Abigail L. Dela Cruz aka “hyamei” is a Philippines-based illustrator currently working as a 3D game artist. Looking at her work, her illustrations have a wonderful narrative quality to them. I had a chance to sit down with her and pick her brain in the 390th episode of the Creative Spotlight. Read below for the full Q&A…
Can you run us through a bit about present-day Filipino artists’ overall working conditions? The country reflects a society with diverse cultural influences and traditions so how does that inspire, specifically, as an artist working there?
Can’t say much about it in detail, the only thing I feel is our working conditions could be better. We got tons of amazing artists here who do amazing work and wants to push more original content, but not much support from local TV industry/government.
Despite that, I’ve been noticing a good trend in illustration/comics/storybooks here! it’s been wonderful to be introduced to a lot of local artists, hoping it goes on the pace that keeps on growing (also, I feel the need to add this, to my fellow Filipinos, I hope you won’t be discouraged about becoming an artist: Share your work online, the internet gives the means to share our work out and find ways to connect with both local and international artists/audiences). I have learned that our culture is absolutely rich and complex due to the diversity of people that have migrated and lived here (sharing http://pinoy-culture.com/tags as a wonderful starting resource for those who’s interested). Learning about it has really made a positive impact on my perspective both as a Filipino and as an artist living here. Unfortunately, It’s sad to know our culture really doesn’t get as much spotlight outside the country, and I always believed in the idea that representation in media is so important. So although I’m still learning more about our culture, as an artist, I feel encouraged to share and incorporate more Filipino-centric elements in future projects, and hopefully help contribute something that represents the Philippine culture.
I’ve noticed you sent out alot of cards around the holidays and have been getting cards in response even into the new year. Is this a new thing you began with your fellow artists and loved ones? The response is pretty cool!
It was a new thing for me to try sending out cards! I remember in 2010 I received a lovely holiday card from one of my favorite artists I look up to, and it was one of the memorable experiences. After that, I’ve made it one of my goals to do something similar!
You are quite well versed in taking existing characters and giving them your own twist but what is the creative process like when you create an original character(s)?
Thank you! I think it’s always fun to add bits of your own interpretation when creating fanart. As for original character designing, I always think that I still have long way to go in learning. But whenever I do think about making characters: I like making the overall design as simple as a I can, just the right amount of details so it doesn’t look too busy. I also look up at various inspiration: photos, colors, fashion, themes and such. But all I can say is, though you take inspiration from other sources, I have learned you need to be really mindful not to draw too close other people’s work/design and knowing when to draw the line.
Earlier this year your work brought in charitable funds toward Dog rescues. In part you work explored childlike wonder. Does your work stem from attributes you have? Or qualities you wish you had as a person and want to explore as you create?
I guess the idea of “childlike wonder” resonated to me. I always associated that feeling whenever you discovering a part of the world you’ve never seen before, and I have to admit I’m the type of person who rarely goes out and travel, so going out to scenic places for the first time is something I always love and appreciate, which for me, there’s something magical about it sometimes. It’s the similar feeling that I try to convey when I draw, I try that by adding small bits of whimsical elements when I draw a scene in my work if I can (I hope that makes sense in some way).
Did you contribute to the ‘Spirit of the Wind’ show? If so, can you give us a few sneak peeks or details on what you plan to show?
Yes! I’ll be contributing to the Studio Ghibli Tribute show! the curators (3T’arts) were very kind enough to invite me again after the “Moon Crisis” show. No sneak peeks yet though, since I haven’t had much time to start on it yet, but hopefully soon!
As a 3-D game artist, did you enjoy playing a game you worked on?
Oh, not really! I just realized I haven’t actually played any of the games that I have been part of working. I think the fact I’ll eventually do maybe in the future?
Obviously your talent as a traditional 2-D artist and your work professional in 3-D are opposite sides of the spectrum. How do you balance the two and being proficient in both field give you an advantage in each?
There’s actually a contrast between my work and personal art. There’s not much connection I can make between it right now but the closest thing I could think of is, I was able to learn a lot of basics and technical things in 3D that I have used to create my low poly work. Regarding balancing the two, I do personal work during the weekends. At times, I do doodles during lunch break. I’ve always used personal art to counter the work stress for the week, but there are times balancing the two becomes difficult because of big workloads and consecutive deadlines.
Needless to say, we love your Dragonball Z and Sailor Moon art. What other anime resonate with you that you would love to tackle in the future?
The first thing I had in mind is definitely Card Captor Sakura! that anime never fails to give me happy feelings when I need it. Other shows I could think of at the top of my head would be Digimon and One Piece! of course, Studio Ghibli films is a given!
What’s ahead for you in 2015?
I got personal projects I’ve been thinking for quite a while, and hoping I could at least finish one this year going to try and maybe enter more gallery shows this year as well. also maybe I can finally start making my portfolio work as well! Definitely a lot to finish!
Lastly, any advice you can offer up to a struggling artist?
Don’t worry about “style”, alot of people ask me regarding that and it’s something I always found difficult to answer since I think my work is never truly consistent. I consciously stopped worrying about it every time I do work and it made learning alot more enjoyable. Never hold back on trying new things in your art just because you need to be consistent, the first important thing is that you learn what works and what doesn’t for you and grow! and always do the best of your ability every time you do work, don’t hold back just because of “style”. The more you enjoy your process and work, the more inspiring it is to keep drawing and the faster it is to find your voice in art.
Want to stay up to date on all her work? Follow her cookie crumb trail below:
facebook: www.facebook.com/abigail.hyamei
art blog: abbydraws.tumblr.com
instagram: instagram.com/hyamei
twitter: twitter.com/hyamei
deviantart: http://hyamei.deviantart.com/