High time I made an updated FAQ! Any future questions sent to me that are already listed below will be ignored. I just don't have the time or patience to keep repeating myself.

"Ren Amok"? I don't get it.
Yeah, I was having trouble coming up with a name for my website. My friend's roommate suggested "Ren Amok" (a play on the expression "run amok") and I rather liked it. It stuck.

Why haven't you answered my note/e-mail/comment?
I am notoriously slow with those things. It's nothing against you... I'm just very, very lazy when it comes to typing replies. Odds are, if I haven't responded to your message, I've at least seen it and will get back to you at some point. (Or else you said something incredibly rude and I just deleted your message on sight!) Also, I have a serious problem with spam at my current account, and it's possible I accidentally deleted a message of yours in the course of clearing out 300+ junk e-mails. If you include my name in the subject line, it'll be much easier for me to spot.

What kind of rude things would warrant you deleting my message?
For example, if you're some total stranger who saunters up to me and asks me to draw you something. I don't do random requests. Another thing is that I don't appreciate having my artistic choices questioned in any way -- "Why do you draw furry crap, why don't your women have bigger boobs, why don't you draw anime?" (All actual complaints I've received in the past.) Seriously, don't bother questioning my personal tastes and choices, I don't feel I owe anyone any explanations. And please, do me a favor and type in proper English! My brain cries in agony when I'm forced to read e-mails filled with "OMG ur so kewl do u wnt 2 do a art trade" and the like.

What materials do you use to draw?
I list my materials in every image description, both here on my website and at my SheezyArt gallery. But for the record, my standard practice is to draw the initial sketch in pencil, ink over the lines and clean up in Bic pen (love them Bics), color in any large black surfaces with a Sharpie or another marker, and then erase my pencil lines. I add some details (digital effects, text) with Corel Photo 7 or Ulead Photo Express. Materials may vary for individual pieces, but this stuff is the norm.

You ink with Bics? Are you kidding me?
Yeah, I'm cheap and unprofessional, I know. It's how I learned. After years of Bic-inking, I'm so used to the weight and feel of Bics that I'm actually uncomfortable using anything more refined! They're not for everyone, but the only thing that really matters to me is that they don't smudge or bleed into the paper.

What do you use to color?
For years, I colored exclusively by hand, using a variety of colored pencils like Laurentians, Prismas, and other miscellaneous brands (I dump them all together in a big metal container so I have everything in one place). It was painstaking, but served its purpose. As of October 2006, however, I learned how to use Adobe Photoshop 8.0 (with a Wacom Graphire 3 tablet) and have been coloring more and more images digitally.

Where do you live?
Eastern Canada.

Wanna hang out sometime?
Nah, I'm good.

Why did you leave DeviantArt?
I don't like the politics over there. I disagree with their stance on a lot of art-related issues and I don't like the way they handle disputes or grievances. I didn't feel my art was safe there. I know it's not "safe" anywhere online, but DA really offended me with that one.

Will you ever go back?
I'm still active there, in the sense that I use my account to keep up with my friends and other artists I like. I just don't host my artwork there anymore, apart from ID pictures so people can get a little idea of who I am if they drop by my userpage (and so that they are aware that I do, in fact, draw). I have no intention of "returning" to DA in any other capacity.

What do you use for inspiration?
Movies, TV, magazines, my friends, other artists, comics, emotions, or just random ideas that pop into my head. Inspiration can be found anywhere!

Can you give me some pointers? / How do you draw ___________?
While I find this kind of question flattering, it's also frustrating, because there's no right way to draw. I can't really tell you how I do anything, nor how you should do it. The best I can do is give you the basics -- 1) practice often, 2) learn from observation, and 3) don't rip other people's styles or individual images (I said observation, not copying!). Eventually you'll find your own style, and it will evolve with time.

Can you critique my art?
I'm not comfortable critiquing artwork, incidentally, because I don't feel there is a right or wrong way to draw. I sugarcoat a lot and probably wouldn't be very helpful to you. I don't really have the time to go around critiquing, either. I figure I'd be more productive improving my own art instead!

Can I color some of your lineart?
Unless I am looking to have a specific image colored, I'd prefer if you didn't. People have been far too negligent with copyrights, proper credit, and common courtesy in the past.

Do you take commissions?
I used to. At the moment, I have a steady income and do not have the need, time, or desire to take on any commission work in the near future.

Will you do an art trade with me?
I'm afraid I don't have the time to do much of these anymore. I may grant special exceptions for friends, but the answer is usually no. If I am interested in an art trade with you, and have the time for one, I will ask you myself.

How come you do gift art for _________ or _________ and not for me?
The whole point of gift art is that it's a gift... not expected of me. I do gift art on whims. Demands, guilt trips, or hints will not work, and in fact prompt me to do the exact opposite (i.e. intentionally NOT draw whatever you requested). Giving surprises is supposed to be fun for me -- and it's no fun if I feel it's an obligation.

When did you start drawing?
Ever since I could hold a crayon. Throughout my childhood I drew animals and anthropomorphic art almost exclusively, and only started drawing humans around age 16 (way back in 1996).

What artistic training do you have?
Just your run-of-the-mill art classes in school, and a couple of painting classes that taught me nothing, since I loathe paint and it loathes me. I spent 5 years in university, but it was towards an English degree. I never took any university art classes since I wasn't interested in what they had to offer. I'm currently in school for graphic design, however, which is expanding my know-how of Photoshop, Illustrator, and other artistic tools.

Can I draw fan art for you?
DEAR GOD YES!!! You never have to ask! I cherish any and all fanart! :D Just make sure to indicate "Character copyright Renée Atkinson" and provide a link back to me. (Either here at my website, my SA gallery, or at my DA gallery.)

Are you pro? When can I see your art on the comic shelves?
I'm not aiming for a career in comics at this point; I'm heading more towards the domain of graphic design. I will always, however, continue to draw for my own personal enjoyment. And I try to weasel my comic style into my graphic-arts projects whenever I can! ;)

Can I use your artwork for my RPG character profiles? I'll credit you and everything.
No. People who wish to use my artwork for their character pics commission me to do so and I draw the character for them. I am not okay with you using an image of mine that is already done just because you feel it 'suits' your character. It is NOT your character and certainly not your image to post or alter. This is considered copyright violation.

Can I roleplay as one of your characters?
No. Again, they are not your characters to do with as you please. And second, that just weirds me out.

Can I use your artwork as my avatar/icon?
Unless I drew it specifically for you, then no.

Can I use your artwork for _____________?
Look, the answer to any question regarding use of my artwork is generally no. The only people who have permission to use my art for personal purposes are the people who have either commissioned me or received gift art from me. If you are neither, then don't bother asking.

Man, you are so cool, can we chat sometime?
Um.... Thanks, but I have enough trouble keeping in contact with all my friends already. I'm private and shy and don't really mix well with strangers unless I approach them myself.

Do you have AIM or MSN or Yahoo Messenger, Myspace, Facebook, etc.?
See above.

Do you have a reserve list or waiting list for commissions?
Seeing as how I'm not taking on any new commission work in the foresseable future, the concept of a waiting list is sort of pointless.

Do you have a wishlist?
Sure do. You can see it HERE.

Are you a furry?
Drawing anthropomorphic art doesn't necessarily make anyone a furry. I drew anthros throughout my entire childhood and adolesence before discovering it was a whole "thing" in the art world. I don't consider myself a therianthrope or a furry. I like anthropomorphic art and characters, and animals in general. That's about it.

Your bio section also describes you as a writer. What do you write?
Mostly stories to entertain myself. I write constantly -- fiction, lists, obsessively detailed character bios, messages/e-mails to people... I even keep a journal.

Where can I read your work?
There's not much of it to read. I don't post any of my stories online and my journal is friends-only. Sorry!

Have you or will you ever attend a convention? (ComiCon, AnthroCon, etc.)
I'm not exactly a travelling, mingling, large-crowds type of person. I don't see myself at a con.