Interviewing: MayTijssen

What is your name?
    Mayra Tijssen

Examples of your work:

Why did you join Wattpad?
   In all honesty, I don't even remember. I know that I was reading a story at one point and it was so exciting that I wanted to leave a comment, but I found that I couldn't do so without an account. I made one at once, and my journey began from there.

How long have you been making graphics for?
    I started making graphics in the New Year of 2015. I had just gotten Photoshop, and I've been an addict ever since.

How did you get into graphic designing?
    I've always been a photo editing fanatic, whether this be by adding those stupid PicMonkey filters with stickers or colour adjustments via Photoshop. But then, one day, I saw this hideous book cover and I thought: I can make something so much better. I kept pleading my Dad to get me Photoshop, and then when I finally had it, I made that book cover.

    Looking back on it now, it is hideous xD I remember thinking I was one of the absolute best designers around (I was so blind and new and I must have been so irritating), but I kept practicing until I got to where I am today.

What type of graphics do you make, and which do you prefer?
    I mostly make covers and photomanipulations. I prefer the latter, because there's so much more room for your own creativity there, and you aren't stuck with a single dimension. I can make longer, wider graphics, or really tall and thin ones, depending on what I make.
    My covers do have a slightly professional style. I always live by Less is More. I love textures, but I only use them if they add to the graphic. I often focus more on the lighting and the details than on other things, because I believe that something simple can look amazing if done right. 

What is your favourite part of graphic making?
    The colouring! Once I have my composition, it's great to go wild and see what colour scheme I want to use. I paint certain details like the hair and the glow on the models' skin and tiny highlights, which is all so much fun! I always feel a sense of accomplishment if the lighting looks realistic and the colours work well together. And then, in the end, I always add sparkle! That's usually how you can recognise my work. 

How long does it usually take you to make a graphic?
    It depends on what I'm making. I've made covers that take just half an hour, and covers that can take up to 4 hours (especially if they are for actual, paying clients). Mostly I spend around an hour on a cover, and 2 to three hours on a photo manipulation. 

What program(s) do you use for making your graphics?
    I use Photoshop CS6.

Where do you get your inspiration from/who inspires you?
    Mirella Santana is, without a doubt, my inspiration. Every time she posts a new ebook or paperback cover on her DeviantArt, I stop what I'm doing for a minute just to appreciate it. She uses colour, textures and stocks to their best potential.
    Her photo manipulations are so beautiful. They're not always complex, but her eye for detail and the painting she has in it make it all very special. I hope to be as good as her one day.

Do you have any tips for aspiring graphic designers?
    It sounds cliche, but never give up! I've been making covers for a few years now, and I notice that I am still growing. When I look back at covers I was then sure was my best ever work, I have to smile and think about how much my style has developed and what new skills I have acquired.