An Interview with ScorchingNova

By Kasaix • 4 years ago

Kasaix: Hello Doujin Army! I’m here with another truly talented artist, the one and only ScorchingNova! I came across his work only recently, and I knew I had to talk to him. I am late to this particular party, because his excellent work has already drawn a sizable crowd, so I’m quite glad he agreed to the interview.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Thanks for taking the time to hang out. How’s it going, ScorchingNova?

ScorchingNova: I'm doing well! Thanks for thinking of me.

Kasaix: It’s my pleasure.

Let’s start at the top, could you tell me how you first got into art?

ScorchingNova: Well, as a kid, I would draw monsters. Pterodactyls, Digimon-looking Godzilla T-rex creatures, yknow with the big chin. Then I started drawing people as a teenager. The high school years passed on and next I knew, I had 100+ OCs.(Never lewded or released these). Around the middle of my college experience, I started digital, and not long after immediately started experimenting with pornographic content in 2014.

Kasaix: I loved dinosaurs as a kid. Jurassic Park helped make that happen.

Did you take art classes, or are you a self-taught artist?

ScorchingNova: I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, which boosted my desire to create comics. My real passion likes in Concept Art, however; if I could find a career creating characters from scratch full time, I'd probably be the most happy then. Everything digital is my own teaching, however.

Kasaix: Nice.

What are your favorite characters and themes to draw?

ScorchingNova: It wasn't until Novette's creation in 2017 when I discovered I enjoyed drawing succubi. As for themes, in the past it's been tentacles and joyful themes. With my new character I've created recently, Rodelle Parka, I'll be exploring some long overdue themes of public action, as well as some other themes I'm still working on, like paizuri, which I've noticed are a big absence in my works.

Kasaix: Succubi are great characters. They’re also really versatile, despite their nature just compelling them to get laid.

Could you discuss your OCs a bit more? How many do you have, and what are they like?

ScorchingNova: Novette is a red-skinned, red, haired, blue-eyed succubi with one horn and a really sweet and caring personality. She started off in a very dark theme, and eventually I decided I wanted her in a happier mindset and setting. I've not regretted it since.

She has a younger sister (Briette), a younger brother (Ettinov), and a mother (Occulta). (father unknow) I've made about 5 more original characters in the East Horn Academy comic these demons are a part of.

My most recent I've created, Rodelle Parka, is a white-haired, tan-skinned girl with a thick jacket. So far I've made her into a risk-taking girl into public indecency and such. There will be art of her doing such. There's still more room to write her as I only JUST created her, so the future is bright for her.

Kasaix: I prefer lighter stories too. I’m impressed with your work on these OCs. It’s really well done. Novette is the girl in your avatar, right?

ScorchingNova: Yes, currently from the model I used in her design from her D&D Arcane Trickster identity

Kasaix: Nice. I love them.

Where do you get the inspiration for all your projects?

ScorchingNova: I don't know if it sounds arrogant, but out of nowhere for a lot of things. Novette directly, however, is an inspiration of Rem from Re:zero, Shuten from Fate/Grand Order, and my personal twists to make her identity her own.

For the comic involving a lot of my self made characters, it's my goal to make a moving story with growing characters, flaws intact and all that. I'd be a lot farther if I could do such full-time. I must admit I cannot currently survive on it alone right now. Still, I do what I can with the time I have outside of my daytime job.

Kasaix: That doesn’t sound arrogant at all. Inspiration really can just strike from anywhere.

How long does it typically take you to finish an art project?

ScorchingNova: My 20 page League of Legends arc of Lust Bug: Ahri Arc, took me 7 months with 1 and a half jobs in 2017-2018. About 2 pages a month I managed (with color)

I've made a bad (good?) habit of making very colorful comic pages.

Kasaix: Quality over quantity is best.

What do you feel is your best picture yet, and why?

ScorchingNova: God that's hard. If I had to define my current style, it's "shiny". I'm quite in love with the Luminosity" effect. There are currently 3 I consider my best, for different reasons.

For the shiny effect I mentioned, My 2B action illustration.

For others, they are an amalgam of feature quality and colors. Syndra foot picture, (not too fetishized, yet retain the beauty of the subtle curves. And my Tifa picture, when I tried doing a new shading style using pinks.

Kasaix: Wow, that’s a great 2B picture. I love the shiny effect. Nice job.

Is there a project you'd really like to work on in the future?

ScorchingNova: That I know of? Not so much at the moment. Unsure about a collaboration effort, as I've never done one before. As an artist, however, one must be open to possibilities for growth and perspectives.

I would, however, LOVE to have the time to learn animation solidly.

Currently have one on my disposal, and haven't had time to learn more intricate methods.

Kasaix: That short loop animation looks great. You’re on your way there then.

What setup do you use to draw?

ScorchingNova: My main program has been Paint Tool SAI. I know a lot of my art colleagues would shudder at that, but it's what I've learned on. I do have Clip Studio Pro for effects and finishing touches and text.

I use a 22HD Cintiq monitor to draw with. I've not regretted that purchase once.

I regret to say I know nothing about Photoshop

Kasaix: Nice setup.

Where does your username come from?

ScorchingNova: Nova is derived from my real first name, Do(Nova)n. I added the first adjective that worked the best before it and stuck with it since.

Kasaix: That’s clever. My real first name is just not that versatile.

Let’s wrap it up here for now. Do you have any final words to all your fans?

ScorchingNova: Be horny, be honest, and take risks (within reason). Saying you can't do something is defeat before you even began. Give it all a try.