Favorite Quote: The thermometer of success is merely the jealousy of the malcontents. Salvador Dali
Favorite Movie: Good Fellas
Favorite Book: The Power of Postive Thinking
Favorite Bands: Led Zeppelin
Favorite Songs: Stairway to Heaven
Favorite Photoshop Tool: Layer Mask ,Brushes, Warp Tool
How did you get your PSC nickname?
It is my last name. My first name is Jim
What is your real name and age?
Jim, and I am 53.
Where are you from and what do you like best about being there?
Rochester New York on the shore of Lake Ontario. What I like best is the change of seasons.
What do you do to keep the bills paid?
I work as an In-House Graphics Specialist for a Transportation Company based in Paris France.
What do you do in your spare time?
I have no spare time. I also work part-time as a certified copy print pro for Staples.
How did you find PSC, and what do you like most about the site?
Surfing the web for Photoshop contests. What I like most about the site is the people.
If you could change one thing at PSC, what would it be and why?
The voting. I believe the voting needs to be looked at. There are times when I see a skillfull entry and I am shocked that it doesn't have the votes it should.
Is there any other information about you would like to pass on?
I am a clean freak. I like things in their place.
How many hours per week do you spend on PSC?
At least 25 - 30 hours.
What other sites, not Photoshop related, do you like to surf?
News sites, the weather, sports, the usual stuff.
What tools do you use to chop?
I use both the PC and Mac. I recently bought a new Intel Macbook and a Macmini. Adobe CS5 is Great!
What gets your creative juices flowing, how do you create a masterpiece?
I look at everything in my surroundings, and try to find the art in it. It could be a billboard, ad in a magazine, nature, everything and anything.
What inspires you?
The portfolios on this site. They are always fun and inspirational to browse through.
Do you have a system? Does a chop have to be done a certain way following steps or are you a messy chopper and just go with the flow?
I just take the source and go to with it. I hardly name my layers, and I will try different tools and techniques until something comes together. That's whats fun about Photoshop.
What style of chop do you prefer to create?
All types of styles.
Filters, brushes and techniques: Which do you use, and not use, and why?
I try to stay away from the use of filters, especially 3rd party plugins. You learn more if you use the tools properly other than having a filter or plugin do it for you.
When do you know that you have it just right, or is it constant changes up until, or after, you post?
I don't believe an entry of mine is ever right. There are always room for changes and improvements.
What is the limit to what you will chop?
I am open to most things. I will not chop or vote for most political images, or images that are outright disturbing.
Are there any tips and/or tricks that you would like to pass along to less experienced choppers?
Just practice everyday and have fun. Don't expect the votes to come right away. Build a reputation on the site, and when you are able to vote, use your votes for the entries you like.
What is your favorite type of source image, and why?
I like people and vehicle images the most.
There is often talk about how the source is used and to what extent it should be. What are your views on all sources, outside source use and animations?
As long as the source is noticable in the entry, and not just a cut and paste.
What is your preferred resource for outside source images?
Google or SXC Images
In your opinion what makes a good chop?
Clarity and attention to details and perspective. The overall theme also makes a good chop.
Do you have a system to get things started?
I just stare at the image and turn it clockwise, counterclockwise, upside down until an idea pops into my head.
Have you ever completed a chop and then decided not to enter it in the contest? If so, why?
No. I have entered all my completed chops.
After you finish your chop do you just post it or seek opinions of family and/or fellow choppers first?
I will usually show my Wife first.
If some one finds a fault in your work do you change it or stay with what you posted?
I will usually change it, because constructive advice helps you to gain in your skill.
What qualities do you look for when deciding to vote on a chop?
Details!!!!
Some member prefer not to vote for filtered chops or animations. Is there any particular style/type of chop you won't vote for?
An obvious cut and paste.
Time is always a factor, how much time do you spend on a chop and how much time is too much?
I usually spend around 3-6 hours on an entry. There is really no time limit on creating a good image.
We all love to get votes. Now are you a constant vote checker or do you just let it go and check once a day? (be honest)
Honestly, I check maybe 3-4 times a day.
What chop of yours did not do as well as you expected?
I did an image using M&M candies. It was very funny, and I thought the humor would bring in the votes.
What do you consider your best chop so far?
Flight of the Dragonfly - It was a fun image to create, and the workflow involved was very smooth. It was my first chop to place third. It made me want to learn and create more.
What do you consider your worst chop so far?
It was for the Acer laptop computer contest. I had so much trouble with it, giving up at points. I just couldn't get it the way I wanted it. Maybe because of the pressure of a huge prize to be awarded.
Who is your favorite chopper out there and why?
There are so many. I would say, not in any particular order, Marco, Rey Rey, Shaman, Billtvshow, Anfa, Claf, Bluefist, Eve, Granulated, Micose, Mindgraph, Mikey, etc.
What do you NOT like to see in a chop, and why not?
Too much text! Text is generally for page layout, but when too much text is used on a great image, the image becomes too busy.
What is the best chop of all time?
There are many, but I would have to say Rey Rey's Happy Halloween.
Do you have any other PSC related comments to add?
I hope this site continues to grow, because it has helped me to grow in my Photoshop skills.
