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WEBSITE AND LEGAL ISSUES:
Q: Can I use your images on my website?
A: It depends. I'm usually quite reasonable. I won't raise a stink if you use an image of mine as your LiveJournal icon (for instance). However, thievery, lies and unwillingness to cooperate don't work well with me. They don't work well with anyone. A lot of art thieves seem to believe that unfair usage and distribution of images do not harm the artist. That's a fallacy. Another fallacy is that using an artist's work equals "free advertising". It doesn't. Especially if my name and info are nowhere to be found.
So... As with many other things in life, all I ask is that you use common sense. Respect the artist, any artist and his hard work as you would respect your own hard work.
Other possible uses of my work:
- Please do not use my images for profit. For example, don't take my work, create cross stitch patterns from it and sell those on eBay. If you would like to use my work in such a way, you must first license the image(s) from me, with all the necessary legal paperwork included.
- You're welcome to use the image(s) on your non-commercial website, such as a personal homepage, an online art gallery, a newsgroup, a discussion board, etc., but please always contact me about it beforehand. The above applies: please do not take my images apart! If I grant you permission, please do not direct-link but save it locally instead. Please also provide credit in the form of a copyright notice. A link back to this site is always appreciated.
- You're welcome to use my art for an avatar. However, I recommend that you go to
All Avatars, a great site run by Epilogue. It's got a wide selection of avatars of all kinds, including from yours truly.
Please do not use my image(s) as your "RPG character portrait". I.e., do not take a drawing of a succubus you've found on this website, erase the horns and the tail, recolor her skin blue, add bikini chainmail and post that on your site as "my dark elf necromancer". If you need a character portrait, you can either a) e-mail me and ask me for availability of a certain image (and in some cases, they are available), or b) you can commission an original character drawing from me. Click here to find out more.
Please do not use any of the graphics you see on this site (except the banners designed for linking) - such as horizontal and vertical bars, navigation buttons, etc. They are as much original works as the art you see here, and have been created from scratch to define the look of this website.
Please do not use my images to illustrate your own creative writing. You can always hire me to illustrate your writing project, as many a writer have done. If an image you've seen on this site is uncannily resonant to something you've written and you'd like to use it as illustration, you must e-mail me for permission. Such images must still be licensed for your use; besides, some of them are already being used as illustrations for other literary works and therefore may not be used by any other party. Occasionally I grant the use of my images to illustrate poetry - e-mail me for permission.
Please do not use my images as a logo (or a part of a logo) for your commercial website, or business.
Please do not use my images on any website advocating hate, racism, homophobia, religious dogma, political extremism or any such other biases. In other words, using any of my drawings as a front graphic for your "God hates atheists" or "Bush is Satan" website is not appreciated.
If you're adding a copyright notice or text link, please pay attention to the URLs and names. My first name is Maria (not Marie or Mary), my last name is William (not Williams), and the site URL ends with .net (not .com).
Q: I've made a graphic of your images and want to use that as a web design/cross-stitch pattern/etc. for sale. Since I'm creating my own original work it's legal, right?
A: Wrong. Even thought you are, technically, creating your own original design, it's still based on original work of someone else. You're creating what's called a derivative work, which is a copyright infringement. You're not doing me any favors by "advertising" me via your products. I occasionally license use of an image for products, so please do contact me about it if you have an idea for a project.
Q: I want to have a tattoo done based on one of your images. Is that all right?
A: Yes. Ideally, your tattoo artist should ask whose image you're using and on which rights, so contact me for a formal written permission. I do not, however, authorize for any tattoo artists to routinely offer designs based on my images to their clients.
Q: Hey, wasn't there more stuff on this site, like writing and movie reviews? Where did it all go? Or am I going crazy?
A: You aren't going crazy. The site has been around since 1996, under many a different name and layout. I pulled the plug on all other sections in around 2001, for many reasons. One, I was going pro full-time, and wanted the site to pertain to my work only. Two, I could hardly find enough time and energy to deal with fan/hate mail about my art; the prospect of a career in social commentary eventually lost its appeal. Three, writing has simply stopped being my priority. I don't really have the time to do it anymore.
Q: Whatever happened to the Photography Gallery?
A: As much as I love photography, and regardless of the quality (or lack thereof) of my photos, I do not do it professionally, and at this time don't plan to. I post my photos on other sites, including my Deviant Art Gallery and Better Photo, and I also have a blog, which I created especially for my kids. You're welcome to visit those sites!
Q: I saw an image on your website that offended me. Could you remove it, please?
A: If something doesn't please you or even offends you, please understand that it isn't my problem. My art is what it is, and if you don't like it, you're free to click the "back" button.
Q: Can I link to your site?
A: You're welcome to. Below are some banners you can use. Please do save them locally.
ART RELATED:
Q: How did you get into fantasy art?
A: I discovered fantasy art relatively late. Fantasy wasn't available to public at large where I grew up. I never played Dungeons & Dragons, and had not seen a comic book or watched Star Wars until I was well into my teens. At about sixteeen I saw a bookcover by Boris Vallejo, and fell in love. I had had no idea such style of art even existed. It was like a blow to the head that opened a whole new center of my brain that I hadn't been previously aware of.
Q: What inspires you to do art?
A: My family. Writing. Dreams. Books. Music. The city. Urban decay. Dystopia. All things Asian. Computer games. And of course, art. Not necessarily in that order.
Q: What process and mediums do you use to create art? And what brand art supplies do you use?
A: You can see and read all about it in the Tutorials section.
Q: How long does it take for you do complete a piece of art?
A: It depends on the size, the level of detail, and the medium. Anywhere from 8 hours to a few weeks.
Q: What art school did you go to, and would you recommend it?
A: I didn't go to an art school in the true sense of the word, but I've attended some classes at the Art Students' League of New York, which is an excellent school with traditional approach to art. A lot of art schools (if not most) are still restricting and close-minded, but things are getting better. Many now offer illustration and computer art programs. It all depends on the school. Just do your research well before you commit to one.
Q: Who is your favorite fantasy artist?
A: Quite a few, but if I had to pick one I would have to say Brom. To find links to more of my favorite artists' websites, please visit the Links section.
Q: Can you give me some tips on how to draw?
A: There's only one way to learn how to draw: practice a lot. Patience is an artist's best tool. Take an art class if you can. If not, get friends and family to pose for you. Don't be afraid to experiment, and get used to the thought that sometimes a drawing won't work out the way you've planned - even seasoned pros sometimes have to deal with this, and it's not necessarily a bad thing.
Q: Why would you draw a samurai in European armor with a Celtic tattoo and tribal face paint? That's wrong!
A: The short answer is, "why not?" The longer answer is, I consider my work fantasy, not history. In my world, Asian warriors wear European armor, geishas get inked with Celtic symbols, and samurai carry jian swords. It's not wrong; it's intentional. It's why it's called fantasy. If you're looking for historically accurate pieces of art, please visit a museum instead.
Q: I saw a book The Retrieval Artist by K. K. Rusch with your painting Who We Are on the cover, but on the inside the art is credited to Ken Barr. What's up with that?
A: Yes, unfortunately it was an error on the publisher's side, and it doesn't look like a reprint is due any time soon.
Q: I'd love to buy The End Of Infinity book, but it's so expensive! Why?
A: Believe it or not, I hardly make any money from my books. It's mostly a labor of love, and I publish them because it's important for me to share my visions with the world. The price is something I have very little control over, and is mostly production costs. Unfortunately, such is the book business. At this time I'm not offering book sales directly through my site, but it's certainly a future possibility.
Q: Do you accept commissions?
A: Yes, I do. For more info, please visit this page.
Q: Do you offer prints of your work for sale?
A: Yes. Please go here for a complete list of all limited and open edition prints available.
Q: Are any of your originals for sale?
A: Yes. Please go here for a complete list of all original artwork available.
Q: I want you to draw something for me, but I can't pay you. Can you draw it anyway?
A: Short answer: NO. Longer answer: I don't work for exposure, on spec or without a written and signed legal agreement. Why? Because while your love of my work does warm my heart, it's simply not enough to feed me and my children.
PERSONAL:
Q: Did you want to be an artist while growing up?
A: No. I wanted to be everything from archaeologist to rock star, but never an artist.
Q: What's your life philosophy?
A: I believe in the "golden rule" above all - treat others as you would like them to treat you. I believe in letting everything that comes your way in, and in not being afraid to face your dark side. I believe that it's easier to live life one day at a time. And that everything happens for a reason.
Q: What are your best and worst qualities?
A: I pride myself on being honest and responsible. I stick to my promises religiously and try my best to never betray people's trust. The rest is probably best left to others to judge. As for my worst, there are a ton. I'm a procrastinator some days, a workaholic other days. I'm shy, except for the times when I've consumed the right amount of alcoholic beverages. I worry too much, sometimes about things I have no control over. I can be stubborn, moody, vindictive and a bit obsessive. I also swear a lot, and I have a short fuse, which is a deadly combination.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: That's implying I have a life. ;) I'm actually quite boring. I don't travel unless absolutely necessary, don't go to the movies, don't watch much TV (apart from "24" and "House"), don't read newspapers, don't drive. Being a mom and an enterpreneur does keep me constantly on the run. But I wouldn't be caught dead hiking on a mountain trail, or camping somewhere in the woods. I'm not into spirituality or activism or risk-taking. I love to be at home. I love to work alone. I love comfort. I love my coffee first thing every morning, cream and sugar. Most of my free time (which isn't much) is spent in front of either the drawing board or the computer. I work out six days a week. I like painting miniatures for fun. I'm a decent cook and make mean pasta, but I can't bake a cookie to save my life. I'm a tomboy. I don't really have girlfriends. I love to hang out with guys. Most things commonly thought of as "chick things" annoy me. The things I do like, most women either don't care for or find downright offensive (gory horror movies, violent videogames, politics, roller coasters, rude jokes, etc.).
Q: What kind of music do you listen to?
A: Pretty much anything but rap. Travis, The Decemberists, Belle And Sebastian, The Shins, Guster, Mohair, Supergrass, Death Cab For Cutie. The Beatles, and in particular Paul McCartney. Some 70s and 80s music. Pet Shop Boys. Bach and Mozart. Soundtracks. Lots of J-pop, in particular Arai Akino, Maaya Sakamoto and Ai Otsuka.
Q: Do you ever get creative block? How do you banish it?
A: Well, who doesn't? For me, it gets especially bad in the winter. When I do get it I completely distance myself from all my art supplies and do anything but art - read, write, watch a movie, take a bath, take a walk...
Q: What are your favorite books?
A: Two books that had most impact on me as a kid and still remain my favorites are Tolkien's Lord Of The Rings, and To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Other than that, I read lots of fantasy and sci-fi and "weird" fiction. I would have to say China Mieville is my favorite modern author. I also love Dan Simmons, Octavia Butler, Tim Powers, Jeff Vandermeer and Jonathan Lethem, to name a few. I'm also reasonably obsessed with the Harry Potter books.
Q: Do you have any guilty indulgences?
A: Computer games. I must own close to 200 of them... and yes, I've played them all. Twice.
Q: What movies do you like?
A: The Lord Of The Rings trilogy is a masterpiece that is as perfect as a film can get. The Matrix is my second favorite. I love the original Star Wars, but can't stand the prequels. Despite my hatred of romantic comedies and love stories, I confess that Titanic managed to push all the right buttons. Threads is a fantastic British nuclear war film every person on earth must see. Goodfellas is the best mafia movie ever made. Cube, Fight Club and Gattaca are amazing films that are horribly underrated. I have a soft spot in my heart for Asian cinema, especially horror (forget Ringu... watch A Tale Of Two Sisters if you want something really spooky and clever!) And, thanks to my 6 y.o. son, I've developed an affection for superheroes, so I reckon Batman Begins and the X-Men series rocked.
Q: What are your pet-peeves?
A: A ton. I'm easily annoyed. Let's see... stupidity, people's obsession with body perfection, gangsta rap, ebonics, child beauty pageants, Bible-thumpers, political correctness, pacifists, people who name their children with deliberately misspelled names (think Jhennypher)... Oh, yeah, and Paris Hilton. She should be shot.
Q: If you didn't do art, what would you do?
A: Be a full-time professional computer gamer, or course! :) Seriously, I don't really know. There are so many things I would have loved to try. If I have to pick one, I'd say I would have loved to be a doctor. Medicine fascinates me.
Have a question? E-mail me, and I'll try my best to answer it.
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ALL WEBSITE CONTENT COPYRIGHT © 2007
BY MARIA J. WILLIAM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED.
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