@ibblescribbles
illustrator
FAQ
Tip: Try searching keywords from your query on this page to see if I've already answered it!!
Can you make a tutorial on how you draw/color/etc?
I do want to make tutorials, however I'm not sure how best to explain my process. I am considering making video tutorials in the future and potentially selling them on gumroad, but as of right now I do not have time in my schedule to make specific tutorials! I'm very sorry!!
What art program/tablet do you use? What canvas size do you use?
I mainly use Paint Tool SAI 2 to draw, but I also use Clip Studio Paint to add effects and patterns to my drawings! I use a Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 16 for my tablet. My first graphics screen tablet was a Gaomon. I typically start out with an 8.5"x11" canvas at 300dpi but I will adjust as necessary.
What brushes do you use in SAI?
I use the default pen, marker, watercolor, and brush tools. You can find the settings for the main custom brushes that I use here!
What materials do you use for traditional art?
I don't do traditional art as often anymore, but when I did I used Copic multiliners, microns, Copic markers, Shinhan, Finetec, and Kuretake watercolors, uni-ball and gellyroll gel pens, and usually Canson mixed media paper.
Can I use your art as an icon? Can I use your art in an edit? Can I dub over one of your comics?
Asbolutely! As long as I'm properly credited somewhere I am perfectly fine with this. If it is for personal use (ie; a discord icon or phone background) that cannot be credited, that's fine too. If you are making an edit or dubbing over a comic I would also prefer if you linked back to the original post or my account in some way. Please DM me a link to the finished dub or edit too, as I love to see what people create with my art!! I have every right to ask you to take down content that uses my art if I would rather not be associated with it. Please do not use my art to promote offensive, hateful, or controversial topics (ie; homophobia, transphobia, racism, etc). Never use my art for commerical use. DO NOT make products from it even if they are for personal use.
Can I repost your art?
I do not allow reposts of my art on platforms I am already active on. You may reblog, retweet, or use story shares to promote my art, but please do not repost it, especially without credit. I may consider allowing reposts with credit on social platforms that I am not active on or accounts that are dedicated to featuring artists, but either way please ask me and get my written permission first.
Can I make fanart for you?
Yes!! I love to see fanart of my characters, or any art that is dedicated to me!! I get a lot of notifications and am bad at checking messages often, so if I haven't seen it after a while please feel free to DM it to me again!
Where do you get your inspiration from? How do I develop my style?
I get inspiration from music, other people's art, and talking about ideas with my friends! I have a private discord where I save art or photos that inspire me that I can look at later when I need help figuring out what or how to draw something! Saving images from your favorite artists can really help you figure out where you want to go with your own style. Try not to directly copy artwork (unless for a personal study) but study what you like about other artists' works and try to incorporate pieces of that into your own work!
Where do you get "xyz" made? How do I turn my art into merch?
My prints are printed with CatPrint. You can use my refferal code to get 10% off your first order!
My charms, acrylic stands, pins, pillows, etc. are made overseas. I use the site Alibaba.com to find manufacturers, but it's up to you to pick and choose your own company. There are a multitude of factors when creating different items, and it depends on your specific preferences as an artist. There are lots of resources online, especially when looking into local manufacturers. I recommend checking out the Tumblr blog @howtobeaconartist as they have a comprehensive collection of recommendations and tips!
Many merch artists don't like being asked specifics about their manufacturers. Rather than asking them directly, try to do some research on your own beforehand, and then reach out to them with specific questions (ie; Have you worked with this company before? Are there any companies I should avoid? What should I keep in mind when developing this product?). No artist is obligated to answer these questions, but they may be more friendly/likely to respond if you show that you have put in the legwork beforehand. Most artists invest a lot of money in trying out different manufacturers and experimenting with different products, and while we all want to see this community flourish, doing so is a necessary risk you will have to make if you're serious about making merch! Trust me, it can be a hair pulling experience, but finding out what manus work best for your needs is easiest through hands on exploration.
How do I start a shop?
Research and plan before you jump into it!! Make sure you have an idea of what kind of products you want to sell, where you're going to host your shop (if online) or what cons you are going to sell at (if in person). Start with a small budget, small products and test the waters a bit first! I started with a $100 budget to cover costs of making my first products, packing materials, etc. Take advantage of the fact that you are smaller and consider making prints and stickers at home for lower production costs. Since you'll have fewer sales in the beginning make them count by sending personal notes or doodles to customers, or maki the packaging look cute and special!! Invest the money you make from your first products back into the business to make more!! I know it's tempting, but try not to jump straight into big cost items like enamel pins and apparel straight away. These are items that can have a very high cost and lower profit margins and if they don't do well you'll lose big time!
I started my shop out on Tictail (which is no longer active) and then moved over to Shopify. I don't reccomend Shopify if you don't already have a customer base, as you have to pay upfront fees even if you don't sell anything. Try looking into Etsy or Storenvy for an online storefront! If you aren't able to start with a budget or don't want to take the risk of investment, look into options like Redbubble and Society6 where they will make and ship items for you while taking a percentage of the profit. I don't have any personal experience with these sites so always remember to do your research and weigh the pros and cons!
