Magna Johannes -
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Your style seems to have evolved, though. What inspired
the new motifs, radiant colours and flawlessly smooth, matte textures?
The main character, Calintz, also )
looks
effeminate now.
I get many of my inspirations from different places. Currently, because of the lack of time, I usually modify ideas from books and the media. But I’m thinking seriously of actually creating lifelike images from real experience.
One of the motifs for the characters of Magna Carta: Crimson Stigmata is the glamour of androgyny. This is the reason why some of the male characters may seem feminine and female characters masculine. I wanted to emphasize on an allure different from what men typically find attractive.
You know, that’s really interesting because your critics often decry your sexualized portrayal of women.
I think it’s pretty reasonable that I hear this comment as I did intend to draw in that way. Sexuality and all its different aspects just interest me, and I plan to continue drawing sexy and charming characters.
So out of all the characters you’ve designed for Softmax games, who’s your favourite?
)
My
favorites include Rith and Justina from the recently published Magna
Carta: Crimson Stigmata. I also like Felicia from the former Magna
Carta: The Phantom of Avalanche.
Why?
I mainly like a character depending on the amount of effort I took to create that character. I like Justina because I had the chance to bring a new nuance to the hanbok [traditional Korean costume] instead of sticking to the existing image of refinement. In Felicia’s case, I like her because the original pencil work came out pretty glamorous.
And which of your works do you like best?
There aren’t any specific ones. I feel especially attached to Magna Carta: Crimson Stigmata but I’m also fond of the works for The War of Genesis III Part 2. I still remember my dedication to drawing and arranging over 500 cuts of the characters and the chance I was given to put all the skills I learnt in my amateur years to use.
Do you have a favourite subject when you draw?
)
Subject…
My favourite subject would probably be the inherent characteristics of
humans. Vast subjects like evolution and revolution are good but I am
fonder of mundane, everyday life stories.
When it comes to genre, I believe reality and the artwork’s theme should show a connection to some extent. But I prefer using fantasy elements that are very different from reality to illustrate the theme. I also like imagery with a little twist to the common connection between the past, present and future.
You’re acclaimed for your CG work. Do you ever paint with traditional mediums?
Early on I dealt with various art mediums ranging from pencils to acrylics.
Now I prefer CG which allows me to achieve similar results without the
mess. I’d still enjoy the opportunity to learn how to draw with
these traditional mediums. Just not yet, though.