Sakimichan
Digital Painter & Illustrator · Canada
Canadian digital painter, self-taught, and still studying when this interview ran. Her portraiture and colour had already begun drawing a very large following. This interview first ran in ArtSketch in January 2012.
10 pieces
From the artist’s public gallery
10 pieces from Sakimichan’s public gallery, chosen by the editor rather than the artist. Click any image to open the gallery. All artwork © Sakimichan.
Artist Interview: Sakimichan
From her highly detailed portraiture to her surreal character representations, Sakimichan is a highly talented digital painter and artist. Hailing from Canada, her works have inspired many artists to pursue digital painting, and with her stunning use of colour and breathtaking compositions, it’s no wonder. We had a chance to talk to her about her art, her methods and her inspirations, and here’s what she said.
Hi there Sakimichan, welcome to ArtSketch.org, we’re excited to have you here! What are you up to right now?
I’m excited to get featured, thank you for the opportunity! I’m drawing actually!
You’re a well known digital artist with increasing popularity, when did you start your journey with art?
I started drawing simple stuff like carrots and flowers when I was 4, my mom was the one who forced me, so back then I didn’t really like to draw. At the age of 6 my mom stopped forcing me to draw and I started to like drawing, I doodled casually for fun. I started getting into the digital art world at the age of 16, and after the first 2 years I was convinced that was what I wanted to do. I was filled with passion and motivation for it and practiced a lot to get to where I am now.
Your paintings and portraiture are vivid and beautiful and show great skill. How did you learn to paint, and what or who would you credit as your primary inspirations?
Thank you! My stuff wasn’t always like that, the vivid style was something I developed last year. I’m a self taught artist, I tried a lot of painting styles in an attempt of finding a style that I liked. I’ve always loved colourful visuals, with that in mind I tried to develop my art towards that direction. After getting used to Photoshop, I could experiment with its different tools. My inspiration comes from just about anything, different artists, daily life, stories, anything. One of my favourite artists is Benjamin, I love his stuff because it was colourful and tells so much, I was greatly motivated by him.
You have an amazing way of conveying an image without over-rendering details – could you tell us more about how you envision your works?
Usually I would have an idea in my head , and when I close my eyes I can almost see it in my head. I do a quick concept of it in Photoshop and then I start refining it, but usually my original idea undergoes a lot of changes, and it would usually turn out into something different from my initial idea. Sometimes it’s for the better.
Do you use much reference when working? How important are gesture studies and anatomy learning in what you do?
I rarely use references, thought I think I should. Anatomy is really important to me, without it my art would not be as great as it is now. Since I don’t use much reference, I really need to know how the body works so I can create characters with proper anatomy. Gesture drawing is fun and useful and it’s a good way to practice how well you know anatomy – and it keeps the artist in shape!
How would you describe your day to day workflow when creating art?
I would draw something, usually just a rough concept, and if I like the concept I’ll try to finish it.
If you haven’t mentioned it already, what software and tools do you primarily use to create your art?
I mainly use Adobe Photoshop CS 4. I used to work with Paint Tool Sai as well!
Have fun with what you do, be motivated, practice is the key!
SakimichanDo you make use of custom brushes, or do you prefer working with the standard toolset?
I use a lot of the standard Photoshop brushes. I believe any brush can have amazing results, it all depends on how the artist uses them. Sometimes I create custom brushes for things like clouds and trees to lighten my work.
At time of writing you are still studying, what are your future goals in terms of digital art, and a career in the art world?
My goal will be to improve as much as possible, I’m going to try to expand into environment concepts and monster concepts. After college I’d like to become an illustrator or a concept artist.
If there was one thing you would like to tell artists that are still in the early stages of learning to paint digitally, what would it be?
Have fun with what you do, be motivated, practice is the key! Make sure to use reference if you’re not sure how to draw certain things.
What artwork or projects can we look forward to from you in the future?
I’m hoping to produce a visual comic based on a story I came up with last year, expect more environment concepts from me!
Thanks for your time Sakimichan, it’s been great speaking with you, and we look forward to future artwork from you!
Just want to say thanks, I’m really happy to have the support of the online art community, my goal will be to work my way to the top!
Three things Sakimichan would tell a beginner
- Try a lot of painting styles until one of them feels like yours. The vivid look was a direction she chose, not one she was born with.
- If you do not use much reference, you have to know how the body actually works — anatomy is what holds it up.
- Have fun with what you do, stay motivated, and practise. And use reference when you are not sure how something is drawn.
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