ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: DOMINIC BARRIOS
Join us for an interview with one of our artists, and check out his fantastic artwork!
WHAT IS YOUR ARTIST NAME (REAL NAME OR ONLINE HANDLE. IF AN ONLINE HANDLE, WHERE DID THIS NAME COME FROM)?
I use my name Dominic Barrios most of the time. On some other sites I use DOMI-NIKU. I used this handle when i was in my anime fan phase.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Philippines! I live next to a volcano!
IS ART YOUR FULL TIME PROFESSION OR A SIDE JOB?
Right now its a side job since I’m still studying animation. But when I graduate I’m looking to make it my full time thing.
DID YOU STUDY ART FORMALLY? OR WERE YOU MOSTLY SELF TAUGHT?
I’m studying 3D animation and illustration.
WHAT WOULD YOUR IDEAL JOB IN ART BE? SOMETHING FOR GALLERIES? AN ART DIRECTOR FOR A GAME STUDIO? OR JUST BUILDING YOUR CAREER IN FREELANCE?
I dream of starting my own studio someday when I have enough knowledge about the industry.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEDIUM TO WORK IN? DIGITAL? PAINT? PENCILS? SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY?
Digital. But i paint sometimes.
WHERE DO YOU MAINLY POST YOUR ARTWORK? WHERE CAN FANS FIND MORE OF YOUR FANTASTIC WORK?
Artstation. Hehehe since I’m trying to build a portfolio there. https://www.artstation.com/domo-niku
WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU OR CONTACT YOU IF THEY WANT TO COMMISSION WORK FROM YOU?
They can email me here in my email: dbarrios@gbox.adnu.edu.ph or at d.barrios92@yahoo.com
WHAT KIND OF THINGS DO YOU DO TO IMPROVE YOUR ART?
I mostly browse works that I like and identify what makes those pieces stand out. And then incorporate those elements in my work.
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVOURITE THINGS TO DRAW?
Samurai dogs!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANY NEW ARTISTS WHO WANT TO BECOME PROFESSIONALS?
Practice and advertise your work :)
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST MISTAKE YOU'VE MADE IN BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL ARTIST?
Passing up opportunities because of laziness and self doubt.
HOW HAVE YOU FOUND WORKING ON WARTIDE? HAS WORKING ON A LARGER LONG TERM PROJECT BEEN DIFFERENT TO OTHER WORK YOU HAVE DONE?
Working on Wartide was an amazing experience for me, since it was my first card illustration commission. I had to study illustrating mecha's since I wasn't familiar with it. I also had to practice proper composition so that the subject in each piece would stand out. I learned a lot from working on Wartide since it gave me the chance to improve my work.
The only tricky thing, in my opinion, with working on a long term project is maintaining the look of each piece I make.
Want to see more Art from Dominic? Check out his Artstation here!