Interview with @mivi_arts

Head to their instagram account here: https://www.instagram.com/mivi_arts/

Q: How did you first get interested in art?

A: There are many artistic people in my family! I have an older sibling, and we have very similar personalities and interests despite being four years apart. This is probably because I’d copy everything they did when I was younger, which was my way of wanting to spend time with them. When I was a toddler, they let me use their colored pencils and paper because I wanted to draw like them. That was when I started drawing. I continued making art in my free time and drawing in the margins of every paper I received. Art has been my hobby and comfort for as long as I can remember, but only in the past year have I solidified myself on pursuing it professionally.

Q. Do you ever run into art block, and if so, how do you deal with it?

A: The hardest part for me is starting. Oftentimes, art block is a result of me having too many options of what to make, and worrying about quality. It leaves me stuck staring at my blank canvas, constantly disliking and erasing anything I create. But experimenting with an unfamiliar medium/technique, setting a timeframe, or emphasizing a specific skill/idea challenges me to just start. Putting limitations on myself pushes me to think creatively and makes me feel engaged, intention behind every stroke and artistic choice. Try imitating the style of an artist you like, using a limited color palette, or setting a 5 minute timer! It’s better to start and make something “bad” than to have not created at all. Other ways I deal with art block is to step away and surround myself with what inspires me, or to switch which form of art I am doing. I am inspired by people, I’ll spend time with those I care about. Since I’m also interested music, writing, and videography, I sometimes switch directions when I don’t feel inspired to draw.

Q: What are some of your favorite techniques to learn art?

A: I carry a sketchbook around with me everywhere, so I can draw anywhere if I’m bored or suddenly inspired. It’s beneficial to practice both drawing from life, and drawing from your imagination. Learning and practicing the fundamentals of art (anatomy, perspective, form, shading, color, and composition), although tedious, will only help you express your ideas creatively later on. There are many free resources online that can teach you techniques of whatever medium you’re using, and that explain the fundamentals!

Q: Any tips to find one's own art style or be able to express themselves better in their art?

A: Similar to my previous statement, practicing fundamentals will push your expression further! Sometimes I have an idea, but feel like I can't execute it properly. As I've gotten better at understanding color theory and lighting, I've felt more confident in my art. I would also recommend finding elements of other artists’ work that you like! Understand the difference between inspiration and imitation. Claiming someone else's art as your own is bad (obviously), but practicing replicating someone else's style to better understand their art is a great way to learn, and help develop your own style.

Q: Who are your biggest artistic influences?

A: My greatest artistic influences are webcomic creators! Reading comics is one of my hobbies. Some of my favorite creators are @spacepenguin10 (creator of Blooming Season on Webtoon Canvas), @lilredbeany (popularly known for School Bus Graveyard on Webtoon Originals), Hyeon A Cho (creator of Your Letter on Webtoon Originals), and @dahongcomic (creator of Dam of the Forest). I am very inspired by cute and atmospheric art!

Q: Do you have any favorite brushes or apps you use? If you're more into physical art rather than digital, what are your favorite mediums and why?

A: For digital art, I like using Clip Studio Paint and ibisPaint X. I switch between drawing on my tablet (Huion Kamvas 16) and phone, depending on what I feel like using. I like using chiseled marker brushes, and softer markers/pens that blend with surrounding colors. For traditional art, I like using watercolor and oil pastels! With watercolor, I like the texture and layering colors. I enjoy the challenge of making intentional strokes with water, often working quickly and in the negative space, since it is hard to take away pigment once it dries. I love how vibrant and textured oil pastels are, and enjoy blending. It makes a mess and my hands get covered in it, but that's part of the fun.

Q: If there was one word to describe what art means to you, what would it be and why?

A: One word to describe what art means to me is “intimacy.” The beauty of art to me is the vulnerability of sharing your work with others. I put a lot of time and effort into my work, and my memories, identity, and emotions are all incorporated into my art. I use art to express feelings to others and share my ideas/experiences. I am sharing parts of myself when I share my art, and feel like I can connect with others through the art they create.