How did you become an artist? 

My first attempts stemmed from the love of anime - more specifically Sailor Moon - and I vividly remember using the bottom of a glass to draw the round heads at first. Moving forward I delved deeper into the world of games and anime, being heavily influenced by both. Back when I started to learn, there were no art books and unlimited resources online. The only learning sources I could find taught mostly realism and hyperrealism. I did try to apply to the local art school, but got turned down and deemed as lacking artistic skills. So I decided to learn from anime albums and resources I found on YouTube, mostly learning through replication of characters from various anime and games. The art school wasn't completely wrong however, as I recently discovered I have aphantasia, but it never stopped me moving forward.

Where do you get inspiration?

I guess I am the embodiment of the famous "scroll through Pinterest for 6 hours" trope. Other artists such as Loish, RossDraws, Lutzapiaart, Meyoco, the RIOT splash artists or Studio Ghibli movies to name just a few are always at the top of my list when I need an inspiration boost.

What’s your hardware setup?

Until recently I used my computer and an Intuos Pro tablet, but I've now upgraded to a Wacom Cintiq 22, monitor and mouse. Best art related decision ever - while with the screenless tablet my mind couldn't coordinate perfectly with the screen even after a few years of use, drawing on the Cintiq feels amazing and natural.

What do you like best about Clip Studio Paint?

I find that the HUGE variety of brushes that come in all shapes and colors and effects - something I didn't find in any other software - really allows me to get that natural feeling that digital mediums don't usually offer! There's also an extensive user-generated content library, and though I use other software as well in my art process, Clip Studio Paint really offers a ton of useful stuff readily available.

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

It depends on what style I use. Until this March I used to work exclusively in semi-realism - however one piece could take me anything from 5 to 20 hours depending on complexity... And I just didn't have that time available. So I made up a more cartoony style, mixing elements from my semi-realism experience and the simpler lines from manga/anime. One of these pieces can take me as little as 2 hours or as long as 5 hours due to everything being simplified right down, so I can make more art more efficiently!

How has Clip Studio Paint improved your workflow?

 I love the intuitive and organized way everything is set up in it! There are also several effects that in other software took minutes to make but which with CSP's brushes take me seconds - and that adds up quickly. I also adore how easy it is to transition between 3D and 2D workspaces while also having a plethora of models available (they come in very handy especially for pose references), no more buying expensive models, rigging in another 3D software then opening in my 2D one - Clip Studio Paint has it all in one.

Where can we follow your work?