Another skill I use is an ability to bring out the best in the artists I work with. I have had the pleasure of working with and training some of the best pumpkin carvers in the business. I might have someone who is a great figure and face illustrator for example, but they have no understanding of how to bring that to the pumpkin illustration world.

I will use their knowledge of anatomy and show them what I have learned like using more ink to create deeper shadows where needed, and carve deeper for more highlights. Lets pick the best pumpkin type and figure out the internal lighting.  Unlike sculpture, which is a 3D form, we use inking and carving to create the illusion of shape and depth. With the inked being the darkest tones, the orange of the pumpkin is the midtones, and the more you carve the more glow you get. On a 3D sculpture of a face for example, the nose, forehead and cheeks would stick out. If you close your eyes and move your hand all over a sculpture you can make out the image. With an art pumpkin the nose would be carved in, to create more glow. It’s the opposite. The artist will use carving tools, but is creating an illustration on the pumpkin.  I introduced the high speed die grinders used in ice carving into the pumpkin carving world. It has allowed the pumpkin panel boards, (Structures) to draw from a finer spectrum of glow for the highest level of artistry. The various die grinder bit types give an array of carves. Similar to a variety of brushes in painting.