A special gift for illustration
Close (02) by Rasato Ma
by Alison O’Byrne
Despite his artistic inclinations, Rasato Ma humbly sees himself as a "Muggle" with a special gift for illustration. His creative journey reflects a shift from traditional mediums like watercolours and charcoal to digital illustration, a transition driven by the need for commercial viability.
Amidst the demands of a full-time design position at a global advertising agency, Rasato Ma dedicates his weekends to freelance illustration work. Acknowledging the significance of monetary security, he considers it an indispensable foundation to fuel his artistic aspiration of being a full-time illustrator. He very honestly admits, “I guess everyone is wondering why I still have a second job. The answer is simple - I just need money. Regardless of whether I am an artist or not, I need to ensure that I have the most basic survival ability before pursuing my big dream.” Indeed, sometimes, art's charm can make us forget that artists are people with basic needs like eating and sleeping.
So how does Rasato balance real life with his creative endeavours? By remembering the excellent advice of his friend, who said that everyone has their own timeline and cautioned against changing your own pace for anything or anyone else – even if the temptation to compare yourself to others becomes irresistible. Rasato says, “That’s true, I attempt to pay more attention to myself, live with my own life, work hard on drawing, and allow myself to envy my role models only occasionally.”
Sixteen Springs (04) from the Sixteen Springs Series
Rasato's creative process involves a deep dive into editorial briefs, meticulously extracting keywords and seeking evocative visual references that serve as the foundation for his captivating illustrations. Although he acknowledges and appreciates the triumphs of his peers, his artistic journey remains deeply personal, with solitude, music, and everyday experiences serving as his muses. “My life so far is not only about those moments that make people applaud but also difficult experiences that let me feel suffocated and even fade away all colours. When they are integrated together, I can gradually understand that this can be used to forge a unique self.” Through his work, Rasato endeavours to express his innermost experiences, personality, and inspirations, embracing both the joyous and challenging aspects of life's tapestry.
Driven by a revelation that conventional techniques lacked commercial viability, Rasato's approach underwent a transformation, transitioning from traditional mediums towards the digital realm of illustration. While he excelled at quick, expressive sketches with watercolours, coloured pencils, and charcoal, he found this approach didn't translate well to the commercial art world. To adapt and improve his marketability, he moved to digital illustration, despite initial struggles with the medium. Through persistent practice and experimentation, he eventually developed a unique digital style, demonstrating a willingness to adapt and learn new skills to achieve his artistic and professional goals.
“The works I created digitally looked terrible at the beginning- they had no clear colour contrast, composition plans, visual centres, etc. I might have spent nearly a week designing an illustration and the final output was still disappointing. Yes, it was time-consuming and tested my patience and energy. But time answered, and after repeated attempts and style exploration, I slowly formed my digital drawing style although it still looks a little different now.”
““I wouldn’t call myself an artist, I’d say I’m a Muggle. I live a normal life, but the special thing about me is my illustrations. I live for life, and illustrations are part of me to feel life.””
Aftersun (02) from the Aftersun Series
Rasato also balances his artistic vision with commercial viability by prioritising projects that align with his interests and values. While he acknowledges the importance of financial stability, he also seeks to maintain his artistic integrity by choosing projects that allow him to express himself creatively. This approach allows him to create work that is both fulfilling and commercially successful.
Social media plays a crucial role in connecting with his audience and showcasing his personality and work. And though he admits to occasionally neglecting his social media accounts, he acknowledges that it can help him gain exposure and opportunities. “In this society dominated by artificial intelligence, social networks also mean that artists can get more exposure, commercial resources and opportunities, etc. Although I sometimes avoid running my own media accounts, this eventually makes me worry whether my audience will leave or gradually forget me.”
When asked what advice he’d give himself or other young artists starting out, Rasato says, “I wouldn’t give any suggestions to myself, but I am proud of the efforts I made, and I strongly stood there to the last minute. I used to criticise and ask myself why I couldn't do better. But now I don't want to only see my shortcomings but choose to praise myself appropriately - I have done a great job so far.”
Article from Glug Magazine featuring illustrations by Rasato Ma
Looking towards the future, Rasato remains grounded in the present, enjoying the creative process and embracing the uncertainties that lie ahead. He sees his illustrations as an integral part of his life, a way to connect with and express his experiences of the world around him.
All images courtesy of Rasato Ma.