CSP Featured Artist: Layla Vladi
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How did you become an artist?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always loved drawing. Growing up in Germany, I was introduced to traditional art by my mother and grandmother. Both gave me a great deal of encouragement to pursue the arts. My family moved frequently during my childhood, which made it challenging to form any lasting friendships, leading to a somewhat solitary upbringing. However, I believe this instability played a significant role in shaping my artistic identity today. At an early age, I was passionate about making a living as a professional artist and participating in various exhibitions. Eventually, I settled in California to study at Gnomon and pursue a career in digital art.
Now I feel incredibly grateful to be able to pursue the path I love the most, which gives me a sense of belonging and purpose that I’ve never experienced before.
Where do you get inspiration?
Some of my inspiration comes from a wide variety of influences, ranging from Romanticism, Art Nouveau, Japanese art, music, books, fashion, and pop culture. I’m also fortunate to have befriended many like-minded artists whom I can always turn to for inspiration. Being part of such a community is really helpful, especially when you need someone to bounce ideas off of. I believe my friends are also my biggest inspiration.
I’m especially thankful to my kind friends Fish, Cid, and Yue who are always patiently helping me out whenever I’m running out of ideas.
What’s your hardware setup?
I’m currently using the Wacom Intuos Pro, but after using it for so many years, I’m interested in upgrading to something new in the future.
What do you like best about Clip Studio Paint?
I always liked that the drawing tools were easier to use, and learning just felt much more organic to me. I would say it’s a fantastic choice for artists who might have a harder time adapting to other software, like I did in the beginning.
How long does it take you to make a single illustration?
I would say I spend about 9 - 10 hours, if not the entire day, on my work. That might sound like a lot, but it’s because I’m not the quickest at drawing. Therefore, it’s necessary to make enough time; otherwise, it would take me longer to complete a single piece. I’m always super impressed with artists who can work and post their new art daily. Some of my artist friends even jokingly started calling me the George R.R. Martin of the friend group because of that. I would definitely consider it one of my biggest weaknesses currently, but I’m working on improving slowly!
How has Clip Studio Paint improved your workflow?
I’ve been using Clip Studio Paint for years now, mostly because I noticed that all of my favorite artists would frequently recommend various new features, materials, and helpful tips.
Before, I used to switch frequently between different software because I couldn’t find something that was comfortable enough for me or had everything I needed available in one place. Thankfully, I was able to save myself a lot of time on my work!
Would you like to promote some recent project?
My new art book was released this year and is currently available as a special hardcover edition.
Additionally, there are still tickets available for a film screening featuring a selection of works, including “Juana Inés & Her Beloved Countess”, “The Greenhouse”, and “Sun & Moon” at the York Art Gallery. The exhibition will continue until April 21st. I also have an upcoming group exhibition from April 1st to 7th.
More information about the event will be announced soon on my website for anyone interested in attending!
Where can we follow your work?
You can see all of my work on laylavladi.com or I’m also active on social media @marthchrom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marthchrom/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Marthchrom