We intererviewed @birbinaus about their work!
1. What inspires your work?
The world of animation has always been my primary source of inspiration. Back when I was a kid, I would always wake up extra early before school to watch my favorite animes and cartoons, and I would always daydream of how cool it would have been to be able to create works like that. Of course, for me, that artistic resolution eventually came in the form of comics and illustration. If I were to list every single artist and work that has inspired me over the years, the list would truly be endless. And not just from the classics, either – the most groundbreakingly inspiring works for me oftentimes come from artists on Twitter or Instagram, or from doodles that my friends scribble on scrap paper during lunch breaks, or even just from looking at the world around me during a particularly sunny day. Ultimately, the reason I started making art was because those stories, pictures and bright colors that I saw through my screen were the things that made me happiest in the world. I try to channel those emotions and experiences into my work. And in the end, it’s that same love for art, and the desire to bring fun while making art, that makes me want to continue drawing even now. If I am ever able to give back even a fraction of that fun I had as a kid, then I will consider my job done.
2. What advice would you give new artists?
The most important thing you can do – and this goes for both begginer artists and professionals – is to stop comparing your work to other people’s and just start trying to have fun with your own art. It’s a boring answer, but it can also be the hardest advice to follow. It’s okay, even encouraging, to draw inspiration from the works of other artists that you admire, but you shouldn’t forget that your art is first and foremost a reflexion of yourself, and thus it can only shine at its brightest if and when you invest your energy into making it as much of a personal experience as possible. Art should be fun for YOU. It’s not something to be taken for granted, as all of us fall into the same trap – social media is our main playground, but it’s also a toxic environment that’s quite literally designed to force you to compare yourself to other people and make you crave the instant satisfaction of getting likes and reshares. But you have to actively try to resist it as best you can. Social media pressure was the reason I fell into the biggest art block of my life, which I’m still gradually trying to shake off even after a couple of years. The best advice I can give you is to try to find joy in your own art, and in the process of making art, without worrying about the prospect of popularity or fame. To do that, you have to really look inside yourself and focus on what makes you happy, and remember that each one of us moves at their own pace. If you’re having fun while drawing, that love and heart will be reflected in your works as well! Also, don’t worry too much about developing an original or “consistent” art style. As long as you’re drawing, and you’re working on mastering your fundamentals, you already have a consistent personal style and I can assure you it’s original enough. There are as many art styles as there are people on this planet. You always stare at your own work so much you can’t see it, but others do, and chances are they like it! Keep at it!
3.Who is your favorite RWBY character?
Ozpin and Oscar are my faves! Truth be told, I have a soft spot for all characters that share their inspiration with The Wizard of Oz story, because I’ve always been such a huge fan of the books. Salem is easily in my top list, as well. But during the first few volumes Pyrrha was my main girl.
4.What are you plans for 2022?
2022 is going to be a big year for me. I’m getting my Master’s Degree in Comics this summer, which is going to close a big chapter in my life, and also keep me busy for the better part of the year while I’m finishing my thesis. After that, I’ll be working on a short story for Iron Circus Comics’ upcoming anthology, as well as participating in ShortBox’s Digital Comics Fair in October with a brand new work! It’s all going to be very exciting, and very nerve-wracking as well. Here’s to hoping that 2023 will be as eventful.
5. Where can people support your work?
You can find me on Twitter (@birbytwits, or @birbinaus if you only want the exclusive fandom experience!), on Tumblr (@birbyarts), and on Instagram (@birbydraws). Thank you for the support!
6. What is your favorite piece you’ve made?
Very difficult choice to make, so I’m going to give a very cop-out response: my last piece, as well as my next one. That’s the truest answer you can get out of me.
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Tatiana Stec is the Co-Founder and Creative Director at All Ages of Geek. You can follow her on Substack.
