BAM. First artist of the month is here! Which... is a new experience for me, since I had NO idea what to ask our first talented guest. Luckily, I chose one of the most understanding people on the interwebs, Magic Kitsune (AKA: Fallon)!

Why is she so awesome? Well, besides having her own website, web comic, blog, and several pages on art sites, she was also very understanding when my payment was late due to a car accident (Boo!). Also, it even took me up to 30 days to get back to her sometimes, and she still kept my commission going – And, please note, you probably shouldn't do that to her if you ever want to commission Miss Fallon.

So, without further adieu, here is my short (but epic!) interview with Magic Kitsune:

Reynold Hughes: Now, since this is the first time I've ever tried to highlight an awesome artist... Uhm, are there any drawings you're particularly proud of?
Magic Kitsune: Hee, this is kinda exciting. A drawing I'm proud of, though? Hm...I haven't really drawn anything in the last couple of years that I can say that about ;w; It's a little pathetic, but I think my favorite thus far is still this one I drew back in 2007: http://magickitsune.deviantart.com/art/Hawk-52250486

RH: I've already asked you what your favorite drawing so far is, but I didn't ask the follow up question: Why is that one your favorite?
MK: I believe it's an example of my first jump into a smooth digital style. It's the first picture I actually dedicated a large amount of time to and that came out nice looking (imo). It's where my current coloring style evolved from.

RH: When did you start drawing? And it can't be one of those lame "When I was five" answers! I mean, when did you really start focusing on art?
MK: But I did start when I was five...oh well. I guess I really started developing my art around the start of my webcomic, Fox Tails. So about late 2004 (age 14~15) . And then around 2007 (age 17) was when I began considering taking it more seriously, and started actively trying to improve my weaknesses. That's still a work in progress, though.

RH: What tools/media do you use the most? Are they your preferred tools? If so or if not, why?
MK: Most of it is Photoshop CS and a little wacom tablet. But good old paper and pencil are still my favorite, and that's what I use to draw the bulk of my linearts. I'm also fond of pens and inking.

RH: What kind of art do you specialize in?
MK: Anime style, in digital media.

RH: Is there any sort of technique you use in your art, or a favorite style you use?
MK: I don't know if I would call it a technique, but I like using bright, vivid colors. I've also been trying to add more weight to my lineart, to give the images more depth.

RH: Do you have a favorite art style, or a favorite artist? Is the style/the artist an inspiration to your work?
MK: Anime style done in a serious way, or in a traditional medium. Kazuya Minekura (artist of Saiyuki) continues to be on of my favorites in this regard. I wish my art were more like that, but really, my style derives more from what you might see in those visual novel games or dating sims. With those big, colorful anime-style CGs. That's what I'm going for in my digital art.

RH: What is your favorite part of the process? Why? Is it because it's easier or more challenging?
MK: I find the coloring and shading portion the easiest and most enjoyable. Also traditional inking, when I do it. My least favorite is digitally inking my pencil linearts. I just haven't found a quick and easy way to do it, and my tablet skills are still developing so it would be difficult to use that.

RH: When did you start drawing the comic?
MK: Began posting actual comics in October 2004.

RH: How long have you actually envisioned the story?
MK: I would say sometime in 2003. I was just discovering webcomics, and like a lot of people, I reeeaally wanted to get into that. I was also obsessing over kitsune at the time, so naturally that ended up being what the story was about...I was so young, though, I hardly knew what I was doing. Since then, I have a lot of other stories in mind, but Fox Tails still hold a special little place in my heart.

That's it! The first artist of the month! So please, go visit Magic Kitsune and spread some love, and make her feel as awesome as she already is.