Exploring My Artistic Journey and Tools Through Live Q&A Sessions

Introduction

Hi everyone! Recently, I’ve started live-streaming my drawing process on YouTube, Twitch, and Kick, and it’s been such a rewarding experience. These streams have opened up a whole new way to connect with people interested in my art, letting me share the highs and lows of creating while also answering questions from viewers in real time. Since I’ve received a lot of great questions, I thought it’d be fun to gather them into a Q&A for anyone who’s curious about my journey, tools, and creative process.

Live-Streaming My Art Process

Live-streaming has brought an exciting layer to my art practice, giving me a direct way to connect with viewers, share techniques, and chat about the creative process while I work. For those who enjoy getting a behind-the-scenes look at how art comes together or just want a space to hang out and talk about art, live-streaming has been the perfect way to make that happen. If you’re curious to see more, feel free to join me on YouTube, Twitch, or Kick — I’d love to see you there!

Q&A Highlights from the Stream

What Did I Study?

This question often comes up, and it’s a journey that had a few twists and turns. Initially, I studied an advertising course, which introduced me to life drawing classes. Those classes were a game-changer and made me realize how much I loved the drawing aspect of visual arts. They were also a big help when it came to preparing for entry exams for a master’s degree in animation, which I was passionate about at the time.

I went into the course thinking I’d pursue 3D animation — I believed it was the future, and I wanted to be a part of it. However, in my first year, we were only allowed to work with 2D animation, which meant getting hands-on with drawing. That’s when I unexpectedly fell in love with the act of drawing itself. Everything just clicked, and I found myself more and more motivated to draw with purpose. Seeing my classmates’ approaches to drawing and their creative processes inspired me immensely and helped me develop my own style.

One of my biggest influences wasn’t even a teacher in the animation department. He was a local comic artist who taught drawing in a comic shop nearby. He was incredibly critical, never sugar-coating his feedback. Though his critiques were tough, they pushed me to become a better artist, and I’m grateful for that challenge.

Am I a Full-Time Artist?

This is another question I get often, and the answer is: not yet! I work part-time, which provides for the essentials, like putting food on the table and keeping a roof over our heads. This stability allows me to invest the rest of my time and energy into my art projects without stressing about the basics. Balancing both worlds isn’t always easy, but it works for me and lets me focus creatively on the things I’m passionate about.

My Art Materials and Tools

For anyone curious about the materials I use, let’s dive in! For paper, I used to rely on Hahnemühle Britannia 300g watercolor paper, which comes in a square format I enjoy working with. Recently, I’ve switched to Magnani 1404 Italia paper, which also comes in a 30x30cm square. It’s a bit pricier and comes with fewer sheets, but it handles masking tape beautifully — an essential for clean edges!

When it comes to inks, I’m a fan of Kuretake ZIG Black Ink 60. This water-based ink is fantastic for its quick-drying and smudge-proof qualities, especially when layering or using alcohol markers. I love how it performs, whether I’m using it full-strength or as washes for softer tones.

As for pens, I recently expanded my collection of dip pens. They’ve changed how I approach my lines, as I need to pause and dip the pen in ink, which adds a moment of thoughtfulness and keeps me focused on the quality of each line. It’s a small thing, but it brings a layer of intention to each stroke. The nibs I use are the following: Hunt 99, 105 & 512; Leonardt General; Tachikawa G-nib & Schoolpen; Zebra G; Gillott 404, Brause EF66 & Steno

For color, I alternate between Holbein Acrylic Gouache and Winsor & Newton Watercolors. Holbein’s acrylic gouache has a lovely matte finish and doesn’t re-activate once it’s dry, which is a plus for layered work. Watercolors and regular gouache, on the other hand, will smudge if they get wet again, which means working a bit differently with them.

To keep the paint workable, I use a wet palette from Redgrass. It’s convenient, but you can easily DIY one with some Tupperware, damp paper towels, and baking paper!

Do I Take Commissions?

For now, I’m focusing on my own projects rather than taking on commissioned work. My time is already limited, and I have so many ideas I want to bring to life. While commissions can be a great source of income, my part-time job currently covers my needs, allowing me to prioritize the art I believe in. That said, commissions are something I’d consider if I ever needed the extra income, but at the moment, I’m happiest working on my personal projects.

Future Goals and Ambitions

Right now, I’m thrilled that my art resonates with people, and I’m hoping to build on that by attending more art fairs where I can showcase my work. Eventually, I’d love to open an online store so my art can reach even more people. For now, I’m just grateful for the support and interest in what I create. Being able to share my art with people who appreciate it means a lot, and it keeps me motivated to push forward.

Final Thoughts

I hope this post gives you a bit more insight into my journey and creative process. Answering these questions in the live Q&A has been an incredible experience, and I’m grateful to everyone who’s joined me in exploring this path. If you’re interested in seeing more or joining me live, remember to catch my streams on YouTube, Twitch, and Kick. And if you have more questions, feel free to leave them in the comments or join the chat during a stream!

Until next time, keep creating and enjoying the process!