Let me introduce myself...
I realize that I'm generalizing here, but as is often the case when I generalize, I don't care.

- Dave Barry
'Plight of the Wii Fitness Enthusiast.'


Usually and by birth, my name is Jordan Dronebarger.  I am the only daughter of four children and three sons as well as the oldest.  Both of these factors have their own pros and cons that are self explanitory!  Though all have their 'moments,' I love my brothers (ages 15, 12, and 5) dearly.  After a long, hard day at school I've come to find their company almost neccessary.
So far I label high school as one of my greatest adventures to date.  I'm in my final year of high school, and I am proud to declare myself a straight A student.  Despite this, I do my best not to subject myself to too much academic torture. However, as the years progress I find myself getting more and more into my studies, making my creative time short in the afternoons.  Ask any one of my friends and they'll tell you that I can MAKE time even if it costs me a bit of my
break!  By joining the school newspaper I was able to give myself the great chance to add journalism to my resume as well as provide myself extra practice in the art of cartooning.  The two-week downtime offered to the editors gives me more time for more personal projects, too!
Living where I do is both a blessing and a curse.  Since I live in the humble town of Cookeville, Tennessee, there is very little (within my reach) as far as young artist opportunities go.  In time, I hope to attend the University of Tennessee and major in design.  Until then, I practice, practice, practice!  Although the lack of big-city business can be frustrating, I'm happy to live in such a safe and generally friendly place where I can proudly say I hail from in the future.
Art is my main passion, but I do have other hobbies as well.  When I'm not doodling I find myself listening to music while walking (sometimes in huge circles around my bedroom) to just IMAGINE.  In addition to cartoon strips I write articles for the school newspaper about nothing in particular other than whatever happens to be on my mind during storyboard!  As it is a form of art, I found myself sucked into the Manga Craze a while back, and time and time again I find myself reverting back to this obsession when a particular series catches my eye.
On a final note, I would like to say that none of this, including this site and my escalating love of art, would be possible without the encouragement of my Aunt Linnie.  Without her love, pride, and possibly her goal to constantly 1UP her sisters in spoiling the nieces and nephews, I probably wouldn't find the drive within me to pursue a career in art!  Of course, I wouldn't be here just with her support alone.  I am very grateful to have a family that loves me for who I am and what I do.
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The BIG Picture...
'FUN' Facts:
= My full name has as many letters as the whole alphabet.
+ Out of a total of 8 boys in my family, I'm the only granddaugther.
= I'm not as authoritative as I should be.
+ I'm nearly blind in my left eye.
= I failed my permit test twice (third time's the charm, eh?).
+ I currently own almost every animated Disney movie on VHS.
= I plan on attending UT Knoxville next fall.
+ I'm fluent in 18 different languages (16 of which I invented).
= I am soooo awesome.
+ I was named after Micheal Jordan.
= My favorite author is Christopher Moore.
+ I don't appreciate most trends and promptly invent one of my own when one arises.
= I type at approximately 55 words/min.
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TOOLS of the Trade...
Prismacolors:
90% of the time that I'm drawing you'll find me using some sort of Prisma Product.  I would go so far to say that they have some sort of sentimental attraction, for I have been using these since the first day I began my after-school art class.
Coloring Pencils
A few years back I began an art class under the wing of the amazing Judy Chaffin.  She'd already been conducting this art class (which is located in her basement) for quite some time.  My best friend, who had been in her class since she was in elementary school, gave me the invite.  For a humble $6 a lesson,
it was an offer that I could not refuse, and soon after signing up as a sub, I became a regular.  Ever since, I've been using PRISMACOLOR COLORED PENCILS.
Although I only own a few, I get plenty of use out of my own set.  In the beginning, I used my pencils to learn to copy photos and other works of art (this is the method that Mrs. Chaffin uses to help us understand various techniques). 
I'm more likely to use my markers now, but every once in a while I whip out the ol' tin can and go crazy.  Since I don't really have time to really WORK with the pencils, I use them mostly for highlighting pictures done in marker.
My only tin box of Prismacolor Pencils. (48)
Prismacolor Pencil work done on cardboard poster backing.
Markers

Today I spend most of my time using the fabulous Prismacolor marker, perfect for cartoons.  I began using these about a year ago, but it was hard to use only 7 markers at a time when they are as high as $3.20 a piece at Hobby Lobby!  Answering my plea for a more efficient solution my mom presented me with a box of 154 markers on Christmas.  Now I can happily create without worrying about replacing them every two weeks!
These markers are wonderful.  They spread the ink evenly and come in various and gloriously vibrant colors.  Each marker has two tips: chisel and fine. 
In addition to the array of beautiful colors, this brand also offers a precise measurement in grayscale markers ranging from 10-90% in both cool and warm grey as well as french grey.  In the future, I hope to be updating a comic series that has been on my mind for quite some time by using these!


My box full o' Prismacolor markers.  All 154!
Other Tools and General Workspace
I live in the attic.  Plain and simple.  The summers are hot and the constant whine of the floorboards is a little unnerving, but this doesn't stop me from getting into 'the zone.' 
About three years ago my dad bought me an art desk that has more than exceeded its contract!  With the adjustable top I can go from drawing to painting in just a few seconds.
I store most of my paint on the bottom of the desk.  These paints consist primarily of acrylic, but I do keep plenty of tempura paint around in case a teacher should call for another mural at school.  I don't paint near as much as I draw cartoons, though.
As far as pencils go, I prefer the simple mechanical pencil over the artist pencils.  When I'm drawing cartoons I use a Micron (fine tip) to outline and whatever eraser is at hand to get rid of the pencil marks.
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Want to know more about me or my tools?  Contact me!
This is the closest thing I get to a 'MySpace.'  Includes my desk, lamp, carousel, and plastic shelf.
NEWEST TOOLS:
For my 17th birthday I was gifted with one of the most popular art tools to date: the tablet.  Even though I credit myself with having SOME drawing skills, it's going to take me some time to get into the swing of using this exotic medium.

My current program (Corel Painter Essentials 4.0) allows me to use any type of tool/medium that I have as well as every one that I don't.  So far, I've labled airbrush mode as my favorite.  The pressure sensitive surface (and the Holy Undo) are making it easier for me to adapt in the world of digital art.
A random practice drawing and my new webcomic, DEKODA.  I'm coming up with a page for it right on my site, so stay tuned!