The Covid-19 crisis is affecting all aspects of life, and as we go to press people are still being asked to work from home wherever possible. For full-time artists this can be an easier task compared to a lot of professions, yet perhaps now more than ever it’s a good time to analyse your home setup and ensure that you’re not putting your well-being at risk.
Besides the mental health issues we covered in issue 186, artists face physical strains as a result of their day-to-day work – whether it’s at home or (during normal times) in a commercial studio setting. Left unchecked, these can turn into serious complications, so it’s important to recognise the warning signs and equip yourself with the right tools that will look after your body.
So what physical ailments do artists face? “Most complain about bad backs and carpal tunnel,” says comic artist PJ Holden, who was also subject to elbow bursitis. “I was suddenly aware of how much weight I put on my left elbow. I draw with my right hand and would rest my left elbow on a table and rest my head in my hand while I work.”
Meanwhile art director Melissa Malone adds that the most common physical health problem for artists is, “without a doubt repetitive stress injuries (RSI), usually in the wrists, neck and shoulder pain and visual impairments.” Just like PJ’s elbow issues, RSI are a result of how artists work. “I work at a Cintiq for eight hours a day so I have to be mindful of the way I’m sitting, or the pain in my trapezius muscle will flare up,” adds Melissa.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Bu hikaye ImagineFX dergisinin July 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye ImagineFX dergisinin July 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
PAINT EPIC BATTLES IN TRADITIONAL INK
Warhammer illustrator THOMAS ELLIOTT shows you how to create an epic science fiction fight scene with this step-by-step guide
CONJURE MAGIC ILLUSTRATIONS
Daria Anako demonstrates her process for creating a whimsical piece of art with some spellbinding touches
First Impressions
We discover the early influences that inspired the artist
ZBrush for iPad
GAME CHANGER The desktop version of popular 3D sculpting software ZBrush has been redesigned for iPad - and it's brilliant
BenQ GW2786TC
GET AN EYEFUL Don't scrimp out on your health with a monitor that's kind on the eyes and good for creative tasks
Huion Kamvas Pro 19
TABLET WARS An attractive pen display does an excellent job of balancing price and performance as it sets out to challenge its rivals in the mobile marketplace
DRAGON OFORCEC
Legendary D&D artist Larry Elmore explains the keys to crafting timeless fantasy art.
DUNGEON MASTERS
ImagineFX marks the milestone 50th anniversary of the launch of Dungeons & Dragons with a look at its rich tradition of illustration
Erik Ly
Gamer's haven Why the artist enjoys a maximalist aesthetic more than the minimalist approach.
2D meets 3D: How the workflows are merging
Interdimensional As VFX and animation evolve and tools become more accessible, Tanya Combrinck asks whether the separation between the mediums is reducing