How did you become an artist?

When I was two years old, I saw my older brother drawing dinosaurs and I would always annoy him to teach me. Afterwards, it was just something I always did on my own. I do not recall the beginning, but I do remember in 3rd grade people started noticing my art. From then on, I became the “art kid” in all my classes haha. I grew a fascination with world building and storytelling at a young age. Probably a way to express escapism and to pass time because of my strict upbringing. Oftentimes I would make my own comics and share them with my teachers. Creating art and sharing it has been a huge part of my life. Both activities bring me so much joy.

Where do you get inspiration?

Anime, manga, and games were what fueled my feral child mind. Shows such as Vampire knight, D.grayman, Naruto, Bleach, and whatever I would see on Y.T.V at night (back when they still aired anime). Manga was huge because every school library had a large collection of them. I would read One piece, Full Metal Alchemist, Death note, Shaman king or any Shoujo genre manga I could get my young romance driven heart on. One of my more bigger influences come from games and music. Some being the Final Fantasy franchise, Kingdom Hearts, Shadow of the Colossus, The Last Guardian, Journey, basically any game that’s able to get your emotions all over the place. I try to be open when it comes to music as I’ve grown the habit to attach my characters to songs, or wearing music like a new outfit each day. Sometimes I get obsessed with a genre/artist. Of course, the ultimate inspiration comes from other artists. Growing up I remember artists such as sakimichan, Yuumei, Laovaan, Wlop, and a lot more artists on DeviantArt. More recently its a huge inspiration board of artists across Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter. Basically, it’s anything that makes my veins tingle and want to draw immediately, it can even be food. There is just so much around me that keeps me going as an artist. Even my own art inspires me, the thought of what it can grow into, or how it can change into a million different styles. Art is fun!

What’s your hardware setup?

Currently I am using the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro tablet to draw digitally. However I am saving up to switch to something bigger. My computer is a CyberpowerPC with liquid cool. Great for the endless work in progress files I have. My Monitor is a Dell Wide 22” MNTR*30D WARR. I am not sure what any of that means but it is a hand me down and I want to upgrade to something better.

What do you like best about Clip Studio Paint?

I love how there is so much features that make art easier especially for comic artists. I often enjoy the 3D model tool and their endless selection of brushes/assets easily accessible in their clip studio assets. Also in general how open they are to including the community into the actual app. Making it easier for artists to connect with other Clip Studio Paint users.

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

It can take anywhere from a day’s sitting to multiple months. It all depends on the problem solving I am dealing with or if the style formula is easy for me to shoot out. Although even doing the same kind of style becomes hard to do and can take longer. Mentally, I would give myself two days to complete a fun drawing, but as much time as I need for a therapeutic drawing. Once again, it’s all kind of random.

Would you consider Clip Studio Paint an industry tool?

Hell yeah, it holds a lot of features that help artists create professional and compelling work so I don’t see why not.

Would you like to promote some recent project?

Currently I am selling merch of my artwork with the help of my friends at kitsuwave.com. I am in the process of creating comics just for fun and will keep people updated on my Instagram.

Where can we follow your work?

You can follow my work on Instagram @sesamefruit or on Tiktok @sesamefruit.

*** Sin 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 November 30, good luck! ***