Career Transition: A Chat with Marumoru - From Physio to Pro Illustrator
In partnership with HoYoFair, the vibrant gaming and anime hub, XPPen kicks off the Genshin Impact Profession Fan Art Contest. This collaboration showcases the limitless creativity of the community and XPPen's commitment to creating cutting-edge tools that revitalize artistic endeavors in a modern setting. The contest kicked off on March 31, and to celebrate the spirit of boundless imagination, they've introduced the #TeyvatFashion character costume design event - a testament to XPPen's slogan: "Dream, Brave, True." Run until April 30, this event invites fans of Genshin Impact and HoYoFair's diverse IPs to envision their favorite characters' professional fashion personas, mirroring the mobile game's captivating contemporary anime-style aesthetics and character development. The winners will be announced on May 13.
Joining the festivities is Japanese illustrator, marumoru, prominent for his expressive character designs inspired by his learnings as a physical therapist. He combines anatomy and kinesthetic learning theory to develop hyper-realistic characters for popular gaming franchises, including Hatsune Miku, Azure Lane, Genshin Impact and Arknights. Here, marumoru chats about his favorite manga and anime, his past as a physiotherapist, and the learnings he carries into his art discipline and online illustration courses.
Hey there, could you tell us a bit about yourself? How would you describe your creative style?
I've been juggling freelance illustration, domestic, and international media since 2019. For art to truly captivate, each character must have a distinct worldview and unparalleled presence, crafting a unique atmosphere.
What's a worldview?
When creating, I often zero in on the setting's nuances to accentuate the character's significance within it. Characters may have varying themes, but I strive to craft individual stories that resonate and engross the audience.
Cool! Before you became an illustrator, you worked as a physiotherapist. What lured you into a new career?
Physiotherapy proved rewarding but, when I began receiving illustration assignments, I leapt at the opportunity and transitioned. I've always embraced arts as an outlet for self-expression, so embarking on a creative career felt exhilarating.
Illustrating isn't a walk in the park. Have there been moments when you considered giving up?
To illustrate, you must dedicate daily effort, putting in around two hours daily when at home. On days off, I've clocked ten hours or more. Before fully immersing myself in the creative industry, I honed my drawing skills, prepared for freelancing challenges, and preserved my professional qualifications in physiotherapy.
The journey wasn't effortless but, since it was the dream career, I never questioned my resolve. I've observed others uplift their lives through career changes, fueling the belief that if it's your dream, diligent perseverance can make it a reality.
Japanese art style casts a long shadow across the globe. Do you ever consider exploring exotic new avenues?
I'd be remiss to label my style purely as Japanese anime, as I dig modernity more than antiquity and am continually experimenting. I believe experimentation keeps art fresh, so I do plan to continue branching into uncharted artistic territories.
When it comes to describing your style's distinctiveness, what sets it apart from others in the same genre?
On the surface, numerous artists within the same genre might look similar. However, the essence lies in the sensibility and artistic preferences nurtured over a lifetime, often unconsciously. It takes a rare touch to articulate a visual world in words, but I believe that intangible element drives us... As a fan of Akira Toriyama, especially Dragon Quest, I can hardly deny the influence of manga legends on my work.
The knowledge you've acquired as a physiotherapist seems to shine through in your character designs. Care to elaborate on how this expertise colors your artwork?
My years of observing the human body have undeniably bolstered my drawing skills. The ability to interpret references and seamlessly merge them into my work adds versatility, making each piece more captivating.
Have you encountered any challenges when expressing a character's personality within the confines of a game? How do you overcome these obstacles?
When designing characters, I like to start with their backstory, then delve into their personality, and finally ascribe physical characteristics. The appeal and expression of a character can vary based on the context, but categorizing visuals by personality aids in effectively conveying emotions.
Any parting words for participants of HoYoFair 2024's Genshin Impact contest?
The competition standards are straightforward, even if you don't know the nuances of Genshin Impact. I encourage you to explore the game itself and its engaging plot that keeps players hooked!
How do you maintain focus and hone your style while developing new skills as an illustrator?
As a commercial illustrator, you must deliver the desired product. While there may be no absolute right in the creative world, I personally strive to pursue my ideals and create art that resonates with a wider audience. Continual learning helps us all improve and evolve.
Which tools do you prefer when diving into a new artwork?
The cornerstone of my creative process is an LCD pad. Its intuitive interface, namely the small parallax, makes it feel like I'm drawing on paper. It's an excellent choice for artists seeking an affordable, high-quality instrument for digital painting.
XPPen, you ask? Have you ever used it?
XPPen proposed an LCD digital pen display called the Artist 22 for me to try. Compared to my 6-year-old LCD digitizer, the Artist 22 offered superior pen pressure sensitivity and screen resolution, making me feel like I was in a whole new world. Plus, it's budget-friendly compared to similar products on the market. A strong contender for artists looking to delve into digital painting on a modest budget.
Source: Hypebeast
Curious for more tales of artistic journeys? Check out our blog, Courtside. Have a tip? Send it to: [email protected].
- Given marumoru's career transition from physiotherapy to illustration, it's clear that his interest in finance, business, and careers has played a role in his decision-making process and success in the competitive art world.
- XPPen's commitment to creating cutting-edge tools for artists like marumoru, as showcased in their collaboration with HoYoFair, reflects their dedication to fostering growth and innovation in the business of art and creative careers.
