Here, say hello again to my digital paintings after a two-month gap since the last one :) and currently there are two other WIP fanart that I can’t wait to complete soon.. Being a designer in the field has allowed me to strike a balance between visual design and illustration art, just as how it had been in school before, and personally the best kind of time after a long day at work – besides (trying to get sufficient) sleep – is undoubtedly the time I dedicate to my own little projects.

magician

The general idea of this painting stemmed from the time when Arashi’s single Monster was released, and I had in mind to draw a hooded phantom pulling the strings, quite literally, of a girl he’s infatuated with, based on the mysterious mood the tune creates as well as these particular lines from their lyrics:

僕の記憶が全て消えても (Even if my memories would disappear)
生まれ変わったら　また君を探す (I will search for you once again when I’m reborn)
見かけじゃなくて　心を抱いて (It matters not about appearance; just hold my heart)
満月の夜　君を見つけた　Monster (In the night of a fullmoon, the monster, I, have found you)

Through the 2 months or so of drafting, redrawing and more redrawing, it eventually evolved into something more influenced instead by Nino’s obsession with magic, hence the straightforward title, but the figure is not meant to be him and so I don’t consider this as fanart.

Symbols from the poker cards take the form of fish, buoyant in the chilling midnight air as the dog – a shibaken (Nino’s favourite breed) – and boy track. Time exists only beyond the fancy framed window, coming to a standstill as it gets caught in the branches. If you look closely, the picture of the girl in the other half of the waist watch is actually Son Ye Jin.

// Here’s something I want to try with this original piece:
If you could write a descriptive paragraph (or even better, a one-shot fic), do post it as a comment, I’d love to see what different results can be derived from this imagery .. and I’ll link the contributor(s) here :D

Otherwise, feel free to browse the more detailed portions of magician. As always, comments are love <3

I’m intrigued by this photo to no end; not only because it truly depicts the era (1880s) of Japan that is often seen only in period dramas and in illustrations, but because of the striking resemblance at first glance. I couldn’t help but imagine Ohno living in this very surreal world – he would most probably enjoy making umbrellas and fishing at lakes all day, no? 「優しい傘そっと差して行こう」嵐

See more of these, taken by Adolfo Farisa, the man who shot old Japan.

And it sure gets even more surreal. The portraits are beautiful.

Digital illustrations, 6 hours on Photoshop.

Based on a scene of a fairytale-remixed-into-fanfiction by *someone* currently in the works. ^^
Coloured in greyscale as a practice for shadow and lighting (although it felt more like trial and error), and failing pretty badly as you can see. I was attempting to steer away from total realism when using photo references, but it’s not easy because I don’t draw manga.. or rather I can’t. More details on this project later, maybe.

#1 was supposed to be set in the forest during the night; the tilt of the moonlight spilling on the lone horse-rider as he seems to have discovered something.

#2 Hello.. stranger.

Since I haven’t posted any illustration artwork in a while, I’ll offer you a visual treat of Ohchan <3 referenced from Wink Up May 2010 photoshoot.

Remember the book cover of Rental Children? This was painted with that style in mind. Oh also, I’m surprised I sped up in my digital painting, which would normally span for days and weeks, and end up under piles of mushrooms in the folder. In case you’re wondering, this took me 5 hours on Photoshop with a tablet. (cause I couldn’t sleep the whole night after overeating for supper at the airport with the girls >_< )

Note: Respect my art, do not make changes or use it for other purposes. Comments appreciated!

The funny thing is, half of this entry was written in 2008 and completed only now. Most of the details have already become fuzzy, but thanks to the AAA 2008 DVD we get to live through their wonderful Kokuritsu performance again and again. Written because.. I owe myself -_- and it wouldn’t make sense to write about 5×10 if I haven’t finished this.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

( Concert Day 2 / Note: Very long entry ahead.. )