BC: This is a pretty broad topic and often varies from piece to piece. However, I can say that even though I use many different styles and processes in my works, they are all based on traditional methods. When I have an idea I draw out some thumbnails to experiment with composition and then I do rough drafts, followed by rough colors and finally the finished look.

IA: Your work is sometimes compared to caricature or cartoon. Is this a comparison that you would agree with?

BC: I love animation and children's illustrations; they've influenced my art quite a bit. I'm very interested in playing with stylized shapes, which is of course a lot of what caricaturing and cartooning is.

IA: Humor seems to be always present in your work, and you give this feeling to your artwork with a very subtle touch. What’s your secret?

BC: I believe that artists do their best works when they do what comes most naturally to them. I guess I'm just naturally drawn to paintings that anyone of any age or from any culture will be able to understand. I like looking at funny positive images much more than at dark negative images, so that's what I paint.

IA: Can you tell us more about your animal series?

BC: Two of the first four books in our studio's "Sketches" book series are on real and fictitious animals. I love animals because they are so natural and unpretentious. Animals just do what comes naturally for them, they don't pose or preen or act differently because they think someone might be watching. I've always been interested in how they move, eat, survive and communicate with each other. I think observing animals really helped me create interesting and compelling character concepts and designs.

IA: What is for you the key to success for a work of art?

BC: Personally, I think any work can be successful if there's "enthusiasm" behind it. Art is an extension of the artist's heart and soul and, believe it or not, I feel that the viewer can see an artist's enthusiasm for a piece of work in the painting's details. No artist ever said that they weren’t enthusiastic about their masterpiece.

IA: Can you name artists that have inspired your work, not necessarily digital artists?

BC: I have been, and will always be, a big fan of Sargent, Stephen Silver, Dean Yeagle, Craig Mullins, Kei Acedera, and Peter DeSeve. They are all great inspirations.

IA: What would be the first advice you would give to someone who wants to start a career in digital art?

BC: Always look to learn something new. The biggest advantage any new artist has is passion and enthusiasm. Use that to your advantage and try to absorb as much knowledge as you can. Don't be too concerned about developing your style. That will come over time.