Watercolor Illustration – My Career, My Love
Throughout my career, I’ve experimented with many materials, including digital art using a Wacom tablet. But I always return to watercolor – the medium closest to my heart.
For me, watercolor is more than a tool; it feels like a part of my soul flows into the paper, blending into the colors and forming each illustration.
Every time I dip my brush, tiny factors – the amount of water, pigment, brush pressure, angle, and how each color behaves – all create different nuances. These subtle shifts are what make watercolor feel so alive and captivating.
My style is not about flashy techniques but about quiet precision and attention to detail. I often use a dry-on-dry technique, layering paint only when the previous layer is fully dry, or slightly damp if I want a soft blend. This method takes time but brings a gentle clarity and softness that I love.
I usually begin by sketching the composition in pencil, then go over it with brown or grey ink and erase the pencil lines to keep the base clean. I tend to prefer soft pastel tones, but I adapt my palette to fit the mood and message of each story.
When it comes to character design, I favor simplicity over realism, especially in the face, allowing expressions to stay cute and lively. To balance the minimalism of the characters, I often add more detail to the background. This approach is common in both picture books and animation, and I find it works beautifully.
I’m aware that the world is changing fast. With AI advancing at lightning speed, handcrafted, time-consuming work might seem outdated in a world that values speed and productivity. But I still choose to stay loyal to watercolor. As long as there are people who love my hand-drawn illustrations, I’ll continue to paint, with care, intention, and heart.
I’m truly grateful to every client who chooses not just me, but handmade art – with all its beautiful imperfections.