About the artist

> Did you go to an art school?

No. I'm self-taught, like many other fellow artists. That doesn't mean that you don't have to go to an art school though.

> How long have you been working as a freelance illustrator?

My career as a freelance illustrator started in 1999. For many years I was working as a product illustrator for Advertising Agencies in Greece. When I moved to the UK I decided to do what I loved most, so I started a new career as a fantasy illustrator.

> What are your hobbies?

Riding my MTB and maintaining my nano aquarium.

> Would you be up for speaking on my podcast as an interview guest?

I'm sorry, but I don't do interviews.

About the craft

> Do you paint digitally or traditionally?

I do both, but most of my artwork until now has been done digitally. You can find prints of my digital artwork on my online store. As for my traditional oil paintings, most of them are related to Magic: The Gathering, either new artwork or repaints (coming soon).

> I want to learn how to draw like you. Is it possible?

Yes. It takes a lot of practice though. There's no other way. You have to sacrifice a part of your life to do that. For starters, draw stuff from your everyday life i.e. a bowl of fruits, your favourite movie scene, your friends, etc. Anything that you'd love to draw. Or you can copy one of your favourite artists/paintings. You can go to an art school, take art courses, join a workshop or an online art community and show your work. Be open to criticism and any kind of feedback from other artists. Your friends will say that your art is awesome, great, the best, but other artists will spot any flaws, mistakes or problems. That's how you get better and improve your skills.

> I'm an aspiring artist. How can I have a break into the industry?

First of all, you have to be really good at what you're doing. Secondly, you have to be very punctual. Art directors don't like working with artists that blow off their deadlines. Go to conventions and show your portfolio to the art director from the company you'd like to work for. Many of these companies accept submissions from aspiring artists. Show them your best work, 4-5 pieces that you're really proud of. Be polite and, again, accept any criticism and feedback. Perhaps you won't make it the first time. Don't give up! Work hard, improve your skills and try again. If an art director is your friend, you're really lucky! If not, start working for independent game developers. This is a good way to learn how to be a professional and get paid while building a decent portfolio ;) Don't be shy. Ask other artists if the company they're working for is hiring. Several companies are constantly looking for new blood.

> I have a limited budget and I want a cover for my book. I want a dragon attacking an army of knights and a couple of wizards casting spells. Will you do it for $100?

No!

> I need an illustration for my website/youtube channel/book/etc. You won't get paid for it, but I have 999,000,000 followers and I will give you credit. Are you interested?

No!

> I really love the art you did for this game/book/etc. Can I have a high resolution image, so that I can print it on my own stuff?

Artwork that's been done for games/books/etc is property of the client. They own the copyright. You have to ask their permission to use any copyrighted artwork. Personal artwork also can't be used without permission and without paying for using it.

About Magic the Gathering

> Do you play MtG?

I used to be a MtG player many years ago. Due to my workload and family I don't play MtG, or games in general, any more.

> How is it to work for a company like Wizards of the Coast?

Awesome! The company is great to work for; and the art directors are really cool to work with! Very professional and, being artists themselves, they understand and respect their artists.

> Are you attending any MtG events?

I am attending some Magic the Gathering GPs each year as a guest artist. Not many though, due to my workload. If you're a MtG player you can subscribe to my newsletter and receive updates for any future events.

> Do you do card alters?

No. Sorry!

> How many characters can I have on an Artist Proof sketch?

Due to the limited space, sketches on APs can depict only one character, whether a Planeswalker or anything you like.

> I'd like an AP sketch of a sexy man/woman. Can you do it?

I don't do sketches with mature/sexual, political or religious content. I reserve the right to refuse doing a sketch if I find that the subject is offending in any way.

> Can I order a coloured sketch?

Sketches on APs are strictly black and white. Please bear that in mind before you place an order.

> I have some cards and I'd like you to sign them. Is it possible?

Yes. Please go to the Signs-by-post section of my shop.

> I love the artwork for this card, but I can't find a print on your online store. Can I order it?

Yes, just ask and propably I'll be able to send you a print/poster. Please bear in mind that it will be more expensive though. The more copies I order from the print shop, the lower is the price I achieve per copy. Hope that makes sense.

> I really love the art you did for this card. Can I have the high resolution file, so that I can print it on my own stuff?

No. You have to ask Wizards of the Coast. They own the copyright.

> I'd love to use one of your MtG artwork on my youtube channel/website/etc. Can you send me the high resolution file?

No. You have to ask Wizards of the Coast. They own the copyright.

About the online store

> I received an email from the courier/post office asking me to pay a customs charge. Why's that?

Most countries have a 0% import duty rate for works of art and playing cards. However, some countries charge an import tax or other fees. Please check the customs tariff and duty requirements of your country before placing an order.

> How long does it take to receive my order?

Usually I ship orders within a week. Due to my workload, orders for Artist Proofs with paintings take longer to be processed. Usually 3-6 months. Larger size paintings may take around 12-18 months.

> I haven't received my order. What can I do?

On very rare occasions an item may be lost during transit. It has happened in the past. Please choose the tracked and signed shipping option while checking out. Better be safe than sorry. I'm not responsible and I can't issue a refund if you've placed an order of more than £100/$100 of value and have chosen the standard shipping option. In any case, I am willing to help if your order's lost during transit. Please let me know asap and we'll work something out.

> How do I know that I will receive my order intact?

I try to ship all orders in damage-proof packaging. I use postal tubes for prints and postal boxes or jiffy bags for APs.

> I received my order damaged. Can I have a refund?

In case you've received your order damaged, please contact me asap. Send me an email including a photo of the unopened damaged packaging and a photo of the damaged item after you've taken it out of the packaging and I will decide if I will issue a refund. You can't have a refund if you send me a photo only of the damaged item; or if you let me know of the problem a week/a month/etc after you've received your order.

> I placed an order for an oil painting, but I've changed my mind. Can I have a refund?

Oil paintings (including repaints) are considered custom orders and they are not refundable.