Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.
I am an illustrator, Graphic Designer and a Slam poet. A bit of a handful! I Live in Wallacia on the outskirts of Western Sydney, And I am bi-racial, My mother is from the Philippines and my dad is Australian. I took up the Moniker Abe Kawaii this year because I could, My real Name Arvee is a combination of the names Ronaldo and Veronica.
Where do you get your inspiration from when you draw?
I draw my inspiration from Photography, music videos, films, character design, fantasy and sci-fi books, theatre and animation mostly everyday life things, comic books and other artists. My Biggest Childhood influences would be Abe’s Odyssey, Crash bandicoot, Sailor moon, Dragon ball and the early Walt Disney animations from the 30’s, I grew up watching these animations and games religiously at a very young age and they have stuck with me ever since.
“The Rat”
The artists/studios that I draw influence from include: Egon Shiele, Asumiko Nakamura, Jc Leyendecker, Frida khalo, Guillermo Del Toro, Studio trigger Studio 4c, Animation ADHD, Studio Ghibli,Disney Pixar & Taioyo Mastsumoto.
What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you?
Weird, awkward, coffee lover, creative
Tell us about your very first job and what path have you taken since then?
My very first job was at an age care home, doing laundry. That was an interesting alternative reality for an 18 year old, watching people die. I aspire to own my own creative business or Illustrate books one day, I am a Baby when it comes to my current career. I don’t know what i’m doing. I just have to keep being creative. Right now I am freelancing as an artist and a graphic designer, My future is creating work that people will fall in love with but also make them think.
“Jump”
As an artist, what is your biggest frustration?
Seeing artists and designers perpetuate dangerous stereotypes about people.
Tell us about how you prioritise your art?
The age old quote rings true “If it’s important you make time for it” Another hot quote is from my Brother “Don’t waste time on people who threaten your ability to work”.
How do you connect with other artists, and your customers?
I just started a facebook account along with a Tumblr an Instagram page. My goal is to have a youtube account and combine my art with my poetry to create short films. Connecting online with a fanbase is hard at first, Mostly I’m just becoming more active in the art community.
“Delia”
Your advice to artist who are just starting out?
Teach your self and join art communities, Advice for my younger self is to learn the fundamentals and master perspective, colour theory and Anatomy. Don’t be too discouraged not not too pig headed, Learning is constant and you’ll never stop.
Tell us about your up coming SCG Group art exhibition Art at ArtSHINE Gallery?
I am a first time Member, of Sydney Comics Guild. And I took the plunge in exhibiting work to get myself out there. I’m exited to connect with other artists and create some awesome work. I am showcasing concept art of my characters from the soon to be made comic book ‘The Rats’. It’s a sci-fi thriller comic about Illegal Clone experiments.
What is your proudest moment so far?
Coming 2nd place at the Word travels Multilingual Poetry slam, That was my first time performing poetry!
Who do you most want to meet and why?
Alex Grigg, An amazing Australian Animator, I aspire to create the type of work that he has made.
What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned?
Small consistent changes can achieve big goals and that happiness is something you have to plan for and work towards, Outdo your self and not others. 10/10 would recommend.
“Greyson”
What book are you reading right now, and do you have a book you would like to recommend?
My all time favourite. Surrender by Sonya Hartnett.
Where do we find you and your products?
Online mostly and when there is a sale, I brought clip paint studio for $30 when it was on sale. I use primarily: Adobe create suite, clip paint studio pro and Any old diary I can find. I’m not too invested in brands or specific stores.
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