Do unique creations just 'hit' you or do you play around a bit?
It can happen both ways. Sometimes I'll just play. I may start by drawing a spooky face and then deciding what it should be. "Uncle Vlad" was just a regular ugly dude before I gave him fangs, a widows peak and a collar, thus transforming him into a vampire.
Other times, I have a clear picture in my mind for the concept, and then try to draw exactly what I'm envisioning. "Heads Up!" is one example. I could see the headless horseman pose in my mind's eye, and then just put it onto the screen.
Where do you find the time to carve yourself?
I just have to MAKE time, usually at the cost of sleep. Since the duties of operating this site never really stop, I just force myself to find some carving time. I usually carve on the night of October 30th (while keeping an eye on the site). I'll carve well into the night, and sometimes beyond daybreak. With the help of family and friends, I usually get about a dozen carved pumpkins into my display each year.
Have you a fave pattern?
That's like asking someone to pick their favorite child. Often my favorite pattern is whichever one I've most recently designed. You can get an idea of which patterns I favor by looking at the ones I've chosen to carve myself. Off the top of my head, I'd say that I'm fairly proud of "Undead Ted" and "E.T."
What part of Ireland is your family from?
That I don't know. I would have to ask my grandmother, as she is the Irish one. Unfortunately she is now kissing the big Blarney Stone in the sky. Perhaps my mother knows though.
Favorite food?
Not sure I have an all time favorite. I go through phases of craving a certain thing, then lose interest and get on a new kick. These days I don't have much time to prepare "real" meals, so my favorite foods are whatever can be microwaved or delivered.
What super power would you like to have if any?
Perhaps the ability to clone myself, so one of me can pack Shocking Shop orders, while another one can answer customer emails, while another one can design patterns. And yet another one can play video games.
Many people say they'd like to fly. But honestly, I'd be quite content with the power of telekinesis. Because, ya know... that remote control is waaaaay over there.
Ever thought of brining in help?
I've hired help for the more technical aspects of the site's operation, and I may enlist more help as ZP continues to grow. But my goal is to always do as much as I can myself, and keep ZP personal. Above all, I will always handle the creative aspects of this site (the illustration, web design, and of course... the patterns). That stuff is my biggest passion.
How much food gets caught in that beard?
None really, I'm pretty neat, including with my eating habits. I generally keep a "goatee style." My chin hasn't seen the light of day in nearly 13 years! But sometimes the goatee morphs into a beard. Not necessarily by choice, but rather out of convenience. Who has time to shave their cheeks when there are pumpkin patterns to design!?