For the Stiff and Aching Back

Just a quick tip post today.

I'm sure many digital artists (as well as other professionals regularly working while sitting) experience lower back pain, or at least stiffness.

For the two years I've been doing this full time, I've found two things that help me deal with pain and stiff muscles.

One's hot baths. Of course, you wouldn't have those every night after a long day of painting, but I find that once a week is just fine.

The other is a magical artefact called the Iplikator.

I lied, there's nothing magical about it. You'll definitely run into all kinds of yoga or acupuncture mumbo jumbo on the internet. All it really does is poke your back, make the bloodflow a bit better and relax your back muscles.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acupressure_mat

And that's enough. If it's placebo effect, doesn't matter, it works great. It didn't improve my eyesight, it didn't improve my posture (much), it doesn't cure any diseases. 

I use it almost daily, 20-30 minutes in the evening, laid  on a hard surface (soft or springy surface makes it less painful at first, but also defeats the purpose).

Some people wear a t-shirt, I don't. It's less effective than the naked back.

No need to wriggle or do yoga on it, I just lay down, it hurts a bit, but then it gets very comfortable. I watch a movie, or an episode of a tv show (just enough time). Be careful not to fall asleep though, getting up after a nap hurts! 

A side effect that I noticed (which might be just me, or placebo) is that I sleep much better after I've used the mat.

I've had my mat for quite a few years, we bought the original version based on the Russian prototype, for some 20 USD back then. These days it's a bit more expensive, but 25 EUR or an equivalent in dollars will pay for itself very quickly. (I recommend getting the big one, D1 or just the full size that covers your entire back)

Note: I'm not paid by makers or resellers of this thing. ;) Just sharing something others might find useful.

Also, this is in no way a substitute for exercise and other aspects of a healthy lifestyle. I'm not a doctor and don't have any medical training, so don't take my word for medical advice. 

Watch out for the Russians!

Because I said I would, I'm making a list of Russian artists I +watch on DeviantArt.
Today on Facebook I boldly claimed that:

I find that Russian digital artists have something very Russian about them (the realistic controlled colour chaos of your favourite Repin and the icon-like ornamentalism of Bilibin) and also something linking them to the east and Asian - certain palette choices and boldness with sharp brushstrokes. Which is like - duh, they're Russian and they border with China. But it makes their work look very unique and I can tell an artist is a Russian if I see one on DA.

See if you can spot the similarity. ;)

Anry Nemo  - great character pieces, lots of crisp detail and clean PS work.

Andrey Maximov  - again, sharp clean PS style, from epic space opera to high fantasy.

Alex Aparin  - if you watch Paizo's Pathfinder products, you've seen Alex's work. Great colours, composition and pumping dynamism oozing out of every piece.

Julia Alekseeva  - I wish she posted more, it seems her DA is a bit abandoned. Crisp PS style, high fantasy mostly.

Pavel Spitsyn  - a great painter of historical and fantasy stuff. Lots of detail and attention to historical accuracy.

Marya Filatova  - an exception from all the crisp PS work, her pencil and watercolour portraits of elves have deep (I'd almost say eastern) grace and melancholy.

Olga Drebas - more crisp PS concept arty style, this time with interesting weirdness.

Marina Kleyman - more painterly fantasy, very firm grasp of colour, form and design. Slightly Paul Bonnery.

Viktor Titov  - very sharp and impactful scifi landscapes and fantasy book covers.

Elena aka "Hellstern"  - amazingly talented young artist and a very pretty lady. Can't get enough of her in any way. ;)

Nikolay Yeliseyev - fun and interesting concept art.

"SnowSkadi"  - another incredibly talented artist - dreamy architecture and landscapes and breathtaking horses.