Im a 25 year old self taught artist creating digital art for the last few years. As a young child I had always been fascinated by the world of movies, shows and visual storytelling. These mediums brought stories to life in an extraordinary way. Naturally, working on storytelling through art and specifically through movement in my art was something that drew me in.

Im deeply inspired by Hayao Miyazaki and the Studio Ghibli movies. The storytelling, world-building, and the meticulous detail in animations are unparalleled. Basquiat’s work has also been a significant source of inspiration for me (his raw, expressive style and the way he seamlessly integrates text and imagery into his paintings).

I start with the classic approach of sketching the movement in a piece, frame by frame to bring the work to life. Each of my pieces also involves drawing all elements, in all frames multiple times (each time a bit differently) to create a painted glitchy, dynamic effect. This helps me create animations that feel both timeless and modern. While the glitchy feel brings a sense of spontaneity and intrigue, I top it off with grain and noise which helps me add depth and nostalgia to the art.

My work often revolves around simple everyday-life ideas/ themes, aiming to provoke thought, evoke emotions, and spark conversations. I generally focus on human connection & relationships, pop culture commentary and humour & satire.

My creative process begins with an idea, which is followed by storyboarding to outline the narrative and the scene. This is followed by keyframe animation, in-betweening, and adding colour and effects.

Being chronically online has its advantages. I’m deeply locked in to multiple social media apps, engaging with fellow creators, delving into niche subcultures, and generally remaining open to everything around me.

I wanted to offer a fresh perspective on the current culture and the inspiration for portrait day stems from the same. I set out to a create series that not only entertains but also pokes fun at the everyday absurdities we often take too seriously.

Subjects in the collection are ideas/ icons that are both fascinating and polarizing. Portrait day explores the intersection of celebrities and politics, the cult of personality, memes and niche internet communities.

A challenge I faced in these animations is maintaining consistency and coherence between frames. The movement in the piece should seamlessly complement the subject and theme of the portrait without feeling disjointed or out of place.

I seek to evoke a deeper understanding of identity through portraiture. Each portrait tells a unique story, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of the human experience. I hope that the work prompts introspection or even just a moment of appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the ideas and the people around us.