3DTotal: I noticed on your website that you mentioned that since starting digital painting in 2001, you have been trying to find your “artistic self”.  Would you say you have finally found this? If so, what was the realisation? If not, do you think your artistic self is something that will always remain out of grasp? Is it an ideal that we never really find, but something that drives us to keep on creating?
Drazenka: I have yet to find my “artistic self” – actually, I’m far from it. I am very diverse by nature. For instance, I love to experiment with different styles and media. I could create an architectural floor plan, logo design and paint a fairy on a tree all in the same day. I love the ability to flick the switch in my brain and go with the flow. Then, there is that question of “artistic self”. I often wonder which path to take. At the moment, all paths are wide open and ready to take me to the unknown. It is a force that keeps me creating.

3DTotal: It’s always good to be diverse and you sound like the perfect person to approach for

   
   

commissions! Are you open to commissions at the moment? Hmm, I wonder: what one project in the world would you like to land on your doorstep (or Outlook Inbox), and why?
Drazenka: I am currently open for commission work. The dream job would be illustrating a story book.  Everything is visual with me. When I read a book, I picture the scenes in my mind as I read.  So, I really would be thrilled if some publishing company would approach me with a contract to illustrate a book. That would be fantastic! It would thrill me to no end to have opportunity to visually present someone else’s written word.

3DTotal: What are your main sources of inspiration when you set about creating something new? Is inspiration something that you must actively seek? Or is it something that finds you?
Drazenka: The inspiration is all in my head and it’s incredible how my mind works. Many nights I lay in my bed, right before I fall asleep, and it comes to me all

at one time. The vivid pictures are in my mind – so detailed that I can even see the veins on the leaves and I can smell the air. I pick the perfect fabric, texture, lighting and everything else. Unfortunately, by morning, the visions fade drastically. That’s why I started to keep a book nearby to write notes of what I see while it’s still fresh. I would actually suggest other artists to do the same. It helps a great deal!

    
 
   

As to what triggers it? It’s never the same thing. Inspiration comes on its own and in its own time. I would browse other artists’ work and something totally unexpected would pop in my head. The same thing would happen while reading a book or after visiting a place I have never been to before. Inspiration is all around me and in me. All you see in my work, for instance the pain, death, love and hope, is a product of my current state of mind. I am constantly changing as a person and as an artist. As a result, my visions will change as well. All in all, I would have to say my emotions dictate what will appear next on the canvas.

3DTotal: It must be very hard to actually get to sleep with such an active imagination! So what do you do to wind down at the end of the day, and how do you cut yourself off from other on-going projects to focus on the one in hand? (I’m sure this is something many artists could learn from!)
Drazenka: Actually it can be frustrating not being able to concentrate on anything if my imagination is flowing. I do love to read classic books from the master writers like Dumas and Tolstoy, but since I am a hopeless romantic I will also read a lighter book like something from Jane Austen as well. Reading puts me to sleep within half an hour, depending on how late at night it

   
 


is.  Books are a great source of inspiration for me as well. I have done a few paintings that convey a scene from book I happen to be reading at the time and the fact that I illustrated something that was described in words by a writer – those paintings have a special meaning to me.

3DTotal: So you joint-own a company called Magicgate Software, where you work as a full-time Illustrator and Designer. Can you tell us a little about your daily work for Magicgate and what we would find you doing if we were to follow you around for a day or two? (Don’t worry, we promise not to stalk you!)
Drazenka: There is no fantasy at Magicgate! I love my job; I get to be the creative one and the project starts with my artistic concepts. Most of the time I am given the artistic freedom to do what I feel is right, but some clients want to be completely involved in the creative process. I work well in both situations. I still use pencils and paper for initial drafts and storyboarding if it’s for an interface design for a CD-ROM, so if you dropped in for a visit, you would see me buried in papers and eraser dust. No, I am not giving up my pencils!

Currently I am working on a designing and developing marketing material for one of my larger clients (BCC – Broward Children’s Center) based here in South Florida. The project includes Annual Report on CD-Rom, brochure designs for each facility and magazine advertisement. I have also gotten my hand into interior decorating as well, supported with the conceptual interior drawings. 

I am fortunate enough to be working in a good size office, equipped with a sweet machine that enables me to work on large files. I have a dual monitor set up which helps me to better organise my digital workspace. I usually have two or three applications open at the same time and move from one to the other as needed. My office would not be complete without my Wacom Intuos 3 and a bunch of “software bibles” and reference books. My office is divided into a sketching area and digital area - I hardly ever move away from my chair, unless I need to make a cup of tea or take a bathroom break. I am a hermit when it comes to my work! At the end of the day my right hand is “dead” and cold from lack of blood circulation, and my fingers crack at every movement. Besides my eyes taking the most of the beating and strain, I cannot complain. I love what I do and it makes me happy when I see a satisfied customer.

3DTotal: [Laughs] When you said “sweet machine” I started imagining a machine filled with lots of colourful sweets and chocolates that you could dispense when you’re in need of a sugar rush!  So it sounds like you love your work space… but if you could pick it up and move it to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Drazenka: Oh, that’s too funny! I cannot seem to get sweets out of my head. After a while things resembling sweet stuff, plus a sugar rush, will get me to work into the wee hours [laughs]!

I do love my office because I made it to be my comfortable nest. Right now I feel like moving away from all the stress to some countryside cottage. A place that’s peaceful, with birds chirping and a beautiful, inspiring view of the hills and endless fields. But hey, don’t they call that a vacation? Ah, I guess I need one right now!
    
     
 
Page 1
   Page 2