How did you become an artist?

Hi everyone, my name is Marco Albiero and I work as an illustrator and mangaka. I've always drawn since I was child, my parents say I learned making little ducklings even before walking. Anyway, I started drawing Anime characters which I saw on television just for fun! I published in Italy my first short manga when I was 16 , while I was attending an Editorial Graphics school. Then I started working for official brand illustrations: Princess Sissi, Totally Spies, Tokyo Mew Mew, Mermaid Melody, Capitan Tsubasa, Attacker You!, Ashita No Joe, LoliRock, Assassination Classroom, Tokyo Ghoul, Saint Senya and especially for the 5 Sailor Moon Style Guides!

Where do you get inspiration?

Anime and manga are my source of inspiration! My "involuntary" teachers were Aensei Araki Shingo and Michi Himeno (Saint Seya) and Sensei Takeuchi Naoko and Ikuko Itho (Sailor Moon), but also U-Jin (Sakura Mail) and Yuzo Takada (3x3 Eyes!). Usually, when I draw characters from other brands I have Seven/Model Sheets available for details; however, I also try to look at the whole series before starting drawing it, or to watch it while I'm drowning (delivery times are generally very tight!). In addition I know that every character has to take on its pose aligned with its behavior, so I try to to get into character's mind to give it the most suitable positions! Instead, when I have not ideas, It's helpful for me to use photographic references or to pose for myself and take me some photos!

What’s your hardware setup?

I've been using Wacom products since 1997 and, as Sailor Moon changes lots of brooches and scepters to become more powerful, I changed my pen! Now I'm using a Wacom Cinta Pro 24!

What do you like best about Clip Studio Paint?

Everything! Clip Studio Paint is the program that I've always wanted since I started drawing digitally. However, I prefer the huge library of free bushes and tools, the wonderful method of using screen tones; I love being able to use a selection tool and transformations on multiple layers! Every time I'm drawing, I discover a new, useful function! However, I hope it will be translated into Italian as soon as possible!

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

Generally it depends on the number of characters and details, but usually I spend a day to illustrate a character!

Would you consider Clip Studio Paint an industry tool?

Yes, absolutely! I've always used drawing programes, but I felt like Goku from Dragon Ball, when he used to train his arms and legs with weights ... Clip Studio Paint is like drawing without those weights!

Would you like to promote some recent project?

Now my manga is out in Italy: "Morte Bianca" (Death White) written by the Italian Youtuber, published by Edizioni Poliniani. I hope it will be also published abroad!

Where can we follow your work?

You can follow me as Instagram: Marco Albiero Art; Facebook: Marco Albiero Art; Twitter: Marco Albiero Art; Youtube: Marco Albiero.

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