Interviewing: XantheRowd

What is your name?

Xanthe. Xan- for short.

Examples of your work:

Why did you join wattpad?

A fellow close friend of mine introduced me to Wattpad and ever since that day, I got attached to it! Tho, at first, I was surprised such a community existed. I've always thought no such community would but boy, hell was I wrong!

How long have you been making graphics for?

Guessing three to four years? Not too sure but that's what I believe ;)!

How did you get into graphic designing? [possibly put an example of one of your earlier covers]

Ever since I was a kid, my elder brothers were always rambling on about their gorgeous graphics on Photoshop. At first, I thought it was some ridiculous program for beginners but I was wrong. The first time I saw my brothers graphics, I was astonished. 

Ever since that day, I begged my brothers to teach me but either I was ignored or simply they were busy in their own little worlds. After several attempts of trying to convince my brothers, I gave up and decided to do it myself but I had no clue on how to start and I knew nothing on how to install or where to install PS so I searched up in Google and then that's where I met my beloved Pixlr! 

And here's one of my very first covers on Pixlr; [I'm surprised the requester accepted my crappy cover o.o]

After making graphics for 2 years on Pixlr, I was fed up with it. I eargerly wanted Photoshop and so I did. How did I install PS? Well, that's a funny story. Long story short, I begged my brother and so he did. [tho, it took me a month to convince him to xD]

And yeah, ever since, I've been creating graphics.

What type of graphics do you make, and which do you prefer?

Any. Book covers, icons, banners/headers, movie posters, flyers, etc. You name it!

Majority of the time I avoid making simple graphics and focus on photo manipulation or minimalistic because I feel like I've accomplished nothing but slapped the picture with text! But I still do make them for the sake of the requester ;)!

What is your favourite part of graphic making?

The fonts and the texts. I LOVE trying out different fonts styles on covers! Not just that but also figuring out what to place or not on the graphic!

How long does it usually take you to make a graphic?

Depending on what sort of graphic we're talking about. Normally it takes 10 min - 1 hour or 

2 hours - 8 hours. 

What program(s) do you use for making your graphics?

On my laptop; I  either  use Photoshop CS2 or CS6.

On my phone[only do when my laptop decides to crash down]; Picsart, Pixlr, and Phonto for text.

Where do you get your inspiration from/who inspires you?

Honestly, anywhere. It could be here on Wattpad, Deviantart or simply walking down the streets!

But when I really do need a litle push, I drowl over Carlos Quevedo on Deviantart or my brother graphics.

Do you have any tips for aspiring graphic designers?

Practice! PLEASE YOU MUST! Without it, you won't get it anywere! Just belive in yourself and you'll be there ;)!