Art Contest - Interview with the Summer Colored Art Contest winner

Hello! Today we present you an interview with the winner of our Summer Colored Art Contest, nat! She's one of our most talented artists here, producing quality Naruto fanart for quite some time now.



Let's get to know her, then!

• Please introduce yourself!
  Hello ^^ my name is nat, I've been a member of MangaHelpers since May 2008. I was first attracted to this place because of the cool manga discussions and amazing members <3. I was also interested in the art forums because they give (new) artists a platform to showcase their work and improve.
  
  
• Have you participated in any Arts Contests before?
  On MH I participated in three contests with different categories: Manga colors and fanart.
  
  
• Tell us something about your winning piece. What has inspired you to draw it? Tell us about the process!
  My winning piece? It's a colored fanart featuring 'Team 7' from the manga 'Naruto'.
  
  I drew it for a themed contest [Alternative Universe]. I must admit, it was very interesting to try a different take on my favorite characters. I've drawn them many times but never in alternative setting. It was also a challenge to keep the trio in-character while showing original designs.
  
  
• Any tips for our aspiring artists?
  An age old question... I would say, 'observe and experiment'.
  
  Art is a language and it starts with understanding. By that I mean looking at images and trying to understand what the artist means by them, and how (s)he approaches the design. That's one of the most crucial steps.
  
  Also, art is dedication (there are no shortcuts). Practice what you observe, make mistakes and learn from them. That is the way to get better.
  
  
• Which is the mangaka that inspires you most? Why?
  I'm greatly inspired by mangakas who pay a lot of attention to details, such as the legendary Kentarou Miura (Berserk), Yukimura Makoto (Vinland Saga) and most definitely Masashi Kishimoto for his simpler yet gorgeous style.
  
  
• Where did you learn and how did you begin to draw manga?
  I'm a self taught artist. I started drawing randomly some years ago but only applied myself to fanart in the last 2 years.
  
  If there's a place that helps with fanart/manga coloring, it's most definitely art sections in manga forums. you should stalk them! Members are very friendly and nice, but they won't shy away from giving useful criticism and feedback.
  
  
• Are you satisified with your artwork? What are you trying to accomplish/improve?
  Never . lol. I'm never happy with a picture after I publish it online. I start noticing mistakes right away. I guess that is a good thing because it shows me my weaknesses.
  I would like to learn more about different styles (cell, soft, painting, realism, etc...), and add more details .
  
  
• How do you like the MH community so far?
  I really like the community here at MH. Like many communities, it has an overarching culture, but it also has interesting subcultures. It isn't perfect, but the community is getting better with age. If the mods and members continue to work together, MH could go from great to amazing.
  
  
• Leave a message for the fellow users!
  I'd like to send my love and appreciation to my heroes (aka regulars) at the Naruto Discussion Forum (you know who you are <3). Coz you are epic and you should know that you are the best.
  (regardless of off-topicing and Sauce-bashing (lol)). Keep doing what you do, you keep my alter ego sane. Thank you!
  
  
  Unfortunately, nat has asked us to delete her gallery here for some reason, but you can still check her art at DeviantArt.
  
  And what about you? Submit something for our Autumn Art Contest! You still have until December 10th to participate...and maybe then you'll be the next one showing up here at our front page ;)