Artists are incredibly talented individuals who are able to create worlds, tell stories, and build communities with their craft. Today, BagoGames had the honor of interviewing Quasimodox, one of the most talented artists in the gaming community who frequently highlights fighting game characters among other things. In this interview, we discuss their experiences, opinions, struggles with the artist process, and even their favorite anime and manga titles.
Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself
Hello, I’m Quasimodox, I like to draw, animate and make figures. Recently, I am more focused on drawing fan art of characters from video games, particularly fighting game character with dynamic fighting scenes.
Q: What inspired you to start making art?
I loved reading manga and watching anime since I was little, they got me into drawing, making figures and animation. Video games like Street Fighter also have amazing character design, illustrators like Akiman, Bengus, Daigo Ikeno and Kinu Nishumura are huge inspiration to me as well.
Q: We know you’re a manga fan or you at least know a bit about the medium. Would you say the medium or any of its creators had any influence on your creative process thus far?
Certainly, I actually wanted to be a manga artists due to mangas like Dragon Ball Z, Yu Yu Hakusho and Black Jack. When I was in elementary school, couple friends and I were even making our own Weekly Shonen Jump for the whole class to read.
Q: We know you’re also familiar with some anime. Do you have a particular appreciation for the medium (like through animation) as an artist? If so, what are your favorite titles in that regard?
TV anime wise, my favorite ones are just the usual classics like Future Boy Conan, Sherlock Hound, EVA, FLCL, Big-O, Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, Nichijou. The more recent ones like One Punch Man (S1), Vinland Saga, Mob Psycho 100 and Demon Slayer are pretty good. Ranking of Kings has been blowing my mind with its story telling and animation.
Q: Your art frequently features multiple fighting game characters, especially Street Fighter characters, in many scenarios and outfits. You’ve also made concepts for original characters. That said, do you think you could share some of your inspirations for those types of pieces?
I play fighting games, and Rainbow Mika is the character I play in Street Fighter V. I love her upbeat, goofy and hard working attitude, most of my drawings are attempts to reflect that.
Q: You’re quite knowledgeable about fighting games and are well acquainted with the community. Do you have any thoughts on the genre, like the current state of its online and offline events?
Compared to all my friends in the fighting game community, I don’t know shit XD.
I think the fighting games are slowly transitioning from an offline exclusive meta to accepting online. There are more online tournaments and more games with better netcode now. With that being said, offline events can’t be replaced. It’s just like we can listen to music anywhere, but people still go to concerts. Offline tournaments offer certain type of hype and energy that can only be experienced in person.
Q: We also noticed your art mostly features Street Fighter characters. Did you have a strong connection to the franchise before becoming an artist? If so, do you keep up with every title and piece of content?
I was lucky enough to experience the arcade era. I didn’t have a Nintendo at home, so I would hang out in arcades or the back of corner stores to play games like Street Fighter 2, Virtua Fighter. Among friends, we would also play some Street Fighter vs X-men before playing some pool at the bowling alley. I would say Marvel vs Capcom and Street fighter series hold a very special place in my heart.
Q: Aside from fighting game series, what other game series and genres have piqued your interest and why?
I like action games, because I don’t like to read lots of dialogue. XD
Just to name a few, From Software’s Souls series, Metal Gear Solid, God of War, Grand Theft Auto, Uncharted, Last of Us.
Q: NFTs have been an interesting topic of discussion on the internet in recent times. As an artist, what are your opinions of NFTs? We’ve noticed some artists use them to sell their art in multiple ways, while others shame their use in any way.
I am still trying to understand both sides of arguments in regards to NFTs. Based on everything I have seen so far, the negatives seem to outweigh the positives. However, NFTs appear to be gaining popularity despises there is a loud voice against it on social medias. It just doesn’t quite make sense to me.
Q: We noticed some digital artists sign their works while others don’t. As someone in the former group would say this is more of a stylistic choice (as some of your signatures are done stylistically) or a method to prevent art theft? If it’s the latter, have you ever encountered anyone posting your art as theirs or without permission? If so, how do you deal with it?
One of my silly drawings actually got stolen and minted as a NFT, but luckily it was taken down after I filed a claim. Having signature or a tag definitely helps getting artists name out there, it can also be used as proof against lazy art thieves. I don’t see any reason for artists not to sign their work.
Q: Your art has a distinct shading style, with unique color combinations. Could you share what software you use to make this possible, and do you have any recommendations for new artists?
While shading or coloring style are more associated to the artists rather than the software they use, I use Clip Studio Paint, Procreate and Photoshop. I highly recommend Clip Studio Paint, the PC version is one-time payment and has great community backed resources like paint brushes.
Q: Do you have any general advice for upcoming artists?
I myself am still learning, but based on my own experience, I have learned that:
– Don’t be afraid to show work.
– Try things outside of comfort zone.– It’s a numbers game. –>
Q: Any upcoming or current projects you’re willing to share or anything you’d like to promote?
I have recently launched my own website at ‘quasimodox.com’. I accept commissions, drawings I personally like are posted there. There are links to online stores for prints, stickers and T-shirts as well. I’m also on Twitter and Instagram @quasimodox. See yall around!
Are you also an art lover? What do you think of our interview? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below