The Sketchbook Series | Boyan Kazalov

Summary

This transcript features an artist reflecting on their creative journey, from early influences like Mortal Kombat and anime to their current passion for sketching and character design. The artist discusses their daily practice of sketching as a warm-up, incorporating both anatomy studies and imagination. They share insights into their workflow, including using traditional techniques to capture a sense of life in their drawings, and express a desire to transition more into personal storytelling through comics or graphic novels. The artist also discusses their experience at a creative event, where they engage with other artists and gain inspiration from their shared experiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 The artist uses sketching as a daily warm-up, often starting each day with a quick session to get the brain and muscles going.
• 😀 They prefer traditional media (e.g., ink and pencil) over digital, feeling that it brings more life and authenticity to their work.
• 😀 The artist values clean lines and careful planning, avoiding excessive use of pencils to prevent overthinking and perfectionism.
• 😀 They incorporate color into their sketches to keep track of which day the drawing was made, using different colors for different mornings.
• 😀 Life and figure drawing are central to their work, with a focus on human anatomy and expression to convey emotion and character.
• 😀 The artist is influenced by a mix of Western and Japanese anime styles, particularly enjoying the balance of realism and stylization in anime like Yu-Gi-Oh and Naruto.
• 😀 They strive for a balance between foundational skills (e.g., anatomy, perspective) and creative expression, aiming to focus more on the latter as they improve.
• 😀 Personal work and creative freedom are crucial to the artist's process, which includes experimenting with storytelling in comics or graphic novels.
• 😀 The artist enjoys traveling as a source of inspiration, often sketching people in coffee shops or public spaces to capture spontaneous moments.
• 😀 They find a lot of value in being surrounded by other artists, especially at events like the one they are attending, where sketching with peers fosters creativity and new ideas.
• 😀 The artist's interest in detailed, immersive art is inspired by classic anime, such as Akira and Ghost in the Shell, where everything in the frame feels purposeful and lived-in.

Q & A

What motivates you to sketch daily, and what role does it play in your creative process?

Sketching daily helps me warm up both my brain and muscles before diving into more focused work. It’s a vital part of my routine, allowing me to experiment with new ideas, refine my skills, and engage with my creativity in a relaxed, non-pressured way.

What are the main influences in your artistic journey?

I was influenced early on by anime like *Yu-Gi-Oh* and *Naruto*, as well as video games like *Mortal Kombat*. These shaped my approach to stylized characters and action. Over time, I also found inspiration in the works of creators like Satoshi Kon, particularly his attention to detail and the emotional depth in his animation.

Why do you prefer traditional media over digital tools?

I find traditional sketching to be more alive. The physicality of the pen on paper and the imperfect nature of traditional tools help convey a sense of authenticity. Digital work, for me, often feels too artificial because I tend to make every line look perfect, almost as if it was generated by a computer.

How do you integrate both reference material and imagination in your work?

I start by using references to warm up and get into the flow of drawing. Then, as I work, I allow my imagination to take over, building on what I’ve learned from the references. This balance helps me create dynamic and original artwork while still grounding it in reality.

What is the significance of the color coding in your sketchbook?

Each color in my sketches represents a different day, usually marking my morning warm-up session. It helps me keep track of my progress over the week and serves as a visual record of when and how much I’ve drawn.

Can you explain your approach to the Golden Ticket project at THU?

The theme of sustainability inspired me to think about the fusion of nature and technology. I started by drawing flowers and then imagined solar panels as giant flowers. From there, the idea evolved into a narrative about people blending plant DNA with their own to harness photosynthesis.

How do you balance personal work with freelance projects?

I try to dedicate the mornings to personal work as a warm-up, and then I focus on freelance projects during the day. At the end of the day, I continue sketching personal ideas, which helps me stay creatively fulfilled and grow as an artist. Sometimes I end up working 12 hours a day.

How do you view your own artistic evolution over the past few years?

In the last few years, I’ve become more focused on making art a lifestyle rather than just a career. I’m constantly pushing myself to learn more, and my understanding of the fundamentals has allowed me to be more confident in my creative choices. However, I still struggle with overworking myself at times.

What do you enjoy most about meeting other artists and exchanging ideas at events like THU?

It’s incredibly inspiring to meet artists who share similar passions. I find it more interesting to understand their habits, philosophies, and the thought processes behind their work, rather than just learning their technical skills. These interactions can open up new ways of thinking and making art.

What are some of the challenges you face in your artistic process, and how do you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges is the hesitation I feel when putting down lines, especially when I’m working on larger pieces. I’ve learned that just starting and talking through my process helps reduce that hesitation. I also struggle with drawing environments, but I know that the only way to improve is through practice.