about me 

I’m a geeky and somewhat artsy Finnish university student who likes to draw and make (quote) graphics. I procrastinate and spend all too much time online - I’m pretty much an internet addict. My eating habits are unhealthy and I don’t get enough exercise. I’m convinced that I have a stargate somewhere in my room to which my tablet pencil disappears periodically. 

I do not really use this Tumblr to fangirl over things. I’m not big on fangirling in general. I think the most fangirly I get is when I make those quote graphics of mine. But I shall still mention some shows I like(d) and/or regularly watch(ed): Battlestar Galactica, Castle, Gilmore Girls, Bones, X-Files, The West Wing, Stargate SG-1, ER, Body of Proof, Grey’s Anatomy, Friends, CSI Las Vegas, 30 Rock, Firefly, Futurama, Rizzoli & Isles, Muumilaakson tarinoita. 

F A Q

Where do you get the backgrounds for your quote graphics?

I make them myself, on Photoshop, using a variety of textures, brushes and other features available in the program, such as blending modes and noise. Most of the textures I use in my process are from cgtextures.com. 

What programs do you use for art and graphics?

Photoshop CS5

What is the font / where did you get the font in graphics x or y?

It is very likely it’s merely a default font that came with Windows. I just tend to mess with the font settings a lot. If it isn’t a default font it’s likely from 

http://www.dafont.com/ or http://www.1001freefonts.com/

Where do you find the quotes?

I find them by watching shows, videos, and movies, reading articles and books, playing games and so on. Basically, I grab them when I come across them. Sometimes, though, I go on a quote hunt, in which I actively hunt quotes from a certain source. In many cases, IMDB is a fairly handy source. I usually try to also double check the quote to get it right. 

How do you pick quotes for the graphics?

Usually I find the quotes I choose to use somehow amusing, entertaining, interesting or exceptionally true. Something about them clicks with me and I go with it. Occasionally I consider requests by other people but even then I have to like the quote to use it.

I do not make the ‘traditional’ inspirational quote graphics you often see circling the internet, especially Tumblr.  I find that they are often sappy and cliche to the point of nauseating, hence I avoid them.

COMMISSION INFORMATION

What sort of work do you do? What is your experience?

Education-wise I am mainly a self-taught artist. I have done and do freelance work whenever I can. My work has varied from tattoo designs to business logos and forum graphics. Most recently I’ve been regularly doing illustrations for a column in an archaeology magazine called Muinaistutkija.

I can do just about anything from logos and web graphics to large digital paintings or designs that can be printed as posters. Some of my work has even found its way onto a cake, so I wouldn’t rule out anything.

How do I commission? 
Send me mail at miahartcommissions@gmail.com
Include in your message your name and as much information as possible on the kind of piece/design you want as well as the size and the medium you want to be used in the piece. In some case it is helpful that you state the purpose of the piece/design (i.e. wedding invitation, holiday card, book cover). I will send you price estimation and additional questions if more information is needed. Don’t worry about sounding formal.

How do I pay, when, and how much?
I accept bank transfers (Finland only) and paypal. The price depends solely on the nature and size of the piece, I will send you a price estimation. Usually each piece costs at least 10€/$13.7~/8.6~£/1077 yen.

The payment happens before I send you the finished piece. I prefer receiving the payment before I start working, but if you do not feel comfortable with that, I will take the payment after finishing the job. In this case I will send you a small preview image so you can see I have finished. Then, once you pay me, I will send you the whole piece. However, if I am to create a piece where the client needs to be observing the progress, then I will need the payment beforehand so that I will not end up doing free work because the client disappears, being happy just seeing the finished piece or screen capturing it.