Featured Artist | Kotaro —

Kotaro —
Los Angeles, CA
boarandcranestudio.weebly.com
instagram.com/boarandcrane

Howdy,

I am an LA-based illustrator & concept artist predominantly focused on character design. When not in work mode, I usually find myself at my very tiny desk churning out new ideas for my personal portfolio. Rather than think of it as a “portfolio,” though, it’s more like playtime. When free time rolls around, my imagination is set loose like a little kid with art supplies. I never know what weirdness it’s going to draw next.

Free spirited and wary of stylistic trends, I usually do a digital trek around the world to seek out references for a new piece. I often look towards the vibrant and rich cultures of Tibet, Taiwan, Japan, and parts of Europe to help me determine the spirit of a new work.

My love for multicultural references goes hand-in-hand with a deeply rooted enthusiasm for visual storytelling and traditional Japanese animation. Keeping this enthusiastic fire alive pushes me to continue refining my storytelling skills.

Costume design is also a huge leading force throughout my drawings. Over time, I’ve come to see how important it is to put effort in designing a character’s costume. Pattern making also factors into this scheme; rather than keep fabrics overly plain, I like to weave patterns into them for an extra touch of dimensionality. It’s amazing to see that even a single depiction of a character in their special attire magnifies the weight of their story.

By nature, my illustrations explore the more mysterious and mythical aspect of things. In some way or another, my characters are shrouded in it while they look to new horizons. Sometimes those horizons are clear, but many times it’s all fogged up and filled with supernatural experiences. These include encounters with bigger, more powerful forces in the world that simply cannot be controlled.

I always get an inspired glint in my eye when I look at artists such as Rumiko Takahashi, Hayao Miyazaki, and Yoshitaka Amano. Not only because they live and breathe their art, but also because their work has touched so many lives. I hope that with each illustration I make, I too can create endearing visuals that hold a special place in people’s hearts.