Favorite Quote:
Favorite Movie:
Favorite Book:
Favorite Bands:
Favorite Songs:
Favorite Photoshop Tool: My monitor
How did you get your PSC nickname?
I have used YerPalAl as an ID since I got online with a BBS in the 80s
What is your real name and age?
Alan Welch and I'm older than dirt
Where are you from and what do you like best about being there?
Jacksonville, NC I sold my boat and it just seemed like the right place to be.
What do you do to keep the bills paid?
Put a check in the envelope and put a stamp on it.
What do you do in your spare time?
Spare time? Vas ist?
How did you find PSC, and what do you like most about the site?
I can't remember how I found this place, but I like the humor here.
If you could change one thing at PSC, what would it be and why?
I kinda liked it better when the contests were anonymous. But if I could change one thing it would be to bring back some of the old timers.
Is there any other information about you would like to pass on?
How many hours per week do you spend on PSC?
I have no idea
What other sites, not Photoshop related, do you like to surf?
http://www.engadget.com
http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/
http://www.oobject.com/
What tools do you use to chop?
Mac PowerBook, digital camera, HP scanner, hallucinagenics. (just joking about that last one)
What gets your creative juices flowing, how do you create a masterpiece?
I have no idea what gets my creative juices flowing . . . it just happens. And as soon as I create a masterpiece I will let you know.
What inspires you?
No way of telling, could be anything. Usually, can I make this into something funny.
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?
Whatever works. Most of the time the finished products bears little resemblance to the original concept, it just develops on its own a lot of the time.
What style of chop do you prefer to create?
I lika da funny ones. Most of my chops are designed to try and make the viewer laugh or at least groan.
Filters, brushes and techniques: Which do you use, and not use, and why?
I usually don't use many although I do have some brushes I use for special effects like mist, dust and sparklies. (ooooo, shiny objects)
When do you know that you have it just right, or is it constant changes up until, or after, you post?
Chops, by their nature, are never finished.
What is the limit to what you will chop?
Well, its supposed to be a family friendly site so I DO tone down the blood. I DO wish we could post artistic nudes though.
Are there any tips and/or tricks that you would like to pass along to less experienced choppers?
Always turn the source image upside down before you start. You might see something else in it.
What is your favorite type of source image, and why?
Sharp, contrasty, unusual.
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?
I'm not much for animations, myself, but that's just me. I have done cut and paste and all source and its all good in my book.
What is your preferred resource for outside source images?
I use my own camera a lot.
In your opinion what makes a good chop?
Convincing, funny and a sense of "How the hell did he/she do that?".
Do you have a system to get things started?
I turn the source image upside down and look at it that way too. Usually, I will take a look at the source image and something will "click" and I know what I want to do. Of course, that is always subject to change.
Have you ever completed a chop and then decided not to enter it in the contest? If so, why?
Well, it just happened. I did a chop, then looked at it the next day and decided not to go with it so I now have to change this answer to yes. A chop either works or it doesn't and if it doesn't there is no sense posting it.
After you finish your chop do you just post it or seek opinions of family and/or fellow choppers first?
I usually show it to a few, choice, friends. New eyes on a project are a good thing, they can pick up mistakes the author might overlook.
If some one finds a fault in your work do you change it or stay with what you posted?
Depends. Sometimes I agree with them and change it, sometimes I feel its not worth the candle.
What qualities do you look for when deciding to vote on a chop?
I look for workmanship, idea, perspective, is it convincing or so silly I cannot resist.
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 think not voting for a chop because it is a different style is really stupid. Art is art and you should appreciate good work regardless. Having said that I don't normally vote for a chop that is just a filtered image. I always try to toss a "welcome vote" to a first time chopper for incentive.
Time is always a factor, how much time do you spend on a chop and how much time is too much?
Whatever it takes.
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)
Oh, I lurk pretty constantly.
What chop of yours did not do as well as you expected?
Heh, a great number of them actually. :-)
What do you consider your best chop so far?
What do you consider your worst chop so far?
Who is your favorite chopper out there and why?
Too many to list
What do you NOT like to see in a chop, and why not?
Sloppiness, bad perspective, halos, incorrect shadows
What is the best chop of all time?
Do you have any other PSC related comments to add?
I'll fill in the rest as I come up with answers.
