Honoel Ibardolaza

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Tell me a little bit about yourself, about your life? Where did you go to school, and what classes did you study? What helped prepare you to become the artist that you are today?

Unfortunately, there's not much to talk about myself. I live a very mundane, unexciting life. As for school, I have a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of St. LaSalle, Bacolod. I haven't had any formal art classes though, so I'm pretty much self taught.

What inspired or convinced you to become an Artist?

I became an artist because I wanted my brother to be proud of me. He was an amazing artist and I couldn't stop idolizing him. He stopped drawing right after he graduated college so I took it upon myself to inspire him to draw again.

What is a typical day for you, and who are the people you work with?

I wake up around 2 pm and turn on my computer to check for emails and updates. Have lunch/breakfast. Loaf around for an hour watching tv then I start fiddling at the computer which takes up about 2/3 of my waking time. Then I go to bed at around 6-7 am. I don't really work with a lot of people except those who are involved in the project I'm currently part of. Even then, it's just a professional kind of relationship. I do chat a lot with friends online though.

What are some of the things that you have worked on?

I've worked on a few local anthologies like Siglo. There's also the original "manga" title Blade for Barter from Seven Seas Entertainment (http://www.gomanga.com). I'm currently wrapping up Pandora: A Death Jr. Manga, also from Seven Seas.

How do you go about illustration, what goes through your mind, from start to end?

The hardest part is always the conceptualizing of the idea like how to pose the characters, what angle to use, etc... Once I've decided on that, it's all pretty much smooth work. My mind tends to wander to other things while I'm working.

Could you talk about your process in coloring your art (if at all), as well as the types of tools or media that you use?

I exclusively use Adobe Photoshop 6 to color my work because I find it very convenient, especially the undo function. Unfortunately I don't color traditionally anymore. There's just too many factors involved using traditional media.

What are some of the things that you do to keep yourself creative?

I read a lot of books and doodle.

What is your most favorite subject to draw, And why?

Mostly children because they are easy and fun to draw and I've always wanted to be a children's fiction writer.

Who are the top illustrators whose works excite you the most?

Currently they're Guri Huri and Alessandro Barbucci.

What are some of the neat things you have learned from other artists that you have worked with or seen?

I admire their passion for their work.

What are some of your favorite websites that you go to?

I visit sites out of habit and boredom. I don't really have any favorites.

What wisdom could you give us, about being an Artist? Do you have any tips you could give?

Hmmm... this is a very cliche question, and it deserves an equally cliche answer-- You have to want it badly enough to sacrifice social life, personal enjoyment, and daily bath.

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted?

People can drop me an email via my site contact form (http://www.homanga.net) or leave a message in my deviant art (http://homanga.deviantart.com/).

Finally, do you have any of your art work for sale (sketchbook, prints, or anything) for fans of your work can know where and when to buy it?

Honestly, I have no idea where my stuff are being sold. Heck, I don't even have copies of them. 9_9

Thanks!

zen zen.

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What attracted and continues to attract you to the anime / manga style of illustration?

I'm an incredibly big sucker when it comes to cute stuff and anime/manga is the one-stop shop for everything big eyes, small mouth and all that's in between.