You probably easily recognize this style. Pridark is pretty distinctive in the fandom. Her crazy detailed eyes and darker shading with a very distinct snout shape has been flooding us with art for years. Top that off with an amazing use of color and she's definitely one of the best!
Time for an artist spotlight. I'd say it's well deserved. Below the break, get an interview and showcase of some of her amazing art!
The interview!
Q:) How did you stumble upon My Little Pony? What was your "origin" story if you will?
I used to browse on 4chan on different boards, I’m here from the beginning when the ironic posts where all over the place. Some time later I found out Lauren Faust was working on the show and gave it a try, and as you can see, I really loved the show!
Q:) What is the process you usually go through when drawing something new? What tools and programs do you use?
At first I do a traditional paper and pencil sketch, if I like how it turns out then I scan it and do the lineart on Sai. This method is great for me because sometimes I do a lot of sketches on the same paper and then I continue with the one i really like. I colour on Sai and do post-editing on PS. With commisions is kinda the same, I do the sketch and present it to the customer, if he likes it I continue with the job.
Q:) Do you draw professionally? Or is this a side thing to another career or job?
Yes, I do draw professionally, this is my full time job. I used to study on a really expensive art school here in Buenos Aires but it was a lot of money i couldn’t afford to spend, later i found out the school was super “Pay to Win” and left it. I do have a technicature in Chef Assistant and really like cooking! All of my friends say I’m a great cook, maybe as time goes on I’ll become a chef!
Q: ) Who is your favorite pony and favorite princess? And if it's different, who is your favorite pony to draw?
Pinkie is my favorite pony and Luna is my favorite princess. I draw these two gals a lot as you can see on my dA! I’m in love with their designs, Pinkie emits an energy that just makes me want to draw her. Luna, on the other side, has an interesting palette of colors, It’s amazing what Lauren did with so few ranges of purples and blues, I also really like the moon!
Q:) What kind of challenges do you usually run into when drawing a character or subject for the first time? Has there ever been an image concept that completely stumped you?
When I draw a character or something for the first time I watch a lot of fanart, poses and references, then I sketch it a lot to understand it’s contexture and design points, when I was little I had this really old bootleg pokemon trading cards and those where my first “references” i had to draw something since we didn’t have internet back then. I struggle a lot with muscles, I tried to draw JoJo’s characters once and it didn’t work out (btw I really like JoJo’s)
Q:) Your style is one of the most unique in the fandom. How did you end up developing it? Were you influenced by any other artists there?
I had to experience a lot to develop my style, I’ve went through some changes and people really ended up liking it! I focus on the colours and design points of the things I draw, and as you noticed I really like to draw eyes!
I once read that eyes are like a window to our heart and soul, eyes have a lot of spiritual and cultural meaning, you can express a lot of emotions with just eyes!
One of my inspirations is https://twitter.com/silverfox5213 I love how he does fur and eyes! And his chibi-like style is marvelous!
Mangaka Artist Akihito Tsukushi is another inspiration for me, I love his world building, character and creature designs! He’s the creator of “Made In Abyss”, Reg and Nanachi are really cute!
Bluekomadori is another artist I really love! Her water color style made me want to start doing water color type of drawings! Also she has this amazing way of telling you a little story with her drawings as you feel immersed in all the detail she puts into her works! Here’s her dA: https://www.deviantart.com/bluekomadori/gallery
There’s a lot more artists I love but i think I can’t fit them in this interview haha. You can see my fav drawings on my dA profile tho!
Q:) Socks, sweaters, silly hats, swimwear, full body armor, ponies have worn it all. What is your favorite accessory to draw ponies in?
I love socks! And armor too, I’ve been getting a lot of Fallout Equestria or Medieval like commisions lately and i found out I like drawing combat and ancient armor!
I really like modern pop costumes and 90’s style of clothing, there’s a japanese artist that draws pinkie in some really cool clothes and I did a drawing of this design too!
Q:) What do you like most about Friendship is Magic? What keeps you drawing so many awesome ponies?
The show tackles a lot about emotions and experiences in life, it’s really amazing to see all these characters face situations we could face in our day to day. The main cast has really evolved since the first seasons, Spike got wings! I really liked that since I LOVE dragons and it always felt weird seeing spike without wings! Also how could you not keep drawing these amazing characters, they’re so colorful and diverse!
Q:) Do you have any tips for newbie artists looking to improve?
Don’t get stressed out and practice, you need to do things in a lot of poses and try to understand the design points of the things you are trying to draw. Sometimes you will progress a lot and sometimes you’ll get stuck, when this happens don’t feel bad if you take a break from drawing, you need to cool down your brain, eyes and hands! Drawing takes a lot of energy!
Q:) Why do you think My little Pony Generation 4 has been so successful? What keeps you here involved in the community?
It is really the designs as they’re easy to draw and express a lot of emotion, the fandom has grown a lot since the first seasons and all the interactions, memes and involvement have kept the show alive and kicking. I’ve watched Generation 4 since it’s beginning and I can’t wait to see how the creators wrap things up with the last season!
Spotlight Gallery!
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Comm: Nature by pridark
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Spyro by pridark
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Comm: In The Forest by pridark
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Comm: Protector by pridark
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Comm: Never Meant to Be by pridark
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Comm: Royal Resting by pridark
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Jumping by pridark
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Comm: Fighting by pridark
