Somehow people usually assume I'm a guy.
Last time I checked, I'm still a girl. :D
Anyhoo... Gosh, I just don't know what to say. Your enthusiasm is probably the best birthday present I could wish for these days (I'm turning 22 on December 31st).
While I was at my other computer I noticed the image I posted was too dull and flat looking, while the original drawing is full with strong contrasts. I got a new scan, which looks far better this way in my opinion... :)
Thank you for your beautiful words, about my drawing, as well as about the other things I've written in my first comment.
I'll try to figure out who took the original photo which I used for the left side of the drawing. So when I get his/her permission, I could get a few prints of this particular sketch if you guys and gals like to get some.
Since a few asked me about it: drawing is both my hobby and my job. It's hard to work on my own projects because I have so many commissions to do, but this one of Mike has always been on my mind. It's also the first I drew on a larger scale than usual (this one's about 30x40 cm big).
I might start with a John Petrucci project next month, and also a few other musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Matthew Bellamy, James Hetfield and the like. Gotta collect a couple of photos first (read: research for a few months)
Long post. I'll stop talking now.
Thank you for the awesome feedback once again!