Feb. 6, 2012 at 11:13pm with 6 notes

alarsson asked: Whoop, I couldn't reply to the ask post but here comes an actual question: is there anything in particular you feel has influenced your motivation or identity as an artist? It's always interesting to hear people's stories! :]

Hiya! Thanks for the ask, it’s always nice getting these. They’re few and far between. :)

Well. Oh so many things. There’s maybe a few that I can pinpoint, of course, and probably millions that are subconscious and I don’t even notice. But let’s see, motivation/identity… Gosh, that’s harder than the usual “what are your influences”.

For some reason I generally end up making things “pretty”, even when I’m not trying - or when I when I’m actually trying not to. But I think I’ve also distanced myself considerably from the typical commercial representation of the human body, with the huge boobs and huge pecs and no hair and super model vibes (think Marvel).

I feel like my lines are the best quality in my art, or at least my sketches. I think line is underrated, specially in markets where digital is king (fantasy, sci-fi, concept art, etc).

Speaking of fantasy, I consider it a big influence but in a very subdued way. I don’t care particularly for dragons and swords and women with ridiculous armour. I used eat it all up, but I’m just not there at the moment.

There was I time when I still learning to draw where I rarely ever drew guys. In one hand because I really did have more fun drawing girls, but a lot of times I was afraid people would suspect I’m gay when they saw the handsome men I like to draw. I know - what an idiot.

I don’t generally care for imagery that’s sexual in a cheap way (think hentai-ish. I hate cat girls). When they’re done skillfully and/or meaningfully though, I love it, and I have no hang ups about it.

When it comes to the colours I use - Makoto Shinkai, Disney, Loish (seriously). And I really feel like the fact that I come from a sunny place and pretty happy childhood somehow brings the whole thing together.

I’m still not quite sure where I’m going with this whole thing. Whenever I pick up a sketchbook I have no idea what’s going to come up in the other end.

In the end, I would like to be known as someone who doesn’t just do pretty things - I would like to really touch people with my images and characters. Therefore, narrative.

I have no idea if this answered anything at all. Hopefully I gave you some clues? Perhaps? Yeah.

  1. nondesignated posted this