Welcome to this special Meed the Artist, where I introduce you to some of the fantastic, creative talent within the Rainbow Six: Siege community. This series is meant to showcase the amazing artists no matter their skill level or experience.
I sat down and spoke with artist Renderific about her history with cosplay, what got her into it, the challenges she faced and other things.
Ellie, aka Renderific, is a UK-based freelance video editor, graphic designer and illustrator.
What got you interested in creating fanart or becoming an artist in fandom spaces?
“It started with my mum, my mum was a fandom-artist, for things like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Serenity and Angel when I was a kid. I used to try and draw the same, she used to take me to conventions; I owe my obsessions to her. Ok no, that’s a bit unfair, mainly OCD. But she definitely helped.
I drew on pencil and paper for a good while, Don’t Starve, Legend of Zelda and began drawing digital thanks to a friend in the Animal Crossing community, I consider them my mentor. I started doing digital drawings for bells; haha. Drawing people’s villagers and their favourite villager. Eventually, I got my tablet, some R6:S stuff really decided my current style!”
How long have you been making fanart or sharing your art publicly?
“Well… way longer than I should have, some of that stuff was B-B-BUSTED. I think I started posting on DeviantArt around 2017, I scanned my stuff into my computer with my mum’s fat scanner.
Got to start somewhere, don’t regret posting those though.”
What has been the most difficult part about being an artist in fan communities?
“Honestly, community and finances. I have 0 money right now, I’ve put my heart and soul into my work; but unfortunately, a single commission is a one time payment. I haven’t been able to financially save myself with just my art, I would love to, but it’s so unrealistic with the climate that we’re facing, especially in the UK.
Art is a luxury, it’s not necessarily a necessity for people; which is why it’s low on people’s needs. That’s ok, that’s what art is for, to be admired not purchase but sometimes I do wish I had a bit more cash in the bank, haha.
Sometimes, the community can be super demanding, super aggressive and rude. I luckily don’t see it much anymore; but I have been on the receiving end on some very nasty comments. Don’t post on reddit if you’re an artist, it just won’t go well…
At the end of the day, pay me what I’m worth, be nice to me and credit me and we should be Gucci. But at the time of writing this, I can’t say it happens as much as I would like it to.”
When creating or sharing your art, what are three things you always need with you (tools, mindset, references, etc.)?
“It’s hard to narrow down three things that you need because in reality, you made need a whole bunch of things. Realistically though, you need to be in the right headspace first, you need to be comfortable and willing to create. If you’re pushing yourself to draw, it’s going to look bad.
Personally, I always need my IPad and Procreate, initially, I thought the duo was over-priced and overhyped, but adjusting to it I realise why it’s the preferred method of art. Although it’s expensive, it was a present I will forever be grateful for.
Also, my neurodivergent-ass NEEDS other forms of content to keep me from burning out very quickly, Youtube, streaming or music.”
When you first started sharing your art, what was a challenge or obstacle you faced?
“I am going to keep it real. It shouldn’t be about how many people like or see your art, but it will be; to an extent. It’s ok if no one sees my work, but sometimes I put 100+ hours into a piece of art and it barely gets any traction. That’s ok, but when I first started sharing my art that was the norm.
Finding motivation is also really difficult, balancing artistic creativity with what you want and what people want you to draw, draw for yourself first. You don’t need to churn out art like a printer, that’s not realistic.
Also, perfectionism aka undiagnosed OCD was something that I struggled with. If it wasn’t perfection, it never saw the light of day but at the same time if it wasn’t perfection I never worked on it again. Don’t be afraid to push through that feeling and know that with enough work it will be something you are proud of.”
What advice would you give to artists who are just starting out or nervous about sharing their work?
“Draw for you, and put it out the world because you want to not because other people are telling you to. Draw what you want, draw what you’re not good at. Practise makes perfect.”
Renderific can be found on your favourite social media channels here:
- Linktree: https://linktr.ee/renderific