Inkie Nicole Lim on INKie Spots

Give us a brief background about yourself.

Hi! I am an artist, illustrator, and self-proclaimed ice cream connoisseur. Most of my children’s illustrations are drawn digitally and revolve around nature, fantasy, and whimsical themes. For some reason, I also love clouds— they’re so fun to paint!

What keeps you busy when not illustrating?
Work (in a totally non art-related field) , traveling, swimming, and reading. 

Trained? Self-Taught?

I would have to say both. Though I’ve never pursued art in college, I’ve been taking traditional art lessons from various teachers since I was a kid.  I only started to get into digital art after college and I was mostly self-taught.

How long have you been an INK member?

I’ve been a member of INK since 2008.

Where do you get your inspiration?

- children’s books, old and new - especially ones with really nice artwork!

- art and pretty things I see

- random thoughts while brushing my teeth - then I’d have to scramble and look for paper to draw it on so I wouldn’t lose it!

Best childhood memory?

When I was a kid I would spend all my carefree summer days swimming, biking, getting into trouble, playing (good ol’ Pinoy games!) and running around with my siblings, cousins and other children in the neighborhood. Good times!

What did you want to be when you grow up? Did you achieve it?

Back in the first grade I wanted to be an astronomer, then in high school a painter. In college I wanted to be a graphic designer, and then at some point an entrepreneur. Now I am a digital artist and illustrator. I think I’ve been everything but an astronomer, but hey, who knows? :D

Top 3 children’s books (or first 3 children’s books in mind)

- Through a Glass, Darkly by Jostein Gaarder

- The Little Price by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

- The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Top 3 movies (or top 3 movies you loved as a kid)

- Disney’s Aladdin

- The Last Unicorn

- Spirited Away

Favorite toy as a child

- Magic Sketcher, My Little Pony

Favorite Toy Now

- Does an iPhone count as a toy? I play games in it!

Favorite Art Tool/Materials

- Photoshop and my trusty Wacom tablet

- Pencils, Watercolors

How do you overcome creative block?

Usually I look at pretty art and photos for inspiration, or just do something else like read or talk to people or take a nap (warning: the latter may dangerously lead to procrastination). Sometimes, you just can’t force these things.

What is your dream project?

I would definitely love to illustrate more children’s books, or perhaps even a graphic novel of a theme that matches my style. It would also be cool to have art exhibits and sell merchandise of my art!

Websites/folio links

website - www.rinianart.com
deviant art - www.rinian.deviantart.com
art blog - www.blog.rinianart.com