Failures are nothing more than attempts. Attempts are what we need to get to a successful piece of art.
Oatley Academy student Ursula “Sula” Dorada has been doing work for awesome clients such as DC Comics…
Name: Ursula Do
rada – Sula
OA Courses: Painting Drama 1 and 2 and Magic Box
Current Creative Pursuit: I am working on my first comic book as a penciler. It’s been fun, it’s for a personal project where Cris Peter, colorist for Marvel and DC, is making her debut as a writer. Also working with Christopher Kastensmidt adapting his novel to a board game!
Describe your most recent creative breakthrough:
After Painting Drama 2, I have come in contact with colors in a way I never thought possible. I’m pushing surprising palettes in a way I thought I never would! My tonal arrangement is leaps better too, and it is all finally becoming more natural. It’s working!
Describe your most recent career breakthrough:
Oh, I did my first two covers for DC Comics as a colorist! I even have my own page on DC wikia now!
What is the most important lesson you have you learned about your art and/or creative career?
I am actually going to quote Richard Schmid on Alla Prima here:
Talent is merely one of those convenient words that we use after someone has become accomplished.
The more I doubt my own skills, the more this proves true and each time it hits harder. Art takes time and dedication. Do it with the attention it deserves, for how many tries you need. You will get there. Try different things, test your craziest idea. Judge it only after it is on the canvas.
What are your thoughts on failure?
Sometimes it can be pretty heartbreaking to not get something right over and over, but that just means you haven’t planned enough. Take two steps back, plan better, and try again.
Failures are nothing more than attempts. Attempts are what we need to get to a successful piece of art. They help you gather knowledge and learn your challenge…
…they will lead you to success.
How has The Oatley Academy affected your life?
I was a different artist before The Oatley Academy – everything changed after my class with Chris. It was a deeply rich experience, it gave me tools I didn’t even know existed.
I now have power over my pieces like I never imagined before. The effect was pretty immediate, suddenly my pieces were making emotional connections to the viewers, I was getting feedback I never expected. It is more solid and much deeper than simply doing a “cool” image…
…I am starting real conversations with people, with a single image. It’s exciting.
For someone who basically only did portraits to get straight into storytelling section of Exposé was exciting beyond words.
Favorite Color:
Purple! We all need more purple. I’m a purple person.
Favorite Movie:
This one is too hard! The Lord of the Rings trilogy is certainly a huge influence. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is still a favorite too. I love The Incredibles, Ghibli’s Spirited Away… I could go on forever!
I love movies and I love watching them on theaters.
Favorite Painter:
For old Masters, Sargent, Sir Alma-Tadema, Boguereau. Contemporary artists, I’d say Gerald Brom. But there is a HUGE list here.
Inspiration comes from so many places.
Guilty Pleasure:
Hahaha I have three of those, that actually goes hand in hand:
1) Listening to way to much Evanescence,
2) While painting and using shamelessly dark and purple palettes,
3) Drinking coca cola with lots of ice.
I am hopeless.
What advice can you provide for young, aspiring artists?
Don’t be afraid to use your tools.
See that funny way that guy holds his pencil? Try it, you may discover something nice yourself. Never seen people combining this technique with that other one? Try that too.
Experiment workflows, try new things. Use different inspiration sources for style, for color, for line-work, and most important of all, don’t commit to an idea too soon.
Art takes time, do it with attention and care and you will learn more and the result will be better. Speed is a consequence of familiarity, with the tool, with the technique. Take your time, research, try different ways of doing the same thing.
Have fun.
What advice can you provide for pre-professional artists?
There is a time this becomes a job. Not in a bad, dragging your heels way, but in a you need to be professional way.
You are working with your client here, not against him.
Avoid negative reactions to feedback and requests for adjustments. Work with him and that will earn you points for your next opportunity, the way to be part of the team is to actually be a team player.
Remember that counts with your schedule too – be professional and avoid being late at all costs. Don’t disappear, answer to emails and call as soon as you can.
The trick here is, the more you know yourself and your workflow, the more you set the schedule and all of this will never be a problem. Just keep in mind you’re offering a professional solution and act as such.
Offer the best you can. You never know where your long lasting relationships will come from, so thread carefully.
What advice can you provide for seasoned pros?
Well, please make time for your art.
I have been finding it increasingly difficult to grow from client pieces and I feel my portfolio is lagging behind because of it.
If you don’t schedule time for your own exploration and discovery, it won’t happen. Don’t forget to rest too! Not everything about art needs to be this mad dash for a finishing line that does not exist.
What can one artist do to change the world?
Creative professionals in today’s world help shape people’s worlds and dreams, making us feel less alone and connected. They give us something to hope for.
I do think it is in our hands to dream of a better future, to show it is possible and get it into people’s memory. I do believe this is how you actually build the path to get there. Don’t let the cynicism get you.
What does it mean to be an Oatley Academy Student?
The Oatley Academy is the circle of trust I was unable to build in real life.
A diverse group of artists from the most different backgrounds possible, all working together to get better! Lots of honest feedback without the fear of that ugly backlash the internet can give you sometimes. A group of people willing to share their knowledge and skills for the benefit of the group.
I couldn’t be in a better place. Just to watch your fellow students grow is an experience in itself.