Pin-up answers:

Virtually every artist starts with old fashioned pencil & paper and then scans their work into a computer for coloring and retouching.

Typically, an artist will create a rough draft, then a finished drawing, then create a full-color version with paint&ink or a black & white picture where the pencil outline is redone in ink (the difference between a pencil sketch and an inked version is very striking).

In your case, it would be a good idea to draw some pencil sketches and then scan them to your computer. You can them color them very quickly and easily using whatever paint/photo editing program you like.

Start with “Paint” in Windows to get used to the process, then download a copy of Photofiltre for more advanced options.

For yet more sophisticated effects you could try GIMP, but it’s difficult to learn.

You might also want to invest in a Graphics Tablet which allows you to draw directly onto the computer screen and an associated drawing program.

Pin-up answers:

Try deviantart.com. But you should start a gallery with some sample works to generate interest and show the types of art you do. Networking there is pretty good, too.

Pin-up answers:

Alan Lee is certainly well known for his illustrations for the Lord of the Rings, but I imagine other artists have done illustrations – at least, cover paintings for the various printed versions of Tolkien’s works…

There have been calendars and other publications beyond the books featuring artwork inspired by the Lord of the Rings. There are some LOTR artists like John Howe, Ted Nasmith and Greg & Tim Hildebrandt…

Pin-up answers:

Depends on, both, the magazine and the artist.

Some magazine publishers set their own standard rates for illustration, often depending on the size of the image (the original, not the magazine page size). Publications with smaller circulations will, of course only be able to pay a lot less than one with a larger circulation.

On the other hand, artists can charge what they want for their work. A more well known illustrator can ask a LOT more than another, who is not so well known. The quality of the artwork is NOT a significant factor.

So, it should be clear that some artists can price themselves beyond what some magazines can pay.

To help you figure out where you might stand in this hierarchy, I suggest you find a copy of a book titled “Artists Market.” It is published annually and can be found in bookstores and public libraries. It offers a pretty substantial list of publishers and agencies that are know for buying from freelance artists. Find a listing that compares to your magazine, and, if the listing does not show their rate, then it WILL give you contact information so you can ask their art director, directly, how much they offer.

Pin-up answers:

Just cite them in the same way that you would credit them, if they were done by some other illustrator.

Pin-up answers:

I’ve always been a fan of Frank Miller’s art in The Dark Knight Returns. Frank Quitley’s art on the new Batman and Robin series is phenomenal as well. However, I would have to say the most intense Batman art has got to be Dave McKean’s art in Grant Morrison’s Arkham Asylum. It’s just super twisted and a perfect match for the story.

Some Dave McKean Art For Sale

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Pin-up answers:

You might have luck at billiardartwork.com. Quite a selection.

Some Pool Pin-ups For Sale

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Pin-up answers:

First, I am glad you have gotten over the body image indoctrination that corporations place on women. The most beautiful woman (and men, too) are those who strive to be healthy and who strive to be intelligent and have good character.

Secondly, your observation that clothes are used to accentuate the artists or photogaphers pin-ups is spot on.

With the right clothes an “hourglass” or a “beanpole” can be a pin-up… But I will let the artists decide what clothes work…

Pin-up answers:

Check out Gratis Android Wallpaper
or u can select a not copyrighted image and go to edit profile/models and set that as your background