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【Interview】Mini interviews with COPIC AWARD 2020 judge panel

 2020.04.30

This year's COPIC AWARD will once again feature an impressive panel of judges!
We interviewed the judges and received messages for everyone looking to win a COPIC AWARD. From these messages, you might find hints and new ideas for creating artwork.
See here for details of the judges.
*Honorifics and titles omitted, names in not listed in a particular order.

Takeshi Obata Manga rtist
Chisato Tsumori Fashion designer
Yurie Sekiya Illustrator
Teiya Iwabuchi Chief Editor of Bijutsu Techo , Representative of "OIL by Bijutsu Techo"
Kei Matsushita Art director/Professor at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music (design department)

 

Takeshi Obata

Thank you for always using Copic markers. Please tell us your thoughts on the original drawings.
Obata:I get inspired by the texture of the paper and the feel of drawing and coloring on the material. It leads me to get new ideas and so I think it is something similar to sculpturing and modeling for me.

Do you have any advice for aspiring manga artists to improve their drawing skills?
Obata:I recommend looking closely at the things around you in your daily life. Rather than knowing the exact shape and form of something, I think it would be good if you know what can be conceived or expressed from such, and if you can come up with a way to draw interestingly.

Please tell us your favorite Copic colors.
Obata:I like Warm Gray colors. I like W1 because it allows me to draw with a warm pencil-like feel by only using gray. I often use E04 because it's perfect for expressing a color that’s between red and brown.

What kind of artwork are you looking forward to seeing at COPIC AWARD 2020?
Obata:As Copic provides versatile drawing materials that can be used by anyone, I'm looking forward to seeing a wide range of artwork—from beginners to masters.

Chisato Tsumori (Excerpt from the interview

Thank you for always using Copic markers. Please tell us how you started using Copic markers.
Tsumori:It was a long time ago... I often went to art supply shops, and one day I stumbled upon a Copic marker and bought it because I thought it was so convenient!

What do you like about Copic?
Tsumori:I like that the Super Brush nib allows me to draw freely with a brush-like touch. It’s also nice how you can create different colors by blending. It’s fun to blend pink and yellow to make a beautiful orange. I also like how you can get a watercolor touch or three-dimensional feel by blurring edges with #0 Colorless Blender.

Please tell us your favorite Copic colors. (And your reasons)
Tsumori:I like RV14, RV23, R27, R20, YG21, and #0. I also like salmon pink tones. I like the light blue colors and I add beige or brown when I get bored of just using pretty colors.

What kind of artworks are you looking forward to seeing at COPIC AWARD 2020?
Tsumori:Works that surprise me! I'd love to see interesting pieces showing the artists' unique personalities.

 

Yurie Sekiya

I heard that you've been using Copic since you were a kid. Thank you so much! How did you get started with using Copic markers?
Sekiya:When I was in third grade or so, one of my classmates was good at drawing and was using Copic, so I asked my mom to buy me one.

Please tell us any tips on how you use Copic markers.
Sekiya:I'm always coloring in a circular motion to keep colors from becoming uneven.

Please tell us your favorite Copic colors.
Sekiya:I like FRV1. I really like how it is a vibrant pink color.

What kind of artwork are you looking forward to seeing at COPIC AWARD 2020?
Sekiya:I look forward to seeing energetic pieces that convey the artists’ passion for art.

Kei Matsushita

Thank you very much for agreeing to be a judge again this year. How was it being a judge last year?
Matsusita:I had the chance to see amazing pieces that showcased the genuine enthusiasm of the creators. It was great to see how purely participants immersed themselves in their art.

What kind of artwork are you looking forward to seeing at COPIC AWARD 2020?

Matsusita:I look forward to seeing pieces that bring out the personality of the creators.。

Teiya Iwabuchi

Among other artworks entered in the contest, was there anything that caught your eye?
Iwabuchi:I was interested in "Red Light". I feel lyricism from the work.

Please tell us your favorite Copic colors.
Iwabuchi:I like "BG11(Moon White)". Because I like the origin of the name.

What kind of artwork are you looking forward to seeing at COPIC AWARD 2020?
Iwabuchi:I hope I can see some amazing works that the author has done all he can.

 

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