Equestria Daily

Chances are, you've probably run into this artists style a LOT over the last few years. They get an absolutely staggering amount of commissions and definitely seem to keep up with churning them out at an unprecedented rate. As someone who sorts a lot of this stuff daily, it's a pretty regular occurence that one will pop up in the Drawfriend post, assuming it's SFW.

Today we scoop up a Moldavan artist, AiriniBlock! Head on down below the break for the interview going over everything about their art and how they got into it, plus a mini gallery.

The Interview

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

A:) I stumbled mlp in 2017 but it was not a serial, but fanarts. I really liked the bright and cute ponies, then I met some people who became friends with me, and as a result I ended up in a friendly mlp fandom. I started watching the series quite recently and so far I am in season 1.

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

A:) To create an artwork, I need loneliness and inspiration. I feel uncomfortable when someone is watching my work, so I often draw at night. I also can’t draw without music, my playlist is always updated with new tracks that inspire me. Also, before I start drawing, I look for references and inspirational drawings / photos, sometimes it takes more time than working on art. From the sketch to the finished art, I use the Paint Tool SAI and the Huion 1060 graphic tablet. I don't use other programs, 'cause it’s hard for me to get used to something new, to leave my comfort zone. In the tradition I draw extremely rarely, I love my graphics tablet too much

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:) I have loved painting since childhood. When I was in third grade, my parents bought a Disney cartoon DVD, I was stopping my favorite moments, sitting in front of the TV and trying to draw it. When I received the computer, I was drawing on paper, photographing and modifying it with the mouse in the Paint Tool SAI. Soon, I began to earn a little thanks to the commission, and finally saved up on my first graphics tablet.

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

A:) I earn thanks to my art, so yes, this has become my profession, which I spend almost all my time on.

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

A:) I just started watching MLP, but so far I really like the Luna.

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:) Finding references in a perspective suitable for drawing for unfamiliar objects or backgrounds is my main difficulty. It’s also difficult for me to draw complex landscapes where knowledge of perspective is required. Too sophisticated design of the character or his clothes, robots and technology is what confuses me.

Q:) What is the story behind the gas mask hoodie ponies?

A:) One of my clients liked the idea of a gas mask and a hoodie, and he ordered a similar work of art from me. My mistake was that I used a drawing by another artist as a reference. I apologized to the artist and I hope that he no longer gets angry with me.

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

A:) I like to draw something cute, socks, sweaters, scarves. Drawing armor on a pony is sometimes difficult, especially if the armor reference is only suitable for human anatomy, in which case I have to improvise.

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

A:) I like to draw ponies because they are cute. I like the diverse design and temper of the characters, in such a big fandom I still meet the original design of the appearance and a nicely chosen palette, and that's great!

I am glad that I have friends who I can ask about critics and thanks to their advice my drawings look much better. Customers and just people who comment on my art, they let me know that they need my drawings and I do it not in vain. The artworks of good artists motivates and inspires me, I want to improve my drawing skills and achieve the same success as they do. I want to study and I want to become better than now.

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

A:) I don’t know, I also consider myself a newbie. Maybe they should practice more, not be offended by criticism, but listen to it. Sometimes a look from the outside really helps to understand and correct many mistakes.

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

A:) All other generations were less popular and passed me, G4 is the first generation that I found in the fandom, and I really like it.

Thanks to the fandom, I met good people with whom I am pleased to talk, they help me and support, I always try to do the same for them. My friends are the main reason I am still in the fandom. Also, I really can’t imagine what I would be doing, if I would have painted if not for the fandom. My favorite hobby began to bring not only pleasure, but also income. I collaborate with RCF community and some other groups, take part in russian MLP magazins and this also provides an opportunity for new acquaintances and development of myself as an artist.

The Mini Gallery

[4] Source

Commission\273 by AiriniBlock