I think that after basic talent and drawing skills with a pencil, the computer is about the most important tool that an artist can use, even if an artist does not do digital artwork.

The amazing thing about digital tools is that 'If you can imagine it... you can do it'.

I use the computer to work in a number of different digital styles.

Below is an example of my 'silhouette' style, which uses several different programs. Illustrator and Photoshop are used to create the image and then apply gradients of shading, filters of texture and patterns.

I also have a 'woodcut' line style in Photoshop... shown below.

For this style I draw a heavy line in ink on paper. Scan that into Photoshop and then doodle around with the line... giving it additional character. Then I add in colors, gradients, textures and patterns... all with Photoshop.

Another digital style I use is to begin an illustration with traditional materials... pencil, pen and watercolor on paper. (sample below)

Then it becomes 'digital' art when I scan that into Photoshop and enhance various aspects with filters, gradients, and brushstrokes. This sample is from a book that was done for a publisher in London. I e-mailed the sketches, and some of the finish art. Talk about simplifying the delivery to a client!

Aside from the finished digital images, I use Photoshop extensively to manipulate pencil sketches for my traditional art.

I scan in parts of the drawing and then cut, stretch, shrink, flip, rotate and change any and all elements at will. It makes editorial changes a breeze. A set of changes which used to be a nightmare, can now be simply done in five minutes.

I also use the computer for drawing sources for the rough pencil sketch.

If I need to know how something looks, I can quickly search online for a picture of a pagoda, a Japanese lantern or Mt. Rushmore. With a digital camera one is able to snap pictures of reference and scan it into Photoshop to build a sketch.

Then there's promotion.

Ten years ago, it took weeks to take pictures, copy them and mail that off to the art director. But now... with the computer, one can simply scan in the finish illustration... run it through Photoshop and then post it to the website or e-mail it.

Before the paint is even dry, it's on the art director's desktop or on the website for all the world to see. Now that's amazing!

I think the computer is the most powerful tool an artist can use when it comes to promotion. It makes possible mailing lists in a database, printed samples with the desktop printer and an online portfolio.

The computer also excells for communications with other artists in this lonely occupation. Before the internet, I only knew about 3 artists. Now I talk with dozens of other illustrators online every day... making my daily work life life less isolating and better informed. The knowledge, camaraderie, tips and inspiration are priceless.

Would I ever trade in my computer? NEVER! It's the greatest thing since sliced bread!

All the same, I'll never give up my paints and brushes either. They continue to be as expressive and interesting as ever. All art begins with the pencil after all, and there is no substitute for the talent behind that pencil.

Lucky for me I don't have to choose, I can use both traditional and digital mediums.