USAGI, 2020

Hey everyone! I'm so thrilled to share a bit more about my 'USAGI, 2020' piece that you might've seen. This artwork holds a special place in my heart from that year, as it was a blend of several artistic inspirations I was really diving into at the time. When I started this Usagi illustration, I was completely captivated by the traditional Japanese Bijinga style – those beautiful depictions of elegant women. I loved the delicate lines and the serene expressions, but I also wanted to infuse it with a modern, vibrant twist. That's where the 'candypop' aesthetic came in! I aimed for colors that were bright, cheerful, and almost edible-looking, giving the classic beauty a playful, contemporary edge. It was such a fun challenge to see how these two seemingly different styles could merge into something unique for my Usagi character. I often find that the most interesting art comes from pushing boundaries and seeing what happens when you combine unexpected elements. Creating this piece entirely on Procreate was an absolute joy. For those of you who love digital art, you know how amazing Procreate is for bringing ideas to life! I spent hours experimenting with different brushes to get that soft, almost watercolour-like skin tone, contrasted with sharper lines for the hair and clothing details. My go-to brushes for this particular Usagi art were a custom-textured line art brush and some soft airbrushes for blending. I also played a lot with layer modes to achieve that luminous, almost glowing effect you see in the piece. If you're just starting out with Procreate, don't be afraid to just dive in and experiment – that's truly where the magic happens! I often start with a loose sketch, then refine it on a new layer, building up colors and shadows gradually. One Procreate tip I swear by is using reference photos liberally for anatomy and costume details, even if you’re doing a stylized piece. It really helps ground the fantasy! The 'Usagi' character itself was an original interpretation, letting me explore my vision of a Japanese beauty with a touch of fantasy. The year 2020, as the OCR noted, was a time of deep creative exploration for me, and this specific piece really reflects that journey. It’s more than just an image; it’s a snapshot of my artistic growth and passion for blending cultural art forms with digital mediums. I remember feeling so satisfied when I finally got the balance right between the traditional elegance and the modern pop elements. Thinking about it now, this "Usagi art" from 2020 really set a new direction for my personal style. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this blend of styles! Have you ever tried combining different art movements in your own work? What are your favorite Procreate tips or brushes? Is there any specific art style you're currently obsessed with? Sharing our artistic journeys is what makes this community so special! Maybe this Usagi piece will inspire you to try something new yourself.