Photoshop is like milk and Adobe Lightroom is like ice cream
‘The Creative Ones’ is back with another digital artist spotlight. Today we’re showcasing @tankuss a creative designer that consistently and rapidly cranks out top quality Photoshop composites and is not afraid of trying different concepts and ideas.
Alex is regularly featured by us (@LaunchDsigns) and has also been recognized by @photoshop’s Instagram account. He has a unique style of his own, and we believe that his skills have only scratched the surface of his true potential, so we’re honored to learn a little more about this Photoshop master @tankuss
How long have you been using Adobe Photoshop to edit?
have been experimenting with Photoshop for about 2-4 years consistently. The first time I ever touched photoshop was about 6 years ago in digital photography. That’s where I was introduced to the program that would change my life.
How did you get into digital arts?
I started at in High School learning how to make collages and my teacher recognized my skill and showed the class my collages. I learned the basics of photoshop pretty fast. What I did then was nothing compared to what I create now.
What inspires you to create?
Life itself. The fact that I wake up every day with the freedom to express myself visually is a blessing itself! My art is usually inspired by my dreams and the way I see the world, often metaphorically and conceptually.
Who are some of the creative artists on Instagram that inspires you?
Oh man, there’s a lot but the ones that inspire me the most are @carsonarias @Visualsofjulius and @forwardtrends. Early on each of these artists have impacted the way I see art and have helped me find my unique style by showing me what it takes to be a visual artist. Carson taught me that consistency is key. That no matter what people think, make art that you want to make. Julius is the one that taught me to make art that speaks. Make art that will tell a story people can perceive 1000 different ways. Aaron is the one that taught me to step outside of the box. Create what nobody is creating and you’ll stand out.
With Instagram being so saturated with talent right now, how are you able to stay unique and fresh?
By staying consistent and versatile. By changing the styles of art I do. Always experiment with new things and step out of your comfort zone.
How do you educate yourself and keep learning?
I probably learn something new every day. I’m always learning from artists I look up to with the courses and tutorials they offer.
In your opinion, what makes a good photoshop composite?
Concept concept concept! You can have someone that can make a photoshop composite that looks amazing but if it doesn’t speak to the audience and convey a feeling or message, the less appealing it can be. Always remember there is no failed art. There’s appealing art and there’s practice.
What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started editing using Photoshop?
Color Range selection
Do you use Adobe Lightroom? If so for what specific purpose?
Photoshop is like milk and Adobe Lightroom is like ice cream. You need milk to make ice cream and in my opinion, they compliment each other. Ice cream is sweeter than milk and therefore I use Lightroom to make my images pop. I feel like Lightroom is essential to my craft although basically, you can do the same things in photoshop in camera RAW.
Take us through your workflow from beginning a project to posting it on Instagram?
My workflow is a rollercoaster. Sometimes the ideas that I think of turns out completely different than the original image. I start by looking at images that make me feel something then I add the ‘tankuss’ effect to them by making them surreal or conceptual. My average photo composition is usually made up of 4 photos. After I’m done I add lighting effects and then I touch it up in Lightroom
What do you hope to achieve from posting on Instagram? Are you just posting for the fun of editing or are you hoping to use your Instagram gallery as a portfolio for bigger opportunities?
Pure fun. I mean I do make money off of selling my art on canvas but I never would’ve imagined I would have come this far and actually have people buy my artwork. At this point, I make art to please myself. It’s an addiction at this point. I find myself to be passionate about art more than anything else in my life. I just go with the flow and let opportunities come to me rather than chase them.
I know from experience that photoshop files many layers can take up lots of space on a computers hard drive, How do you back up your original work?
Google Drive and Dropbox. I also have an external hard drive that I store most of my work on.
How important is getting likes and comments vs just posting as an artistic expression?
Likes and comments are irrelevant. Make art that expresses yourself and all that will come eventually. Art is more valuable than likes and comments
If there wasn’t an Instagram, where would you showcase your work?
Have you gotten any financial opportunities because of Instagram?
Yes. I have people that ask me to make them something almost every day. I keep my commissions closed because I only like making what I want to create at that moment.
Do you think that Instagram has helped or hurt digital artists?
Helped a lot We are connecting to people that we would never come in contact with in real life that can inspire us in so many ways!
What State/Country do you live in?
I live in Pennsylvania in the United States
Is there anything else that you would like your followers to know about you?
I’m friendly and if you need a friend, I’ll be your friend 🙂
