1) Who are you and how would you describe your art style?
Hi I’m Syaza and I’m an illustrator! Visually, my style is heavily influenced by cartoons and comics. I tend to gravitate towards fun colours and anything dramatic whether its the poses, lighting or concept. I also try to incorporate some storytelling and little references here and there. What ties my work together is play and having fun with them.
2) Has your art style changed over time and if yes, how?
Definitely…early on my style was influenced by different anime and cartoon styles, then once I started studying art for school I focused way more on realism. Comics helped me strike a balance between those two extremes. I’ve learnt to stop fussing too much on styles over time.
3) When in a creative block, what helps you get started again?
Same thing with styles, I kinda learn to not stress too much over it. Sometimes I’ll draw the same thing over and over until it works, but other times I’m just burnt out and need to shift my attention elsewhere for a bit. I’ve gone through it enough times to know it’ll pass cause in the end, I’ll always have things I wanna do so why let this stop me? (so jot down your ideas! they come in handy in creative blocks!)
4) Have you ever had any negative comments on your work, and how did you overcome it?
There’s been small comments sure but I think I’m lucky I haven’t had any unprompted negative comments. Critiques can sting even if they’re expected and necessary. I just try focusing on what was actually said and how or if it’s even relevant to my vision for my work.
5) If you could go back in time to spend a day with your favorite artist, who would it be and what would you do together?
She’s still around but Natasha Allegri. It’s tough picking just one artist but her work has stuck with me since I was drawing Adventure Time fanart at 11. Would love to do silly drawing prompts and challenges, and talk to her about the media she’s worked on.
6) If your artworks are a type of music, what would it be and how would it sound like?
Shoutout to my friend for helping me on this !! It’ll be music that’s super upbeat like bright/dreamy pop and funk, and sometimes something with a bit of edge like an action movie soundtrack. I guess my work really reflects what I listen to.
7) If you knew you had one last chance to express yourself creatively, what would be the message you want to say?
“Always have fun!” I know this can be easier said than done especially depending on who you ask and what situation they’re in but I love when art in any medium is used to play around and be a safe space to do so. I don’t know what I’ll do but I would love for this last chance to be a collaborative thing to simply enjoy yourself and create.