How did you become an artist?

I started drawing when I learnt how to hold a pencil as a child, and I've been drawing ever since. I always knew that drawing and creating stories was my dream job, but I didn't know if that was something I could do full-time or if it was reserved for a small elite. I started publishing manga in Spain in 2005. The series was called "3x1", which is now republished as "3x1 Renewal" in 3 volumes by a different publisher (Nowevolution). In 2009 I published another one-volume manga called "O.U.T", which I translated into English recently and can be read for free on Webtoon and Tapas under the name "OUT (Once Upon a Time)". Publishing manga in Spain was a lot of fun, but also a lot of work for very little money, which confirmed my idea that art wasn't a career I could pursue and that I should find another job. Even though I thought that way, I kept on trying because one is stubborn (laughs). Everything changed for me when I started working on commissions for particulars. I worked on so many illustrations that my income became good enough to be considered a full-time job, and also companies started to notice me and request my art for different projects: videogames, how to draw manga books, novel covers, event mascots, etc. I've been working on art full-time ever since. I no longer think that working full-time on art is reserved for an elite, I think anyone can do it with effort and dedication, because there's a huge demand of artists out there.

Where do you get inspiration?

I'm obsessed with buying artbooks and mangas by artists I like, and I like many, so my room is full of books (laughs). Different artists inspire me for different things, some as small as "the way they draw eyelashes". I'm inspired by artists like Kanzaki Hiro or Nishigori Atsushi for their lovely anime cell coloring, DSmile or Mika Pikazo for their overall colors, Aoi Levin or Kamatani Yuhki for their B&W inking, POPQN for character pose, Yuu for fashion, Yoneyama Mai for post effects, etc. There is so much to learn from everyone.

What’s your hardware setup?

I work on a PC with a Cintiq 27QHD to draw and a 27" BENQ monitor. Then I also work with Wacom Express Key Remote and TourBox for shortcuts.

What do you like best about Clip Studio Paint?

Because "everything" is a very generic answer, I'm going to try to be more specific (laughs). Ever since I started using Celsys's softwares (I started with Illust Studio even though it was only available in Japanese) I realized that they were softwares created to make my life easier, even with things I didn't even know I needed. So instead of saying one of the specific aspects I love about this software (3D backgrounds, brushes, the Assets store, etc.), I'm going to say that what I love the most about Clip Studio Paint is the fact it keeps bringing new awesome features and growing to become better and better all the time. When there's a new update it feels like Christmas (laughs).

How long does it take you to make a single illustration?

It depends on the illustration, but usually I take 1-2 days if I don't struggle with the sketch too much.

Would you consider Clip Studio Paint an industry tool?

Absolutely. It's the biggest, most professional software I know and it keeps growing with each update, so as someone working full-time in the art industry, for me it's a must have.

Would you like to promote some recent project?

I'm working on a webcomic called "The Violinist and the Nerd", which is available for free on Webtoon and Tapas. This personal project is very important for me because telling my own stories is what I love the most, so having the chance to work on this on my free time and get so much reader support has made my life happier for the past two years.

Where can we follow your work?

You can find me on Twitter as Inmapollito and on Instagram as inma_pollito. I also have a YouTube channel (InmaPollito) where I post Clip Studio Paint video tutorials and some reviews. I'm happy if they can help anyone!

*** Inma is doing a #Giveaway with us! Reach her post on Instagram, follow them follow @graphixly and leave a comment. Winners of Clip Studio Paint Pro will be announced on August 9, good luck! ***