Siriusly inspired... @evyltalks

Dear Diary,

I think my digital art journey really began when I stumbled upon artists on social media. As a kid, I was fascinated by animation/animation films and really wanted to emulate that style in my own drawings. For a long time, I primarily focused on traditional art but avoided using color because I preferred erasable materials (except for painting). This meant my work was largely about sketching and painting, it allowed me to change some stuff even after I considered a piece finished. Over time, my art style has evolved. When I first got into digital art, I started with a more simplified approach, moved into a stylized phase and then circled back to realism. This was largely influenced by my studies and a newfound appreciation for classical 18th/19th-century painting techniques!

@evyltalks (2025) Some friendships are quiet revolutions... [Instagram]. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFaes-KqQRZ/ (Accessed: 12 June 2025).

Social media played a huge role in my journey into digital art. At first I was simply enjoying artistic content like everyone else but when I first began doing digital art, I found myself trying to replicate the works of other artists that I admired to help me discover my own unique style. This process not only allowed me to experiment but also helped me develop my artistic voice. I wasn’t posting anything, just doing it for myself. But as time went by, social media sparked a strong desire for connection through my art, encouraging me to share my work and engage with others in the community with my own artstyle.

I started monetizing my art by taking on small commissions from friends and family, which was a great way to start! Then I expanded to working with my followers/commissioners. However, as a student (especially right since I'm in my final year) finding the time to turn my art into a source of income can be quite challenging. One of the biggest struggles I faced was (still kinda is) figuring out how to price my work appropriately. It’s a fine line between wanting to be accessible to potential clients and ensuring I’m paid fairly for my time and effort. This situation often brings up feelings of imposter syndrome (as many other artists face this) where I question my worth and capabilities

The impact of platforms like TikTok and Instagram on my creative process has been both positive and negative! On one hand, receiving support and comments on social media motivates me to produce more work because it’s nice to see that people appreciate what I create. However, I often find myself navigating this awkward balance between creating art for my own enjoyment and crafting pieces that people will like and resonate with them. Also, trends in the art community can change rapidly and if I take too long to finish a piece (which I often do). I can miss the chance to share it with a broader audience (it can be a little shallow I guess). Additionally, comparing myself to other artists is a natural tendency, and while it isn’t necessarily rooted in jealousy, it can sometimes leave me feeling inadequate. Overall, it’s an ongoing challenge to maintain that balance and while I have my good days, there are moments when I feel overwhelmed and discouraged.

Until then, 

E V Y L

Featured image: @evyltalks (2025) remus study [Instagram]. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9sGJ0eqEew/?img_index=1 (Accessed: 12 June 2025).