December already - who would have thought it? Participating in Gen Con back in August, Book Two of the Forging of a Knight series completed, a couple of draft runs done for Book Three (more on that next time!), and I feel like it can't possibly be this close to 2014 (and being the holiday nut that I am, the Christmas tree is up and STAYING up until warm weather returns, which means around May or so around here in IL...).

As it stands, I wanted to make sure I had a chance to introduce some of the people who have helped me make Forging of a Knight a success, starting out with Lora Lee, my cover illustrator.

I'm grateful that the quality of my stories has matched the quality of her cover art. So without further delay, let's get right to it!


HN: Hi Lora – to start out, how about sharing some of your background with us?

LL: Sure! I’ve been working as an artist and designer for 6 years now. I specialize in 2D & 3D Illustration, animation and graphic design and I’m the proud owner of Lora Lee Art&Design. I have a BFA in Animation and an MFA in Illustration, and I’m also an Adjunct Professor working at Hartford Art School, University of Hartford.


HN: How did you develop an interest in illustration/design?

LL: When I was a little girl I loved drawing pretty cartoon characters and the other kids would use their snack money to buy my drawings. I had so much fun and snacks doing art and I guess that happiness and passion grew and last till this day!


HN: At what point did you realize this was something you had a passion for with regards to pursuing as a career?

LL: I guess I always knew this is where my passion lies and my career will be. It all seemed very natural - I went to an art high school, then followed by an art collage, then my MFA degree. I started my professional career early on when I was still a sophomore by doing a lot of freelance jobs and working in a few design/animation companies.


HN: Was it difficult setting up your own design business?

LL: I would say marketing - getting your name out there and get clients when you’re starting out is the hardest part. I did go through a difficult time at first when I was feeling a little disappointed and hopeless. But I think that this is a natural process that happens to everybody. I believe that if you put all your heart and effort in it to get through the hard time, you’ll be rewarded.


HN: What do you enjoy most about your work? What do you enjoy the least?

LL: The most enjoyable thing is that I get paid for doing the things I love! Also I have a very flexible schedule and a lot of other benefits - I can wake up at 11 a.m., wear pajamas while I’m working, listening to music and streaming movies on Netflix without worrying about being caught by my boss, etc. The only downside is that in this freelance business it is - to use the clinical term - “feast or famine”. You could work for days on end with no sleep to meet 5 deadlines in a week, then having no jobs at all for a month. It’s really unpredictable but also full of excitement, which works for me.


HN: What have been some of your most challenging projects, and why?

LL: The most challenging projects are making video games and apps. Because it is more about teamwork and collaboration, which requires more time and effort. The production phase is also relatively long and requires continued strength and passion.


HN: Give us a “day in the life” – what steps do you usually follow when you take on a new assignment?

LL: I work on a variety of projects so every time it’s a little different. But my general workflow will be: Getting to know about the new project and client - Doing research - Discussion with the client about the art direction - Start the production process with periodical discussions and revisions - Deliver final product.


HN: What are your goals for Lora Lee Art & Design moving forward?

LL: I plan to expand my business and maybe turn it into a studio with a few employees that offers more quality services such as Web Design, UI Design and App Design. It is every exciting to think about it, and I’m determined to get there one step at a time!


HN: If you hadn’t chosen to work in concept art/illustration, what do you think you would have been doing?

LL: I think I would want to be a microbiologist doing researches in a pharmaceutical company - it must be fun and rewarding to enter a brand new world of tiny organisms and develop cures for diseases!


HN: When you are not busy with client work, what do you like to do?

LL: I like to go hiking, taking pictures of the beautiful nature and then come back and do oil paintings. This is the most relaxing and enjoyable thing for me.


HN: Favorite music? Movies? Places to travel to?

LL: I love listening to Dance Pop when I’m working. The beats and rhythms keep me passionate, efficient and fired up! Also I watch a lot of thrillers because they make me feel happy and content compared to those poor people who are being chopped up in the movies! I love traveling and I really want to visit Spain and France - just to breath the artistic air and romance.


HN: What sort of skills do you think are essential for someone interested in getting into the field?

LL: First of all you have to love what you do. Otherwise you won’t be able to be fully committed and create good art. Then you have to keep moving and practicing your fundamental skills and try to achieve excellence in the field. And most importantly, you will have to be a responsible artist. You have to ensure the quality of your art and respect the needs of your clients. The trust you build up will go a long way.


HN: For anyone interested in having you work on their projects, what’s the best way for them to reach you?

LL: Welcome to visit my website at www.loraart.com and check out my portfolio! Drop me a line at lora@loraart.com or reach me at (860) 593 8035.

HN: Thanks for your time, Lora!