Equestria Daily

Time to revive these! We've got lots of awesome artists that have come up big time in the last year.

One of the most prolific creators in the current fandom is getting interviewed this time around. ShadowReindeer posts a ton of excellent art for all of us to gaze upon each month with a completely unique style that still keeps the ponies cute and appealing. He's one of the many artists from Russia that absolutely rock it on the pony front. What is with that country and producing super talented people?

I'll shut up and let you get to reading about him though. Get the interview below!

The Interview

Q:) How did you stumble upon My Little Pony? What was your "origin" story if you will?

A:) It was the summer of 2013, purely by chance I found this series on TV. It was pretty strange to see talking horses, I thought, let me see what kind of series. And then you all know what's next, watch all the material and find out what to eat with them (more precisely, what is it at all). The first MLP art I saw was from JohnJoseco. These artworks were simple and interesting, here) Then I found out about Russian bloggers and so on.

Q:) What is the process you usually go through when drawing something new? What tools and programs do you use?

A:) In order to draw something, I have to look for material, I look at artists for art that can inspire me. If I find an idea, I need a character reference, I come up with a plot and I make art concept. What tools? I use the Paint Tool SAI v2 for the frequent program, where I use the Airbrush and Blender for the frequent ones, these are my main drawing tools.

Q:) How did you learn to draw? What age did you start and what path did you take to get to where you are today?

A:) Drawing has a very long history. This path began in 2008, when I went to study at an art school, where I studied until 2013. I mainly studied the perspective of how to draw fruits, dishes, and more. We can say that I painted "Still Life". We studied body structure and modeling. At that time, I drew very well, but for 5 years, when I was not creative at all and lost all my skills. Now I am retraining and trying to learn something new that I need.
Now I study 2 years in electronic drawing, I am self-taught. In our village there is no opportunity to learn and learn such things, although I live near the city, but it seems to me that there is no particular sense for me.

Q:) Do you draw professionally? Or is this a side thing to another career or job?

A:) No, I draw unprofessionally, purely because I started recently, I will say that I am an amateur. This is now my main job in which I live.

Q: ) Who is your favorite pony and favorite princess? And if it's different, who is your favorite pony to draw?

A:) Uff ... This question is very difficult, but I will answer. When I got acquainted with the series, I liked the character named Rainbow Dash, she was all cool and stood out among everyone. Over time, she didn’t like me and became not my favorite character for me, I won’t discuss it, it’s difficult ... After her, I liked Fluttershy character, which I liked very much and still like me, she is something like me . Princess ... Until 2017, I did not particularly follow these princesses and did not particularly look at them, but at one point I liked Princess Selena (Luna). I liked her with her character and the life that she lives. Now this is the main character of my cross-over Detroit Become Human (Pony).

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?

A:) I encountered many problems in 2 years. From line to paint. The first was to decide what style will be on-line, I painted it in different ways, it was difficult. Since the beginning of 2 years I have been looking for materials, the more convenient and with which brushes to draw everything. Pokras was a little easier, but there were problems. I tried a lot of the paint technique, for the frequent shadows that brainwashed me a lot of time.

Q:) You are one of the most prolific artists in the fandom. How long does it take for you to complete a piece? How do you keep the motivation up to draw so much?

A:) Uff ... I can’t say that I am the most prolific artist) I usually make sketches, depending on the complexity, it takes 30-40 minutes. Next is on-line, it approximately takes 40-80 minutes. Pokras 15 minutes and shadows, glare, etc. 60 minutes. Processing 5 minutes. I mainly spend 3-4 hours on work, just 2 hours.
Motivation, this is the most basic part of me, because it is my work, which at the moment brings me pleasure and earnings for life.

Q:) Socks, sweaters, silly hats, swimwear, full body armor, ponies have worn it all. What is your favorite accessory to draw ponies in?

A:) Favorite clothes are socks and suits.

Q:) What do you like most about Friendship is Magic? What keeps you drawing so many awesome ponies?

A:) Over the years (7 years in the fandom), I saw a lot that this is not just a series, it is a whole close-knit family where they share their ideas, communicate and do things that not everyone can. This series taught us a lot about life, friendship and value in life.
Desire and interest in them.

Q:) Do you have any tips for newbie artists looking to improve?

A:) I'm still not the best artist and I know little that can help aspiring artists, but I can say that they have all the advice before their eyes, where they can look at very old artists.
My advice: draw what you like and don't be lazy about it. Learn new things and experiment in your art, where you will find yourself over time.

Q:) Why do you think My little Pony Generation 4 has been so successful? What keeps you here involved in the community?

A:) It became successful due to the fact that in this series there is a soul that beckoned and beckons with its interest. Characters that are very similar to the real nature of people. Drawing and cartoon style. The plot, which is worked out well.
It keeps me here because I am developing a fandom and I will continue until it finally subsides. We are artists, animators, musicians and other content creators who develop a fandom and it lives off of us.

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Kerfuffle by ShadowReindeer