Featured Artist – Lubasa

Aug 14

please tell us a brief info about yourself.

I’m an undergorund artist trying to make my break into the mainstream of illustration and arts. I usually don’ use my real name because a lot of artists like in the comic insdustry use pennames and never reveal their real names but people call me Lubasa ever since I was six years old. I was born and raised in brazil.

Tell us about your humble beginnings, When did you first realized that you wanted to be an artist?

In 99, some fanzines / doujins have seen my works and it has caught the attention of the editor of a small publishing company here. They invited me to do a short comic parody about dragon quest – dai adventure. But it was only a part time job. It was
not my choice to be an artist, the job chose me.

What are your tools of the trade: mouse, tablet, brush or pen and ink or pencil? and why?

Today, I most do digital art because it is more easy to work and its fast to do corrections in it. I keep using pencils to do sketches and sometimes I paint with color pencils or pastels.

Who or what gives you inspiration on your art?

From movies specifically the trash ones. I really really love zombies and horror ones. Some comic book artists like Simon Bisley. But its strange since my work does not resemble any of his works. I also like to listen to psychedelic music.

Is your artistic background self-taught or did you go to college to study?

I’m self-taught. I have only done a few comic workshops with some local artists.

What are some of your current projects?

I’m planning a self-published artbook and a comic book too.

Which of your works are you the most proud of? And why?

The older ones because you look back and see that you have evolved so much in the years and this inspires other people to pursue the same things for your works.

Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?

I would really want to work with some pop surrealism. I think I must further refine some of it in future and I also hope to take a class about oil painting because I am always curious about this technique.

What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?

The message that I receive from people from far away saying “I love your works keep going” or a reply of a client getting his finished work always gives me super motivational boost to keep going.

When you’re not in front of your canvas or monitor, how do you spend most of your free time?

I play my DS. I love rpg games and tactical types like Disgaea, I hangout with friends, I like watching movies, I sometimes read and drawing more oops.. I’m supposed to be not drawing… Sorry, I’m a little workholic sometimes.

and finally, What advices/tips can you give to the novice designers/ illustrators out there?

You must be ready to receive lots of destructive criticisms from some people. Just analyze what they say and only get what you think is useful for you and keep going and never give up when the hard times comes if you choose this career.