Hi dear friends,

it's time for our monthly interview. This time's interview partner is the great *Lady-Symphonia . She's some of kind of dA superstar and I'm sure everyone of you has seen her artworks on dA. Have a look at what she had to say:

1. Can you tell us in short you got started with photomanipulation?
It's hard to explain…When I look back I find myself as a child, cutting out magazines and everything I could to create stories. I used to create handmade collages for fun, never thought it could be done digitally. Many years later, still lost in my career, could have used a better computer and installed a corel photo paint 9, given by a friend. Everything started as a hobby and then getting into something more serious. Had my first photoshop 3 years later and the rest you already know.

2. When you're ready to produce a new photomanip. How do you get started? Do you start off from scratch and see what will be or do you do a rough sketch with a finished concept before you start? How much time do you need to actually finished one of your pieces?
I start from scratch. Sometimes I just want to reproduce a scene that has been hauting my mind for weeks. The artwork flows through the process, new ideas come automatically. The time it takes to finish a piece depends on how complex it is. Sometimes 3 days or a week.

3. Each of your submissions gets more than 1,000 favs. Why do you think you're so popular? How do you explain this success and what would you advise people in order to become successful in this genre?
My style is popular, that helps. Sometimes the most simply things captivate the public. And it scares me. The public is needy of sweet feelings and be out of their worlds a little bit. They want to understand what they see. I truly respect all kinds of genre but sometimes we just don't understand some artworks and somehow it frustrates us. I could create nonsensical things all the time but I think there's nothing better than to touch people's feelings, see them crying (or screaming). On the other hand, technically, mixing 2 great media, in this case photomanipulation and painting makes the difference. in photomanipulation we use people who exist,… and when we paint over them, they become magical. Could be you or anyone, this new world comes just by using a simple photography. I think it's so nice. It's a big transition between the real and unreal.

4. Apart from doing photomanips, you're also a talented photographer, model and web designer. Do you still have some free time ?
Yes, but I need to confess that my free time is reserved for art. My best artworks come from free time.

5. You have produced lots of book and cd covers. Have you made this your day job by now? Do you need a manager to get all of these commissions sorted?
Yes, many commissions have come to me weekly and no, I don't have a manager (although sometimes I think I could need some help). This is my job right now, I just can't decline such great proposals and by the way I feel really good doing this.

6. Do you still have something like an idol, someone you look up to? Who are your favorite artists?
I had and have favorite artists, but currently I'm looking for some new ones, unknown. I'm trying to improve my art and style and unknown artists are not afraid to take risks, new ideas, they don't care. They are my inspiration now, because I'm still afraid to take risks..

7. What is your own favorite piece in your gallery and why?
"Queen of Hearts" ([link]) was my first artwork using me and my new camera.

8. Last but not least: There are many lady-symphonia fans here on dA who try to become as popular as you are. Have you got some tips for them?
Don't care about popularity! The public is gonna find you, it doesn't matter how. I see people struggling for numbers and really, this is not art. They cheat, steal, they want to be first, it doesn't matter how. Favorites are good but it's not the end of the world if you don't get them. I believe (If I'm the right person to say that) popularity comes normally if you believe in yourself and try your best. Really, I have seen Deviantart frontpage misleading people, most of times it's quite unfair. The real popularity comes with effort. It's not from deviantart, but from within deviantart. If you art has enough quality, you'll be recognized.

Check out her blog: [link]