Location: Anime Expo 2019
Interview Date: 7/5/2019
Anime Herald: When did you first know you wanted to become an artist?
UsanekoRin: I’ve been drawing ever since I was very young. I’ve always known.
Anime Herald: Did you watch anime or read manga as a kid?
UsanekoRin: Yeah sure, I watched a lot of anime. Back in Singapore, there used to be a channel that had anime. They had Last Exile and Dragon Ball and the rest.
Anime Herald: Are there any that you are watching or reading today?
UsanekoRin: The most recent one was Attack on Titan.
Anime Herald: What is your process for creating art?
UsanekoRin: Normally, I like to listen to music. Mostly that’s where I get my inspiration. That and looking at other art.
Anime Herald: What type of music?
UsanekoRin: It depends on my mood.
Anime Herald: Did you have any formal art training?
UsanekoRin: I have a diploma in animation and 3D arts.
Anime Herald: Does that mean you’re higher on the totem pole than WaHa, because you have professional training and he does not?
UsanekoRin: (Laughs) No, that’s not true. It all comes down to passion and how much you’re willing to work.
Anime Herald: How did you react when you learned you’d be drawing the badges for Anime Expo?
UsanekoRin: I am very honored to be able to do art for such a major convention.
Anime Herald: What programs do you use to create your art?
UsanekoRin: I only use Photoshop.
Anime Herald: You only use Photoshop?!
UsanekoRin: It’s very convenient. You can do almost everything in it.
Anime Herald: Everyone always tells me all these specialized programs.
UsanekoRin: I’m a bit lazy, so I prefer to stick to one program.
Anime Herald: How long does it take you complete one of your works?
UsanekoRin: It depends. If it’s full illustration it could take two-to-five days.
Anime Herald: Are you part of the main CDS Studio?
UsanekoRin: Yes.
Anime Herald: How did you meet the other artists in the group?
UsanekoRin: It was at a local convention in Singapore (Suntec City)
Anime Herald: Are there any other artists here at AX that have inspired you?
UsanekoRin: Rei is my favorite artist.
Anime Herald: Rei 17?
UsanekoRin: Yes.
Anime Herald: Any favorite artists from when you were growing up?
UsanekoRin: I would say Range Murata from Last Exile. Currently I’m inspired by a lot of illustrators such as Rella, Nineo, RA, Hideo Minaba from Granblue Fantasy.
Anime Herald: Do you play Cygames’ Granblue Fantasy?
UsanekoRin: Yes. They are very popular.
Anime Herald: Final question: Is there anything you’d like to say to our readers?
UsanekoRin: I like AX a lot. I hope to be back next year.
Special thanks to Collateral Damage Studios for making this interview possible.
