Illustrators Arise: David Ardinaryas Lojaya

What's up, creative crowds! How are you doing this morning? Hope it's been awesome 'cause I've got some great news: it's time for another edition of Illustrators Arise! Woohoo! In case you're unfamiliar with it, it is where I introduce my favourite illustrators from all over the world every month through an interview so you guys can read along and get to know them too. Now I'd like to continue the Indonesia feature with another talented and unique illustrator, David Ardinaryas Lojaya. His work first appeared before me in this poll to pitch an Indonesian folktale to Pixar. Though I didn't look him up straight away, Instagram helped me discover his other works. Now David lives in Bandar Lampung and spends his time either drawing, watching movies or traveling.

Hello there, David! Shall we begin with what introduced you to the world of illustration and why you continue at it?

Hey there Bivi, thanks for having me here! To answer that question, we have to go back in time into my childhood time haha. Basically, I really like watching cartoons since I was a kid. Well, which kid who does'nt like cartoon anyway. But it kinda grew on me until high school and I chose to enter an art college. During the pre art college time, I only drew in my free time, and I’ve never really considered it as my future. The only reason why I continue is because of my passion in art and animation!

Did you go to an art school? If yes, what did you think of the experience and would you recommend art schools in general to other people?

Yes I went to an art college. I would say it’s fifty fifty. You kinda need it or not. These internet era is really helpful for artist and others to learn more without school. But I would recommend an online art class, it’s effective and affordable.

What kind of materials do you usually use?

I do everything on digital medium mostly, using photoshop and a pen tablet, but sometimes I sketch on paper too!

Your illustration style is rather unique since you’re using ambient occlusion from a 3D technique. What made you try this technique and what have you learnt from using it so far?

Thanks! I took an animation major in art college, so I had a lot of 3D classes in the later semester. So, I learnt about Ambient occlusion and other 3D stuffs there. But I tried to apply it on painting when I saw Sam Nielson’s tutorial on Ambient Occlusion. He’s an amazing artist and one of my inspirations. This AO technique is really efficient and very technical for those who wanted to achieve a 3D look.

Even though you have almost a disney-esque style, erotica seems to be your specialty. What attracted you to it and where do you get your inspirations?

Hahaha, actually not really! I just started to draw those pin up characters because of my patreon. I need to make a click bait images lol. I was kidding about the click bait though.

So, yeah, I’m actually closing my patreon last month, so there would be rare to see erotic images from me again.

I love your annual Visual Development Portfolio. When did you start this and what inspired you to do so?

Thanks a lot! I’m making this annual portfolio because I actually need it for jobs to be honest. Also it’s because of my passion in animation, so I like to imagine myself making an animation film. I started making portfolio since my art college year, they encouraged the student to make portfolio to enter the industry world. But my early portfolio was bad, so I challenged myself to do it again. And because I’m a freelance artist now, I need to update my portfolio just to attract clients ;)

King’s Tailor in particular intrigues me greatly. It is so well-shaped and thoroughly designed. Are you interested in turning it into a motion picture/picture book in the future?

Thanks again, you’re so kind! I don’t have any plan to turn it into picture book or motion pictures. I feel like the story is still lack of something, so I’m not quite satisfied with that yet. For story book, maybe yes if someone wanted to sponsor me haha, but film, no.

I stopped the development of “King’s Tailor” and started new project for this year.

You were commissioned to create an illustration for the poll to pitch an Indonesian folktale to Pixar. How did this come about and what do you think of the idea?

Oh yeah, the guy behind the poll, Eben contacted me for a commission. He’s really passionate about the Indonesian folklore and Pixar, so I took the commission. I really like the idea when Pixar wanted to create an Indonesian folklore based film. I think it’s about time they make something out of Indonesian’s culture!

Last year during the premiere of Inside Out in Indonesia, the director Pete Docter actually came to Jakarta. And I had the chance to gave my artbook containing some illustrations from “King’s Tailor” which has a very much Indonesia’s culture influence inside it. So I hope it can gave them basic ideas of what rich culture we have here in Indonesia. But you know, I never knew if he even see the book or not haha.

What does the future look like for David Ardinaryas Lojaya?

I wanted to create something that can influence people. Not only artist, but people in general. I don’t know what would that be yet, but I’m thinking about it.

If a newbie illustrator (such as myself) comes to you for advice, what would you say?

I would say don’t give up, keep working on your dreams! Practice right everyday, and don’t miss life drawing class! Haha. But seriously, just enjoy the process of the drawing, don’t be too hard at pushing your level, it will eventually grow and flow.

A little note from me

The first thing I noticed about David's work is the beautifully exaggerated curves of the outlines. No matter what the object is, it is aesthetically stylised. These curves later on form the flow of the illustration altogether, which makes the whole artwork unique. It also helps the creation of different character designs, which can be adjusted to each of their roles and their personality. The play of lines creates less of a serious and stern feel to his whole style, making them easily received and applicable anywhere. Although he injects a bit of 3D technique into his illustrations, his 2D is still so significantly identifiable to be his. The technique also helps bring the characters and objects to life, while leaving a softer touch of colours to each piece. It would be incredible to see his works on the screen in the future.

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Wishlist: Literature III

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

As part of my 23 Before 24 list, I wanted to read more and more non-fiction. So I began scouring the internet for inspiration of books in this genre to read. So far, I've been reading non-fictions hanging out on my mighty bookshelf at home—and sometimes I feel like I'm the only one using it—but there are tons of awesome books being published everyday. And here are the top 10 that I've been lusting after so far. If any of you have any of these, please let me borrow it for a while. We could even trade, if you want. (Number 2 and 4 are top priority!) Let me know!

January in Overview

Excited about...

Semester break! I feel like it's the one thing I've been excited about lately. But—I gotta tell ya!—I'm quite sick of uni at this point and a little break—only two weeks! I know, crazy—is more than what I need. I've got plans to hang out with Iva, Gina and the gang and Cindy so I'm super thrilled. Also, I'm thinking about visiting Cynthia in Bandung soon. Can't wait!

Currently reading...

Tenun Ikat: Indonesia's Ikat Weaving Traditions. This is a book published by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, so it isn't for sale. It is meant solely for informational purposes for foreigners—or locals, like me—who want to find out more about the history and art of ikat weaving. It's taught me quite a lot as I didn't know much about this art form before—I know, shame on me. Such a shame that it's not made to be more accessible for foreigners out there, but you can probably read this one too to get the same information. 

Currently watching...

Koinaka (恋仲): a Japanese drama series of 9 episodes which told the story of three high school friends tied in a love triangle relationship in their 20s. It is filled with inside references to One Piece and nostalgic feels. I love the heroine! It's rare since usually Japanese dramas have annoying or weak main female characters, but Akari knows what she wants and goes for it, although sometimes she hesitates on it. Aoi (Miura), on the other hand, man...you gotta man up! The ending was perfectly adrenaline-kicking but I loved it!

Listening to...

nothing new, just some mellow tunes because I'm feeling melancholic lately. They are mostly songs I listened to when I used to live in Germany, taking my mind back to those days. Some of my favourites are: Lakehouse by Of Monsters and Men, Downpour by Brandi Carlile, Wish You Well by Katie Herzig and Victim to Charm by Wild Child. It's so hard to hold back tears when these are playing...especially with the rain pouring outside.

Thinking about...

really, really get into the Zero Waste culture. Although doing so in Indonesia is close to impossible—especially when you're not the one doing the shopping, cooking, washing and cleaning—I'd really like to at least get closer to an environmentally friendly way of living as opposed to how I have been walking on this earth so far. This will require great commitment and a lot of effort—also knowledge—so if you guys want to recommend something for me or have any tips on how to start, please do let me know.

Hanging out full team after months, since Gina's in town! // trois crayon study perfected by Alex // Brilias hangout + floating books // first print purchase from Valerie (thanks for the free set!) // that long day in Jakarta when disaster struck... // Fancy Sunday Lunch is a weekly occurrence // FINALLY Book of Deer's in my house! (thanks for the free skirt!) // cupcake hunting and trespassing with Cynthia // refreshing after final project stress with my best friends

Mix It Up a Notch: High-Waisted Camel Shorts

My relationship with these shorts actually started out 3 years ago, when I bought a pair of boots secondhand from Kleider Kreisel. The owner of the boots offered to throw in an item for free with the boots! What are the odds of buying something preloved then getting another one as bonus? That never happened to me before. It just so happens that I fell in love with these shorts then too, but barely had the budget to get two items at once. So it was perfect! At first, it was a loose fit around my waist, so I used to wear them exclusively with belts. But, when I came back to Indonesia, I quickly went to the tailor to have them taken in. Funnily enough, afterwards, I gained so much weight it became too tight on me...yeah. I love the structure and colour of these shorts, which is perfect to be worn in autumn as well. It's quite high-waisted too, which accentuates my figure. Here's to losing weight and gaining posture!

Stick a Fork in Me, I'm Done!

Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! I am waaaay too excited to be writing this post. If you've been following this blog for a while, you might realise how long I've been harbouring feelings for Book of Deer. In fact, I talked about this collection when the lookbook pictures were released—not without a drop of lust for it. For years I've been thinking that I had absolutely no budget to purchase a BoD item. I don't know why, maybe because I had to pay rent, etc. before. However, a couple weeks ago, BoD was having a final sale on the Country Kitchen collection—actually still is—and I couldn't resist, as it is my favourite collection thus far. And I still cannot believe that I have—not one, but two!—BoD pieces in my room right now. Right now! Granted, I actually spent money that I didn't have, literally. To be honest, I only purchased the blouse—again, limited budget—but, when the package came, I found the skirt inside the envelope, too, along with a card from Eilidh, telling me that she wanted me to have the skirt for free. I flipped completely out! I squealed all the way to bed that night, after 9 hours of exam and a long trip home, feeling higher than the clouds. 

Book of Deer blouse + (free!) skirt // hand-me-down purse // thrifted loafers // photos by Cynthia

I know, I know, this styling isn't exactly original. This is exactly how these two pieces were styled in the lookbook as well—and by many, many girls before me—but Eilidh did send me the skirt to—and I quote—"complete your Book of Deer look." It just felt right to wear both these items together the first time—although this was technically my second time...that week. And I couldn't resist! All the details are just far too adorable for words and too perfect for one another. I've always thought BoD has an incredible quality just by looking at it. But, after wearing it, I finally know that to be true. The feel of the fabric against my skin is just pure comfort. And how cute is this mitten pocket! I never knew about the bow detail at the back and fell even harder in love with it. No matter where I go, people stared at the uniqueness of my outfit and I can't help but to think—finally, "That's right, I'm wearing Book of Deer!"