Matt loves hearing from his fans, friends, and aspiring artists/writers/filmmakers. However, Matt's schedule permits him from always getting back with folks in a timely manner. Before hitting us up, here's Matt with some tidbits that may answer your questions...

Q: I have a book (or poster) of yours that I'd like to have signed. Can I mail it to you so you can sign it and send back? How much does it cost?

A: I'd be more than happy to, and I sign stuff for free. All you need to do is send materials to the address below with a self-addressed, stamped envelope or packaging- that way everything can get back to you. I cannot pay for everyone's postage- so please be sure to include that.

As well, I'm known to fill up envelopes with cool stickers and other swag, so always include extra postage. the more you include, the more free stuff you get back.

*Note* This is fine for folks outside the U.S., but keep in mind you need to include plenty of the correct kind of postage so it can get back to your country! Ask a postal authority if you aren't sure how it would work for you.

Send all contents to Planetmatt Entertainment, 20254 Ramblewood Drive, Macomb Township, MI 48044, USA.

Q: How can I get an autographed card or signed photo?

A: That's free, too. Even the photo. Send the envelope to the same address as above. The photos are 8 X 10" so I'd suggest sending one of those 9 X 12" manilla envelopes. Again, I'm known to fill those envelopes with free stuff, so make sure you include extra postage!

Q: Do you do art commissions? How much does it cost?

A: Yes, in between other projects, I'll sometimes create a beautiful piece of art for a private collector. Owning an original, one-of-a-kind artwork is a great collectible that you'll cherish forever. I myself collect art and have had some of my favorite artists do commissions for me- they are my most prized possessions! However, my schedule for commissions is sometimes thick, so it may take a while before I'm able to do it.

Another thing that helps me commit to your commission is if you already have decent reference for the art. For example, if you have a photo of someone's likeness you'd like me to incorporate, that helps me so I don't have to go looking for it- or actually shoot the reference myself. I also like to work with good lighting that shows form. That means having slight sharp shadows to help read the form. Studio lighting or direct sunlight works best. Usually images taken with a simple flash are not as desirable to work with.

Pricing ranges dramatically. I've created art for as cheap as $100, and as pricey as $10,000. It depends on a lot of things. How big do you want the piece? Do you want a basic sketch, a tonal drawing, or a full blown color painting? The number of characters or elements in the piece will also effect the price. In other words, doing a painting with 12 characters in it takes much more time and effort than a painting with one character, even if it's the same size painting.

Here are some basic rates, but these are starter prices, based on if I was illustrating a single character with a simple background. Adding in multiple characters or complex backgrounds like a New York City traffic jam is obviously going to escalate the cost.

An 11 X 17" black and white sketch usually starts around $300. A 12 X 18" tonal drawing on toned paper with black and white color pencils usually starts around $400. An 11 X 17" full color painting on 3-Ply bristol usually starts around $800.

Keep in mind, these are starting prices for the industry I work in. I'm worth it, though, and my clients are always happy with the care and detail I put in to their piece. If you have a budget, sometimes I can work with that specifically and find a solution that will make you happy.

If you're serious about having me create something for you, you'll find my email address in the CONTACT section and we can discuss it. I look forward to working with you!

Q: I'd love to have you design my tattoo! How much?

A: I dig tattoos and enjoy the ones I've designed- some even for myself... Since I'm not doing the actual ink that gets sewn into your body, I'm creating art first which will later be transfered by the tattoo artist. This is kind of cool, since you'll end up with an original piece of art from me, in addition to getting your tattoo! To have me create the initial artwork, though, see the answer on commissions above.

Q: I'm an aspiring artist / writer / filmmaker looking to break into the industry. Where do I go? Who do I talk to?

A: The entertainment industry is huge. There are so many different aspects to it, and different markets within each field. Even with each specific field many artists have found their place in many different ways. Everyone's road is different, and yours will be, too.

One of the biggest things I find aspiring folks have trying to break in, is they don't know their industry. For example, I've met countless aspiring comic book artists who want to do it for a living, yet know nothing about the artists already working in it. They don't know which titles are produced by which companies. I've found the same thing with filmmakers who know nothing about the studios, their track records, or what each is known for. If you really want to break in, you need to know your industry.

A big suggestion is hitting comic conventions, film festivals, and other industry-type shows. You'll be networking with other professionals that do this for real, and often the companies are there for you to hit up. Most of these shows also have great panels and workshops run by pros that can give you a plethora of knowledge. Just seeing what people are doing at these shows, and what your competition is in general can really be inspiring.

Also, the web is the world at your finger tips. All your answers can be found here, if you know where to look. The fact that you're reading this right now tells me that you are taking a step in the right direction, and doing your research. Nice. You're on the right track.

Keep in mind, like any artist, I am a student for life. I don't have all the answers, and every artist, writer, and filmmaker out there always has goals of getting to a place higher than they are. You never stop learning or evolving, so get used to the idea that you'll never know it all. I don't say this to discourage, but rather to inspire you. This industry can be really rewarding. Never give up, and look at the great wide unknown future as an exciting challenge- you'll be happy you gave it your all.

Of course, this all being said, if you do have a specific question you think I can help you with, hit me up, and I'll do my best to answer it.

Q: Matt, how did YOU break into the industry?

A: Well, each goal I set out to make has it's own separate story. There's no one way I did it, and it certainly didn't happen overnight.

If you're asking to model your own aspirations based on mine, you should know that not only has the industry changed dramatically in the last ten years, the world has. What worked for me way back when probably won't work for you now.

I'm sure it's not the answer you wanted, so let me actually answer the question in a way that can give you some useful insight to help . . .

I don't think i've had much luck, as much as I've gained from pure hard work and determination. As an artist of any kind you have to sell yourself as best you can. If you don't believe in yourself enough to sell yourself, who else will?

Another tidbit that has worked well for me is not throwing all of my eggs in one basket. It's very hard to make a living as just a sketch card artist, or just a comic book artist. Many of these artists find extra work storyboarding movies or designing toys and video games on the side. Part of my success has been from keeping my hand in many different pots at once. That way, if work is slow in any of these fields, I'm still busy working with the rest of them.

If you are interested in more details than that, much of my growth as how I came to be a professional artist is documented in the BIOGRAPHY section.

Q: I'm an aspiring artist, can I send you images of my work so you can critique it?

A: I'd prefer if you sent me a link to your site, or an online gallery. Due to viruses and whatnot, I'd rather you didn't send me large files to bulk up the email.

As well, my time online is limited, so it's hard for me to really get into a deep conversation about art and design. I'm always behind on my email as it is. However, I'd be happy to take a look, just understand I won't be able to write an essay back about techniques and such. There are some really good tips in the STEP BY STEP section of this site, though, so check it out!

Q: What kind of paper / paints / drawing materials do you use?

A: Anything and everything. I've been known to use a brown paper page, a Fed Ex box, and even kid's paints to get the job done! My theory is that it's what the artist does that creates the magic, not the brand of paint or kind of pencil you're holding.

Let's face it, and incredible artist could be given a set of paints he's not accustomed to, or even a box of crayons and still come up with something amazing. As well, if you gave an amateur top-of-the-line expensive materials to work with, it's not going to help them draw or paint any better.

That being said, there are some staple items I seem to use for various techniques I do with drawing and painting. Those can be found throughout the STEP BY STEP section of this site. :)

Q: I have a story (or a script) I'd love to have you illustrate (or storyboard). Will you read it?

A: In these situations, I'm a work-for-hire guy. Unless you're with a studio that's backing your project and can pay negotiable rates, it's rare that I would read someone's story and want to illustrate it for free with hopes that the project takes off later.

However, if you do have a budget, and want me to illustrate your story, send me the details about the project, and we can discuss it.

Q: I put a link to your website on mine. Can you link me on yours?

A: Provided your site is at least somehow related to one of the fields I work in. If you want me to link to a site that sells discount tires, you're not going to get much traffic from me! But if you're an artist or related industry company or something like that, of course I'd be happy to trade banners with you. Check my LINKS section.

Q: I'd love to have you speak at my show / convention / school. Are you available?

A: Of course. These are always a blast, and I'm able to leave an audience motivated. I'm available at a standard speaking rate. If the event is not in the metro Detroit area, then I'd need travel and lodging accommodations.

If I'm speaking at a convention-type-show, a speaking rate isn't necessary if you're covering the cost of my booth and relevant accommodations.

Q: I would love to take one of your classes! Where do you teach?

A: Great! I'm currently a professor at Macomb College, north of Detroit, Michigan. The program I work in, Media + Communication Arts is one of the best around, certainly the best in the state- in terms of getting you the skills you need to get a professional job. That's why I chose to teach there. My students have gone on to work for movies, books, comics, trading cards, toys and video games for every property you could imagine, from STAR WARS to HALO to MY LITTLE PONY.

Unfortunately, our department doesn't officially place teachers until days before classes start, so there is no official guarantee who will be your teacher for any given class. However, the following classes are always a good bet, if you are trying to get one with me.

MACA 1040 ILLUSTRATION FUNDAMENTALS, Tues/Thurs, 8am-11am, Center Campus. This course is a wonderful beginning drawing course. It runs the gamut of perspective through portraits and illustrative compositions, from simple line drawings to more shading and rendered techniques. This course starts at the beginning and turns you into a solid artist by the end, even if you have no prior experience drawing. Many students are shocked with the end result they were able to obtain with focus.

Any MACA 1150 STORYBOARDING course at any time, either campus. One of the most fascinating and innovative classes we offer, storyboarding is much more than just how to create storyboards for movies, video games or TV commercials. The class is essentially film school on paper. You learn how to tell stories and communicate ideas visually. While the course will certainly improve your drawing, it's more cerebral than a drawing class, per se. Many students are apprehensive on this course at first, but most return and say they learned more here than any other class they've taken.

Any MACA 2175 ILLUSTRATION FOR ADVERTISING course at any time, either campus. Don't let the name scare you, it's essentially the painting class that we offer in our program. In addition to the use of color, I go over 4 different painting techniques/styles with acrylics, which is the most versatile and practical, traditional medium used by professionals today. You don't need prior painting experience- we start at the beginning- and students usually produce about ten solid portfolio pieces. This is the course where I really give the secrets to my painting techniques, as well as beefing your drawing and painting skills to the pro level.

Any MACA 2190 FIGURE ILLUSTRATION 2 course at any time, either campus. This class is a follow-up to Figure Illustration I, which focuses more on anatomy and basic drawing of the figure. Figure 2 is more advanced, but essentially cuts through and really drives solid skills in making your characters look professional. Extra attention is spent on lighting and three dimensional form, and utilizing the most with hand/eye coordination. The class begins in black and white, and evolves into full color. 4 different drawing media / techniques / styles are covered, with an introduction to painting the live figure.

Q: I'd love to meet you! Do you have any upcoming appearances?

A: Absolutely. Stay tunes to the TOUR DATES section of the site to get the latest shows, events, and conventions I'll be attending. It's also a good idea to subscribe to the E-NEWSLETTER to ensure you'll be notified of the latest happenings.

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