Sam Gelua

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Tell me a little bit about yourself. Where did you go to school, and what extra-curricular activities did you take up? What helped prepare you to become the artist that you are today?

Hello! My name's Sam Gelua. Goes by the name lires on some online communities. Born and raised in the Philippines. I like cats.. : D I studied Architecture in Central Colleges of the Philippines but never got to finish it. I think watching a lot of anime and drawing at the back of my notebook while in the teacher is teaching helped me to become the artist that i am now.

What inspired or convinced you to become an artist?

When i first saw filipino made manga looking comics, it really made a large impact on me. That was also the day that i decided that i wanna be a part of that community. I wanna make my own too. : )

What is a typical day for you, and who are the people you work with?

Hmm.. Wake up at 7am.. Eat, take a shower, go up stairs, then work on my computer. : D Well, since i now work at home, i don't get to work with people anymore. It's easier to work but sometimes boring. Then sleep at 10pm.. ^_^

What are some of the things that you have worked on?

I've worked with Groundbreakers' Mangaholix. Colored Midknighters & Aporia. Exalted by White Wolf, also under Groundbreakers. Now i do avatars for an online community. (Not THE tv Avatar.. lol) I also did some bible illustrations for a church magazine. That was before i had a real job. : )

How do you go about an illustration, what goes through your mind, from start to end?

Well most of my illustrations comes from a simple but weird idea. I try to include things that i encounter. Like LRT, fishball vendors, etc. etc. Then from that i sketch what's on my mind at the moment. Then add other things that comes to my mind.

Could you talk about your process in coloring your art (if at all), as well as the types of tools or media that you use?

I always do flats first. I'm not the paint-from-the-start person. Then i search for a good light source. I play with contrasts too. I use SAI in coloring and PSCS for effects.

What are some of the things that you do to keep yourself creative?

I look at works of others.. And steals their ideas.. O_O I kid, i kid.. XD I love doing photo-journalistic looking art. So i look at photos & arts with detailed backgrounds. : )

What is your most favorite subject to draw, and why?

Girls. Cause i'm a boy. XD lol. But seriously, i prefer drawing girls or other cute things. Maybe because girls loves them.. hehe..

Who are the top illustrators whose works excite you the most?

There are countless artist that i really look up to. There's OmeN2501 i don't know his real name but he's the best! Arts by Tony Taka. And from the locals, Kriss Sison. : )



What are some of the neat things you have learned from other artists that you have worked with or seen?

Ku ku ku! Those are top secrets.. XD Lot's of Photoshop tricks. Like creating a good ambience/mood. Making realistic effects. And many more.


What are some of your favorite websites that you go to?

Deviantart, Pixiv & Danbooru (insert evil laugh here).. : D

What wisdom could you give us, about being an artist? Do you have any tips you could give?

It takes time to be a good artist. Be patient. Don't give up. If you really want to become an artist, start drawing now.. XD Be nice to fellow artists. Respect them & they will respect you.. ^_^

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted?

You can email me at lires14[at]yahoo[dot]com. Note me at Deviantart. lires.deviantart.com. Or pm me on my ym (creamson_red).. ^_^

Do you have any of your art work for sale (comics, prints, or anything)? If so, for fans of your work can know where and when to buy it?

Nope.. : ) Though i hope i can make an Indie before the Komikon. I have prints on DA.

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If a mad scientist could grant your request to make a custom gadget for you, what kind of gadget would you have him make?

A device where I can draw using my mind.. : D 10 artworks per minute. wouldn't it be cool? XD