How did you become an artist?

I’ve been drawing since I was five, but it wasn’t a viable career option until after I had completed a whole degree in molecular biology/biochemistry. There was a lot of pressure from everywhere, including from myself, to become a doctor or at least go into STEM. But one day it hit me really hard that I only had one life, I had to make it count for myself, and I desperately wanted to do art. I decided to completely switch and applied to my local animation program, and now I'm designing for all kinds of animated shows.

Where do you get inspiration?

I'm very inspired by nature, and I watch a lot of nature documentaries. I like to go for walks too whenever I'm in a rut, and there's a lot of inspiration everywhere if I keep my mind open. There are a few artists whose works I sometimes just stare at and hope I can learn something from through osmosis. I was heavily influenced by illustrative artists like Loika and Amei Zhao, but I also take a lot of inspiration from Chinese artists like Lin Sun/Merasgar and Washanapple. And of course, on the top of my list are masters like Richard Schmid and Wu Zhaoming.

What’s your hardware setup?

A classic 22HD Cintiq, a decent monitor and desktop computer.

What do you like best about Clip Studio Paint?

I like how it specifically caters to illustrators and comic artists. There are so many tools and features that have improved my workflow, and so many more I haven’t even explored yet.

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

It depends on the piece, but on average it's probably about 6-12 hours.

Would you consider Clip Studio Paint an industry tool?

Definitely! It's very versatile and heavy-duty at the same time, so I recommend more professionals to try it.

Would you like to promote some recent project? 

I have just started publishing a comic called “Remember Me:The Story of Langwen” on WEBTOON Canvas right now, under the handle Jayessart. I have a few other works there as well, including a completed comic called “The Reaper and The Waiting”, which was finished last year.

Where can we follow your work?

I am most active on Instagram, sometimes Twitter, and occasionally Tumblr, Youtube and Weibo. I am @ jayessart on all of them.

*** January is doing a #Giveaway with us! Reach her post on Instagram, follow her, @graphixly and leave a comment. Winners of Clip Studio Paint Pro will be announced on June 14, good luck! ***