Nikolai Gogol Plate Painting

I'm so excited to finally share this plate painting of Nikolai Gogol from Bungo Stray Dogs! Seeing all your requests and enthusiasm for him in the comments, asking things like "PLEASE DO NIKOLAI GOGOL FROM BSD" and saying "I love this so much!! Can you do Nikolai Gogol?", truly pushed me to create this piece. It's awesome to know there are so many of you who are just as big a fan of Nikolai as I am! Nikolai Gogol is such a fascinating character in BSD, isn't he? His theatrical flair, enigmatic personality, and captivating design make him an absolute joy to draw. I especially love exploring his more whimsical side, which is why I opted for a chibi style for this piece. Chibi art is fantastic because it allows you to simplify complex designs while exaggerating features to create an irresistible cuteness. For Nikolai, I focused on his distinctive hat, the loose, flowing outfit, and those expressive eyes, simplifying them into a super adorable form. It’s all about capturing the character’s essence in a miniature, lovable package – especially a character as dynamic as Nikolai Gogol from Bungo Stray Dogs. Painting on a plate was a really fun challenge! It's different from canvas or paper because of the curved surface and the specific type of paint you need to use for ceramics. First, I sketched out the chibi Nikolai design directly onto the plate. Then, carefully, I applied layers of ceramic paint, making sure each color was vibrant and true to his BSD design. The firing process afterward is always a nerve-wracking but exciting part, as it's what truly sets the colors and makes the artwork permanent and display-ready. There's something incredibly satisfying about turning an everyday item into a piece of fanart. It’s amazing how much love there is for Bungo Stray Dogs, and specifically for characters like Nikolai. Creating fanart like this is my way of contributing to the vibrant BSD community and sharing my passion. Your comments and requests, whether it's a simple "NIKOLAI NEXTTT" or more specific ideas like "dantesfirstlefttoeclipping", genuinely inspire me to keep creating and exploring different characters and styles within the anime world. Knowing that my art resonates with fellow fans is the best feeling! For anyone out there thinking of trying their hand at chibi fanart or even plate painting, my biggest tip is to just go for it! Don't be afraid to experiment with different mediums and styles. Start by studying your favorite character's key features, then try to distill them into their simplest, cutest forms. There are tons of resources online for learning ceramic painting too, if you're interested in giving it a try. It’s incredibly rewarding to see your favorite character come to life in a way that’s uniquely yours. I hope this little peek into my creative process inspires some of you. What other BSD characters would you love to see in chibi form or on a plate? Let me know in the comments below! I'm always looking for new ideas and connecting with fellow fans. Thanks for all the support, everyone!