faq
Where/how did you get x merch made, what is a good supplier for x thing, etc. ?
Sorry! I don't answer this question directly. This tumblr, however, is a great resource for getting started with merch making!
How can I contact you?
By email: hello@rainymint.co
Do you accept vtuber model/Live2D artwork/vtuber design commissions?
No. Never. Sorry.
I very kindly ask that you please refrain from asking me about taking vtuber model art commissions while I'm live, or trying to convince me to accept as well. I do not, and will not ever accept vtuber model art commissions. Ever.
I'm open for other types of commissions, including chibis, personal plushies, voice actor prints, and commercial opportunities. My portfolio can be seen here. Just shoot me an email at: hello@rainymint.co or by clicking here to use my contact form, and I'll get back with you as soon as possible.
If you're a company, please include your budget and project scope in the message.
When did you start drawing?
As soon as I could hold a crayon! I started using a drawing tablet at 10, and trying to take it seriously at 13! I was lucky to have lots of support like that.
What do you use for art?
I use:
- Wacom Cintiq 4K 27"
- Photoshop CC
For design or vector related work, I combine these with Illustrator and InDesign.
What are your PC specs?
"The Massive Lad"
Motherboard: Gigabyte X570 AORUS MASTER ATX AM4
CPU: 16-Core AMD Ryzen 9 3950x
64 GB DDR4 RAM
GPU: Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti
CPU cooler: Noctua NH-D15s
What brushes do you use?
A variety of Kyle's brushes but with my own tweaked settings, as well as a lot of other ones I've picked up over the years. They're Photoshop only. Remember: brushes don't make the artist, but finding a good variety of brushes that feel good to use can go a long way.
I want to start doing art! What do I do?
Draw what you love and keep a sketchbook. But also, think about what it is that you love. Look at artists you admire's work, and study it. What do you like about it? Describe it to yourself, is it the linework, their color choices? Find out about their process. Look at art, so much art, as often as you can. Immerse yourself in different styles, art from different people and places. Learn terminology you've never heard of.
Go out and see the world around you. The phrase "draw from life" doesn't just apply to realism. Use references, both to build up your visual library, and because you should. If you can't find some, make some by either taking pictures, or posing 3D models.
Keep an open heart and mind. Practice makes progress, improvement is not a race! Don't get discouraged. Being very blunt: you will suck, at first. Everyone does. But, have confidence in yourself, and pride in your work regardless. Don't give up, but also take breaks, don't hurt yourself. You don't have to draw everyday, even professionals like myself don't, your body needs breaks. Be kind to yourself.
Everyone goes at their own pace and has their own artistic voice. The world needs your voice just as much as everyone else's!
I want to start doing digital art! What tablet do you recommend?
You do not need any of the stuff I have to start drawing digitally! The kind of setup I have is one that I use in my daily life as a professional illustrator. Please do not spend this much. I'd look into:
- A simple, small drawing tablet, like this one and a laptop or desktop computer
- Or, an iPad Air or Pro with an Apple Pencil
This is plenty to get started, or work with without spending too much! If you're not doing professional work especially, please don't get something like a Cintiq. It's just not necessary. I've personally only used Wacom tablets, and the iPad Pro/Pencil, so I can only recommend those. (Although, Huion and XP-Pen are also brands people seem to like!)
What programs do you recommend using?
For Desktop users: Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint (which goes on sale a few times a year) and Paint Tool SAI! Can't go wrong with any of them, but try out the trials to see what suits your tastes.
For iPad users: I couldn't recommend Procreate enough! It's really great!
How did you get a color wheel like SAI in Photoshop?
It's an extension called MagicPicker! I use it in "Pro mode" so I don't see extra stuff on its UI. It costs just a few dollars, I highly recommend it.
What size canvas do you draw on?
Depends! If I'm working on a big print, 11.25" x 17.25" ! (For image bleed space) Smaller prints or doodles are 5.25" x 7.25". I work at 600 dpi, unless it's not something that's made to be printed, then I work at 300 or 350.
Do you have any advice, either for art or in general?
For art, the best advice I ever got was "draw what you love, so it's not a chore".
The best general advice I ever got was "you'll get there".
Both are things I think about daily.