knock out 5-10 rough sketches of different styles. And get some rockin' jams playing.

7. What do you find to be the most difficult part of being a professional artist?

Not getting bored with your clients' work and finding clients. It's hard to get work with people with the market being so saturated-and once you do, there's a slight chance it could just be some simple task and not anything fun/creative.

8. What's your favorite thing to draw/paint/create?

I love sketching up new characters from people watching (airports and coffee houses are great). And I really enjoy building furniture.

9. How do you prevent/combat artist's block? Do you have tried-and-true methods of nurturing your creativity?

That's always a threat. Every artist has to fight that. The best way I know how is to look out and absorb. Without immersing yourself in other styles or ideas, you would just be drawing the same thing over and over. try something new and bust out of your artistic comfort zone.

10. Just for fun: Dragons or unicorns?

Hahahahaha...is this even a competition? DRAGONZZZZZZ!!!

11. Best advice you have for emerging artists?

Never stop sketching. Carry a sketchbook with you and burn through those pages. Try focusing on different things like plants/animals/buildings/fashion/cars/aliens or whatever. You need to build up a library of references you can pull from when you start drawing.

You can visit Daniel's professional website at:
http://www.leckydesigns.com

Or follow him on FB at:

https://www.facebook.com/LeckyDesigns