Inspiration
I tend to draw a lot inspiration from the shows I watch or things I read. I am big fan of cartoons. I grew watching things like The WB’s Animaniacs, Sonic the Hedgehog, Scooby Doo, Looney Tunes, Batman, Rocko’s Modern Life, Ren & Stimpy, Rugrats, Disney Animated features like: The Lion King, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast.
When I grew older and new things became available on television and anime started to rise. I would wake up to the FOX Network and see things like Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball. I was at first off set to a style of animation. However, with the introduction of Pokemon and Toonami I was able to get a sort-of-hyper-appreciation for the style. My brother would get videos that I later enjoyed a lot of. Things I used to watch took a turn from childlike things to adult themes. It started with Gundam Wing, Tenchi, Slayers, Trigun, Goldenboy, and Agent Aika. Things then softened out and I became used to such styles that I would try to emulate them into my drawing as a kid.
What became an instant liking was artwork from the album covers to the Gorillaz. It was, However only later that I would become such a great fan.
I continued doodling and trying to draw. I picked up a lot from my brother and would watch him draw or look at his drawings and even clean them up to be from expressive sketch drawings to polished line drawings. At some point later in life and mostly now I see how much I still yearn to be able to quickly sketch, draw, and be equally comprehensive in the different media he has become attuned with.
Things I am driving most of my inspiration, nowadays, are books, anime, music, and artists that I appreciate right now. One of the greatest artists that I know of is my brother, I understand that it’s a bias source, but I have been yearning and striving to get at his level with everything. Another source would be my instructors and studies. They have the drive to get them from where I am to where they are now. Working with my friends and peers to see how I am growing.
Seeking the advice and not entirely going solo really helps. Harsh criticism is essential and well sometimes I’d rather just have bad art than no art at all. I am usually upset with my work because I lack the patience or knowledge to get it done how I expect it to. However, that’s something I learn every time I draw or paint, or do something. I learn how to do it more efficiently, creatively, and gain more patience because I know what needs to get done and how to do it.
One of my favorite artists next to my brother is Jamie Hewlett. His style of illustration has become one of my top favorite. Which brings me back to a book I would reference a lot of material from as a kid that I became acquainted with again. Without Hewlett, my brother, or such fascination with cartoons and comics I would have gotten where I am today. If it weren’t for other people’s interest I would have continued with my studies and practice in arts.
What I like most about Jamie Hewlett is character design. I am just always in awe of his ability to illustrate such clean, simple, images. Learning more about the artist has even given me a great appreciate for his artwork.
I am running out of things to talk about here so yeah. We’ll get back to more inspiration stuff later.
-Lee Sekaquaptewa
