Michael Suiter

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Artist Bio

My name is Michael Suiter , and I'm a science fiction and fantasy artist in the Pacific Northwest.

I have three favorite tools. Pencil, pen and ink and my computer. I’ve been drawing with pencil and pen and ink since I was 8. I got into computers in 1998.

I love drawing with pencils because of the freedom of sketch. I don’t have to worry much about a finished piece at first and it’s easy to change direction if something isn’t working. Going over a pencil piece, or even just sketching with pen and ink, teaches me discipline. I love working with my computer because it allows me the ability to work with color and brings a new life to my work.

Being a science fiction and fantasy artist, I'm able to create other worlds, places, times and realities for others to enjoy as well as myself. I aspire to be a renowned artist in both these genres and to push the imagination and invoke the emotions of the viewer.

When I start a piece I have a vision in my head as to what I want the finished piece to look like. During the course of creation, sometimes it changes because I see something in front of me I hadn’t planned on that just seems to work. New ideas form and I just go with it. I’m comfortable creating sci-fi and fantasy because I feel a strong connection with both. Sometimes a piece has elements from both genres. I normally use pencil and pen and ink for my fantasy pieces, or ones with a predominant human point of interest, and the computer for science fiction landscapes. Different tools for different subjects.

Currently I’m working on mostly science fiction pieces using Bryce and Photoshop. The challenges are modeling and creating textures for those models, as well as the lighting and atmosphere, in order to create amazingly believable worlds. I’ve been astounded by the abilities of other artists in the CGI field using Bryce to create sci-fi pictures, and in the past year I’ve become friends with those artists who are a continuing inspiration. Being able to learn from them, my CGI work in sci-fi has grown exponentially and encourages me to learn new techniques and to challenge my own imagination. I continue to strive for realism which is a never-ending challenge for me, whether it’s traditional art by hand, or computer generated.

Being an artist is a very enjoyable experience. It’s who I am and what I do. It’s in my soul and every fiber of my being. The ability to visually create what my minds eye sees, and to share that part of myself with the rest of the world is incredible and something I cherish.

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