Rising from the ashes

Oh my.

360 followers on blogger.

Over 2k followers on insta.

More than 60k followers(wait, WHAT?) on Behance.



I keep seeing new faces every week, and yet I haven't updated properly since January...
What's going on? Where did you all come from? Are you even real?



I wanna thank you all for sticking around, this means so much to me, you have no idea. It gets quite overwhealming from time to time. But really, Thank You.

Photoshop CS5 + Wacom Cintiq 12WX + Wacom Intuos4 = LOVE

Let's have a fresh start, shall we.


- Andrea

I got interviewed

It's SUNDAY lalalala....

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend out there.
Realizing that I don't even know who's actually visiting or reading... 

Who you are, wher're you're from, what you did, as long as you lopfffff nah I'll stop there haha.

...........

Last week, a Russian art site called 240grid published an interview about me and my art.
Link to the interview: Clickety! 

It's in Russian though, so I thought that I could share the interview here as well. In English of course :)

Curious? Read on below:

- How did you become an artist? Tell us your full story

That kinda just happened automatically. Just like many other artists, I've always loved drawing and painting, ever since I was old enough to hold a pencil. Then I guess I became one of those people who decided to turn it into a lifestyle, rather than a hobby.

- Where did you study? Was it useful?

I'm actually self taught when it comes to art, and I taught myself Photoshop when I was 14 years old, back when I could barely speak English...! Lots of improvising, but my stubborness helped me along the way. Sure, we had art classes during school when I was younger, but nothing super advanced so to speak.

I studied 3D graphics for 2 years though, and that was really helpful. Allthough I don't do any 3D work nowadays, I got a nice foundation and knowledge of what's expected from me when I design characters and such for 3D.

- How did you choose your specialization in art?

That's another thing that just fell natural for me, I never had to choose :) Characters are so much fun to paint and design.

- What is your favorite area in art?

I really love the coloring stage! It's so nice and relaxing to just zone in and paint, once the sketches are set and everything's blocked in. Sketching characters and put them in different situations is really fun too.

- What  films, games and books have you worked on?

I've worked on a bunch of fun stuff, too many to mention them all. One was a book cover that I painted for HarperCollins back in 2011(Always October written by Bruce Coville). That one was so much fun to work on!

Then there's this board game from Blue Orange games, called Battle Sheep. It's being released this year, and I got to illustrate everything for it. Can't wait to see it irl!

There's more going on, hopefully I'll announce more exciting stuff in the future :)

- What film, book and game would you like to work on if you could choose yourself?

I would love to work on animated feature films. One of my biggest goals is to work on a feature for one of the big time studios(Pixar, Disney, Dreamworks, etc). If they ever make a CG animated movie of "Freak the Mighty", then wow. That would be awesome to be a part of too.

There's also another personal dream brewing, I really wanna release my own art book soon! 

- Do you fulfill your characters with personality while coming up with idea or drawing?

Well, I try! :) That's something I'm trying to improve all the time. I want to become really good at designing characters, and understand the reasons why they look and act a certain way(easier said than done, ghah). Everything to show off their background and story even more.

- Tell us the story of your favorite character

I have one - Chicken Joe from the movie Surf's Up. 

One of my favorite CG movies! He's portraied as this stoned, super laid-back character who would get along with everyone. He's extremely skilled but never talks about it. It's all about having fun. I really like that mindset, and I like the whole sense of that movie. It's kinda cheesy but what the hell, I do relate to the main characters a lot, there I said it ;D

You start out as Cody Maverick, recognize the personal battles Big Z is having with himself, but eventually you wanna be like Chicken Joe.

- Do you use your friends or relatives as a reference? Have somebody ever recognized themselves?

Hmmm, perhaps subconcsously? In my opinion, I haven't really manage to capture a specific person that way yet.

Some people have pointed out that they see me in some of my characters though!

- What was your favorite book in the childhood?

I loved Harry Potter. Especially the first book. 

- Your special techniques?

Photoshop CS5! It's the only software I use. I try not to work with too many layers when I paint, I'll just get lost otherwise :D My first rough drafts usually start out as tiny, messy ink doodles on post-it's though, and I draw a lot in my sketchbook that's always kept close.

- How do you develop your style?

The more you practice your craft and study the fundamentals, the more you'll develop a personal style. I guess the trick is not to obsess so much around it. Your style will come through with time. You might not even notice it at first. 

- Some useful tips for those who works in Photoshop like you?

Keep the actual subject and light separated. Especially in the beginning. Block everything in with solid colours before diving into details and actual painting. That will make your workflow easier.

- Tell us some funny or interesting story connected with your art

I got one fun story to share.

About that story I mentioned earlier (Freak the Mighty, a book written by Rodman Philbrick). There's even a movie about this story, and I truly loved watching it when I was younger. I still cry my eyes out because it's so pretty and sad at the same time, haha. Anyway, a couple of years ago, I decided to make a tribute. 

While painting it, I also had the writer in mind and thought that when the painting's finished, I'll give him a copy of the painting to show my appreciation. 

At that time, I could only find any other contact details other than to managers/companies. I couldn't find a way to get in touch with him in person at that time. So I just let it pass.

Then after a year or so, I actually get contacted by the author himself! Telling me that he found my painting online and wondered if he could get a copy.

It's pretty amazing how small the world can get, istn't it? :D

- How do your personal projects differ from commercial ones?

I guess my subjects vary less when it comes to personal art. I get stuck in my comfort zones more easily(hmpf.. horsedoodles) and it's often harder to finish anything.

Commercial work forces me to plan everything properly and actually pushes me in a different way. It's less about me and more about what the client needs.

However, I'm always trying to pick the jobs that fit me and my style the best. If you want to paint characters for a living, then that's what you should aim for. Build a portfolio with characters, and the clients will eventually hire you only for that. 

Hope you enjoyed this little interview. If you still got questions, just feel free to ask :)

Ciao!

- Andrea

2014 Year of the Horse

Allright horsie. It's 2014. Now it's finally your turn.

Got asked to make a poster for the Chinese New Year celebration today, which I gladly agreed to help out with. I mean, come on. Drawing horses during work hours is a dream come true, haha.

We had a small event here at the office to celebrate, got to taste some cool Chinese snacks and hang out a little. Now I really dig roasted peas ;)

I really feel motivated to make the best out of this year. I've set a few goals for myself, and I'm pretty determent to achieve at least some of them. I'll share them in another post, so stay tuned!


By the way, who wants to see some steps?

Enjoy :)

Done in Photoshop CS5 using a Cintiq as usual.

Frankly, I think that the first thumb is more dynamic than the rest. I'll note that, and pay more attention next time. Practice, practice, practice!

Now I'm curious. What are your goals for 2014?

- Andrea

The awesome Wacom Cintiq 13HD

Wacom Cintiq 13HD + Macbook Pro

I had the great opportinuty to try one out, and all I can say is that I LOVE IT!
Can't stay away from it, I just wanna keep drawing, haha.


The differences compared to my own Cintiq 12WX(older small model) are that:

- It's a lot lighter and thinner
- The display is larger
- It's in HD, baby! Everything looks so nice and crisp
- The wires are a lot smaller and handy, looks less cluttered
- I admit it, the colours and contrast are actually pretty good on this one!

Some tips:

Are you a MAC user like me?

If you own an older model of a Macbook Pro, then you're gonna need an adapter (Mini DisplayPort to HDMI).

(I just upgraded my workstation with a new Macbook though, and realized that later models are compatible without the adapter. Yay!)

Oh, so you're left-handed too?
Originally, the buttons are on the left side when first installing the Cintiq.
You can easily rotate it 180 degrees, so that the buttons are on your right side instead. Same way as adjusting a regular monitor.

Here's how:
Simply go to the Cintiq's preferences(Wacom Tablet) click "Options" and select left under "Handedness".
Buttons can now be on your right side. Sweet!


Overall, it's an incredibly nice device to work on. 
Definitely a keeper if you prefer the smaller models like I do.


- Andrea

See your own potential

Photoshop CS5 & Wacom Cintiq 13HD

Had this idea a while ago, that got stuck in the back of my head.

I haven't figured out any real story yet, I just knew that I wanted to start creating something about this cowardly little donkey. An underdog, who doesn't really believe in himself.. Yet.

He's got so many dreams. But he hides them very well.

Photoshop CS5 & Wacom Cintiq 13HD

Then something will make him realize what he's actually capable of.
The more courage he gains, the more it will come through.
 

Photoshop CS5 & Wacom Cintiq 13HD

I'm a complete sucker for sunshine stories like that, where you cheer for the underdog and cry your eyes out when he/she succeds, haha.



What inspires YOU? Or do you have any sunshine story to share?



- Andrea

An old unfinished Totoro painting

Painted this one a while ago.
Perhaps some of you remember it?

I didn't quite like it then, so I ended up abandoning it.
Couldn't see any story in it, nor personality. The pose felt too stiff and still and I started to see a pattern in my characters: They all looked suspicious(?). Hah.

But now that I look at it...
I like the design. So I'll save it and make something cooler later on.
And come up with a nice story that fits with him/her.
Plus. Totoro is awfully cute, I really wanna make a tribute!


Does this happen to you a lot? Have you reworked any of your older pieces before?


- Andrea

About me

You just found my blog!


I'm a concept artist & illustrator living and working in Sweden. Some may know me as Noukah.

I specialize in character designs, storybook illustrations and concepts for games and film.

I'm also a freelancer.
Looking for an illustrator? I might be able to help out.

Enjoy your stay and feel free to contact me at: contact(at)noukah(dot)com

So long 2013 and Thank You

Allright let's do this. It's time for another little summary.
Ready, set, GO!


My top 10 Highlights of 2013

(In no particular order)

CTNx & US trip
It was definitely the best trip of 2013. So many new memories, met a bunch of new fun and awesome people and gained new inspiration. You can read a little about it HERE.


Studio Tours at Pixar, Dreamworks and Disney
Yes. I still can't believe that I had these opportunities this year. It really meant the world to me.
Was so much fun to have an insight of that it's like inside these studios and I can definitely see myself working there someday. Gotta dream BIG...

Four Leaves
Starting from May, I managed to find at least one four leaf each month until December. That NEVER happened before! By the way I'm in Sweden. Hello, global warming.

Characterized Cut & Paste at Adobe Creative Days
This was a big deal for me.
Earlier in June, I got invited to battle with some artists, on stage, while they livestreamed it on Adobe's website. How. Cool. Is. That?? You got to feel like a rockstar for a day.

Sure it was fun while we were on stage painting against the clock..
But all the nerves before the actual show resulted in a total breakdown a week later.
Don't get me wrong, i would do it again. Next time will definitely be easier. But it really hit a weak spot in me, and that came through that summer. I freaked out completely and doubted in myself.

I realized that this is something that I really need to deal with next year. I want to overcome my fears. Not doubting myself anymore and find the joy that I usually feel when I create for myself.
To slowly build up my confidence. Babysteps I guess...

Featured in Imagine FX & Advanced Photoshop
Gained so much exposure this year, and my work showed up in several magazine issues.
I even wrote a 6-page tutorial about my Wolf Illustration. You can find more about that HERE.

Freelance Success
Despite an extremely busy time, I landed some pretty fun freelance gigs throughout this year.
Connected with a couple of new and interesting clients, and I feel that I managed to push the quality of my work even further.

My Facebook Page and Behance account exploded
No idea what's going on. But my art really has spread like a wildfire this year.
A big THANK YOU to all of you who follows, comments, supports and send all that love.
You have no idea how overwhelming this is, I appreciate it so much.
I'll try to give back as much as I can.

Sketch Tuesday Stockholm
This has been an awesome thing over here. So simple, but it's been going on for a year now.
Johan Idesjö started this little sketch group, and it's been slowly growing month by month. Every Tuesday, we pick a bar, grab a beer or two and sketch. Just hanging out and chatting about art.
You get to meet new artists, and also some old familiar faces. It's awesome.

Cintiq 13HD
Yes. We're dating, and I think I have a crush. I'll post more about this later on! :D

Back in the saddle
I started riding again! I found a stable where I take lessons once a week. Gosh I missed this so much. I've been riding regularly since I was 11 or something, with a few longer breaks here and there. But now I'm finally back. It's SO NICE to have another main interest beside art, the time I spend with horses are the only hours of the week, where I actually forget about everything else that's constantly going on in my head. Work or art-related stuff. Makes me calm down a little :)


CONCLUSION:

I had some downs, sure. But mostly, this year has been awesome and exciting in general. I can't really complain about anything. Once again, thank you so much for all the support.

Wishing you all a very Happy 2014.
It's gonna be the Year of The Horse, so things just CAN'T go wrong, right? ;)


Love, hugs and cheers!


- Andrea :)

It's only a fast doodle

Am I the only one who's thinks that phrases like these are getting worn out?

"Just a quick morning doodle"
"Quick sketch before bed"
"Drew this during lunchbreak"

Then the post is actually about an image like this:

Uhh….   -.-

NO. It's not just a doodle.
It's years of practice, practice and PRACTICE. A lot of love, tears time and effort.
Feels like we're shrinking ourselves and our skills when we put it that way.. Why do we do this?
Me included, I catch myself saying this sometimes too. BUT WHY?


No it's not just a doodle. Usually, I do lots of rough thumbs before even starting on a more refined sketch.

THIS is "just a fast doodle":

For me at least.

And here's that fast doodle after a few revisions and refinements:

Sorry for the rant, but seriously, does anyone agree?

Next year, I'll try not to type things like that unless I actually made a 2-second sloppy thumbnail, hehe.
Art is NOT super easy at first, and I think that revealing the actual struggle will also give others hope. Those who still may believe that it's all about talent.
I mean.
Drawing is a lot about frustration, and that will never go away…
We all doubt. Even our heroes. I'll get to that in another post though….

- Andrea

Happy Holidays!

Before life kidnaps me completely for a few days...
I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thank you so much for the love, comments and support through out this year.
You have no idea how much that means to me and I'll do my best to give something back to all of you.

Christmas has been awesome so far. Lots of Swedish x-mas foods, drinks and such.
Plus I can officially announce that I can now make my own ice cream AND cotton candy right here in the kitchen! Got the best x-mas presents ever haha!


I'll be back with a bunch of fun posts really soon :)
Until then, have a good one!

Cheers to you all and lots of hugs.


- Andrea