FAQs:

How do you produce your paintings?
Having obtained a description of what is required from the client, I sketch out the image in pencil on paper. Once this is approved I then mainly work digitally, painting in Photoshop. The speed and easy nature of making changes this allows are big bonuses in commercial art. I like to paint traditionally with acrylics every now and then when I have the time and the project suits. I love using oil paints but I find the drying time is incompatible with commercial deadlines.

Here is a sketch for an illustartion from the Players Hanbook of 4th edition Dungeons and Dragons. It is quite rough but shows where the different elements will be placed, some basic tonal values, and the design of the characters. Having seen this the art director asked for the dragon to be turned so as not to face the viewer as he should be unaware that he is being spied on through the magic mirror.

Here is the final painting for this artwork, with the changes that were requested and some additional detailing. You can see a larger image of it in my D&D gallery.

Did you always want to be an artist?
Yes. My parents were extremely long suffering as even when I was a small child I was continuously pursuing art or craft projects. If you practise anything for long enough you are bound to get better! It is a real pleasure to be able to bring fantasy subjects to life and share a mythical world with other people.

How can I become a freelance artist?
The first and most important thing is to actually try. There are a lot of people who would like to do this, and many other things in life, but don’t ever do them. The only way to fail for sure is not to try. Practise as much as you can and get some commissions, however small, as a way to learn. Do what the client asks you to and do it on time. A good site which provides free hosting and an opportuniy to show some of your images to the world is Devaint Art. I post there under the name Ironshod http://ironshod.deviantart.com

Can I have one of your pictures tattooed on?
Yes, if you would like one of my artworks permanently displayed on your body then be my guest! I would love to see the end result so please email me a photo.

Here is a photo of a tattoo of one of my paintings from James Hughes in Canada. The piece was done by tattoo artist Paul Gobet @ Infliction Tattoos. Thanks James for sending it :)

Can I use your art on my web site?
Not all the artwork that I produce remains my copyright. For the paintings that have © Anne Stokes in the text undernether them please send me an email asking for permission. If it is for non-profit making, non-commercial purposes and is part of a gallery this will be ok, although I would ask you to credit me as the artist and add a link to my site. For the other images that are now copyright of the companies that commissioned them you will have to direct your enquiries to the company that owns the rights.

Can I use your work in our signature tags and to make email stationary?
Not all the artwork on this site remains my copyright. You can use images that have copyright Anne stokes in the text below them. This permission is for fun personal use only and not for tags or any other files that are intended for sale. Please credit myself as the original artist with a link to this web site on the tags. I would rather you didn't colour in sketches or alter the colours of the art as then it will no longer be my art and won't be yours either. Sparkles and some small animations are fine to add.