Favorite Quote: Creative contests real prizes,essential resource
Favorite Movie: Love all movies except, Chick Flicks
Favorite Book: One with just pictures
Favorite Bands: theory of a deadman
Favorite Songs: Hard to say
Favorite Photoshop Tool: My brain
How did you get your PSC nickname?
UH...It was the first three numbers of my phone number and my name and I was not aware we could not change it after we signed up.
What is your real name and age?
Jordan Richardson, 24
Where are you from and what do you like best about being there?
Dorr, Michigan... I love how one day it'll be hot and sunny and the next day it'll be snowing!
What do you do to keep the bills paid?
I design stamping dies for automotive
What do you do in your spare time?
I sit right here and chop
How did you find PSC, and what do you like most about the site?
I stumbled across it one day after seeing some pathetic attemps at a contest on FARK.com
If you could change one thing at PSC, what would it be and why?
Nothing it's great here... Of course there are some issues but we all got issues
Is there any other information about you would like to pass on?
Keep choppin, even if the longtimers keep beating you due to the "friend votes" That will never change!
How many hours per week do you spend on PSC?
Well... if I have it my way I spend about 2-3 hours, 2-3 days a week, or more if I can
What other sites, not Photoshop related, do you like to surf?
Facebook
What tools do you use to chop?
CS3... I got my start in Good ole' PS6 and finally landed a copy of CS3 after joining the site
What gets your creative juices flowing, how do you create a masterpiece?
I indulge in my inspirational vices if that makes sence?
What inspires you?
Other artists. There is nothing better than trying to be better than someone else... it may sound bad but I think we all do it a little
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 do go with the flow but I always start by cutting out the main object in a source and working from there
What style of chop do you prefer to create?
I love surreal work but some sources just dont grant that opportunity... I also really find it a challenge to do all source chops.
Filters, brushes and techniques: Which do you use, and not use, and why?
I used to only use filters till i started here and realized thats not good practice. I will never turn my nose to a good brush though unless I can make it myself. I think if I cant beat em' then join em... sometimes brushes and filters are just a quicker way to do something I know I can do.
When do you know that you have it just right, or is it constant changes up until, or after, you post?
well, it ususally looks like crap until the last ten minutes it really comes together... it's amazing what some of the finishing touches can do to an image
What is the limit to what you will chop?
Oh, I have no limits... if there were not any rules and regulations I'm afraid you could see some very gory, and offensive work from me... BUT! I also am known to do "nice" works too.
Are there any tips and/or tricks that you would like to pass along to less experienced choppers?
Absolutly... when you think you cant compete with some of the great artists here just go look at my portfolio... There is no limit to what can be learned here from everyone... What I'm saying is dont give up cause you will only improve if you stay here and keep chopping, I have already learned so much and continue to learn everyday.
What is your favorite type of source image, and why?
I would have to say static objects... something simple not too busy and no flowers I hate flowers... and plants... only inanimate objects.
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?
if I have to search for the source, then there is not enough of it used.... not to say I am not guilty of doing that but its just one of my many opinions. All source is great but I've learned that a good external will go very far here
What is your preferred resource for outside source images?
Have to say Google... If I had a camera I would use my own photos more often as it feels like more of an accomplishment to have 100% original works (aside from source that is)
In your opinion what makes a good chop?
It's too hard to say... Color and composition are a big one for me... and details, if it has a lot of details it really stands out.
Do you have a system to get things started?
I actually never listen to music while I chop... I usually chop in silence, but I do need lots of caffeine and I do partake in some other forms of motivation better left unsaid.
Have you ever completed a chop and then decided not to enter it in the contest? If so, why?
I have started chops and not finished them but I have never finished one and not posted... look at my portfolio and you can probably pick out the ones I didn't really want to post but if I spent time on it and finished it than I'll post it too. I have no pride I dont care if people dont like it.
After you finish your chop do you just post it or seek opinions of family and/or fellow choppers first?
I finish my chops the night before they open so, if I'm lucky my girlfriend will look at them for me and she's gotten pretty good at critiquing them for me but other than that it's just me that sees the product before it goes live.
If some one finds a fault in your work do you change it or stay with what you posted?
depends... I will change it if it is something simple but if someone tells me I should change something radical I just wait till the next chop and keep the advice in mind.
What qualities do you look for when deciding to vote on a chop?
The first thing I look at is the overall image... then i start to pick apart the details and see how much work I think went into it, and sometimes, i will vote for idea alone so you could get a vote from me for a number of reasons.
Some member prefer not to vote for filtered chops or animations. Is there any particular style/type of chop you won't vote for?
I really dont like voting for chops that I can clearly see (1. grainy externals... and (2. the path they used w/polygon lasso to cut an image out... refine edge people, refine edge.
Time is always a factor, how much time do you spend on a chop and how much time is too much?
On average I spend 2-3 hours on a chop... some more and some less (some).if i cant finish it in 3 days than i post what i have... 3 days is only for big events
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)
constant vote checker... I look every chance I get... is that honest enough...
What chop of yours did not do as well as you expected?
What do you consider your best chop so far?
What do you consider your worst chop so far?
my hot dog entry.... no i will not post the link. If you wanna see it go look but i'm sick of looking at it. It's a wart on the ass of my portfolio.
Who is your favorite chopper out there and why?
my favorite chopper... it has to be marcoballistic. he has given me a lot of good advice and I have learned a lot from him. Mark is a good guy and he's a hell of a competitor. He likes to win and he does win a lot but when he's not around this site gets a little less interesting... How the hell does someone chop that many quality chops? It's unbelievable to me. Lets not forget Rey Rey and Claf too… Although I don’t talk to them as much they are great artists and they really inspire me… I would not have improved as much as I have if not for these guys.
What do you NOT like to see in a chop, and why not?
Rezzy externals... there is always a better picture if you just keep looking... A grainy external really ruins a chop IMO
What is the best chop of all time?
There has yet to be the best chop ever.... I can only hope it's one of mine:)
Do you have any other PSC related comments to add?
I would like to say that this place is awesome and I hope it stays around for years to come... even if I have to find a way to buy it. To everyone that runs the show my hat is off to you this place is great and needs nothing. You guys do a great job.
