J. D. Kim : Mangaka, Anime Lover, Story Writer
by Kara Jayne
August 2, 2020
Japanese animation has been on the rise, highly recognized in multiple genres and making its place in pop culture awareness. Meet J.D. Kim, an original long-term follower of the animated artistic style. Kim carries a deep passion for old school, classic action, modern dark, and the kawaii-cute slice of life varieties that several anime titles have to offer. With years of practice, Kim has earned the title of Mangaka [an individual who creates manga], along with amazingly adorable chibi character images.
Kim’s creations have transformed as time goes along, with a growing talent in digital coloring and the ability to turn a traditional pencil sketch into a print-worthy piece. Between the minor details that never get left out and unforgettable facial expressions that convey well-thought through personalities of original characters, it’s evident that the passion to learn more never fades. It will strengthen Kim’s creations even more and we can look forward to reading compelling story lines to draw us in a universe unlike any other.
With an interest in magnets, stickers, and individual manga releases, you can look forward to character merchandise and compelling stories in the future! Don’t forget to check out Volume one of the Pow Wow Art Graphic novel to check out the first installment of Kim’s magic-filled adventure.
How long have you been creating art?
Ever since probably around the 2nd grade. I had a lot of imagination and remember being fascinated with someone in my family drawing Bart Simpson and Mickey Mouse.
What inspired you to go into the creative field to become an artist?
When I first watched Sailor Moon and got immersed in its artwork and story line. I thought “Hey! Maybe I can do that also.”
How would you describe your style of art and what genre does it fall under?
I’m pretty versatile. My main style consists of Anime/Manga. I have a huge respect for those styles. I always spend time trying different styles that would suit me better. In the end I practiced a lot of styles and collaborated it all to get a style to call my own.
How have others described your work?
To those who actually seen it and can critique it, I would say it’s been positive. The type of feedback I normally get is something I would not call a critique. Haha. For example “Well, you draw better than me.” It’s not the type of feedback response I would consider a critique. I would like to know what do you like about it, what can I do to make it better, or what type of color to the hair would you suggest? Critiques like that helps me build a better art style.
Do you have any artist idols? What do you hope to obtain from their works and integrate into your own?
I have a few. Udon, Nona, Kouta Hirano, Alex Ahad, and Ryo Akizuki. I have quite a bit more, but I would fill this page up and that would be troublesome. I wouldn’t want to integrate anyone’s art style as my own. I would give credit where credit is due. I just hope I can show the world what I can do and tell them that “You all can do it too! Hard work does pay off as long you are diligent and willing to commit to it!”
It’s no doubt that anime is a big factor in your artistic drive, given the trend of being a ‘Mangaka’. Which anime title initially made you want to go that route, and why?
Well, technically I haven’t professionally received the title of “Mangaka” yet. But that would be nice if I did haha. I have plenty of artistic drive. My first attempt was in the 10th grade. That I would say helped pushed me into the manga route. Most of my friends liked it, but I was embarrassed about the story and art style. Unnecessary action and the plot was ATROCIOUS!!! Looking back on it, I can say I am proud that people found some kind of joy out of reading it.
What kind of impact do you want to make in the anime and manga world?
More like a statement. Art is meant to be creative and unique. I want to show that nobody has to be hindered by restrictions and/or by any type of limitations. There will be those out there who will not understand someone else’s vision. Just remember to be respectful and mindful.
What is your process when creating a new storyboard for a series?
Simple. Music. Lots of music. To me, music sets the tone. Whether it would be action, sadness, or any type of rom-com. I listen to a certain soundtrack for hours in and think of certain scenarios. I then let it play out in my head and the characters, background, scenery, etc will follow in suit. I will eventually draw a few concept art and if anything else arises, I would make the necessary change to it. This is my normal process I guess. Haha.
World building: its a real task, too. How do you tackle establishing the initial world and environment to be used in your stories?
Haha! This will go back to the same process. Music. Music is my canvas. If I want to make something, like for example, I want a world that is old school sci-fi and one of the characters is a female android looking for something to call her own. I would play music from artists like Carpenter Brut or if it’s a sad scenario of a lost lover, I would play Dead Astronauts. Action would be Dance with the Dead. What do they have in common? They play 80’s Synthwave music. Music is my gateway to a world of unlimited imagination.
What is your approach to creating well designed characters and how do you ensure they fit in well with the world you’ve built?
That’s a tough one. It’s more of a trial and error. Sometimes I’ll have a base model and pose ready. But I don’t know what they would look like. It’ll take me hours to come up with the face or even hair. I make so many changes and it would turn my paper into a smudge city. In the end, the character concept would just come naturally or I would base it off people that I know or use older concept art that I haven’t used in 5-ish years. Like I said. Trial and error.
What are your favorite mediums/programs to use for drawing, and why?
I’m usually a paper and pencil type of person. I have to use 0.5 mechanical pencils. Less smudge and very precise in my opinion. Programs that I use are Sai Paint or Adobe CS6. I would like to invest in MangaStudio for future projects. The tablets I use for these programs are XP-Pen or sometimes Bamboo. I had a Monoprice tablet that was great, but it’s not compatible with my computer for some reason. I still have it in case I can find a proper driver to get it to work again.
What are some of the challenges you faced when you first began drawing?
Ah yes. Depression. Lack of self confidence. Chasing shadows. Those were the 3 key things that almost ruined my vision of art. I never thought I was good enough. Especially seeing someone who is the same age as me just coloring like a professional and here I am struggling to mix a proper color to apply on a character shirt. That almost killed my art drive. I wanted to be acknowledged and I figured that if I can be better than this person, that they would finally acknowledge me as their equal. But in the end we have our own style and we have our own way of expressing art. Over the past 10 years, I’ve been chasing this certain person’s shadow and trying to get him to acknowledge me as his equal. It was really a sad state I was in. Then Kara Jayne helped me out by filling my head with knowledge and that my style is my style alone. There’s going to be those who will approve and those who won’t and prefer a different artist. It’s like listening to music. Some like rock, but not hip hop or vice versa.
What are some of the new challenges your pursuit for a career has brought you today and how are you overcoming them?
Time is a challenge. I’m a very busy person in a sense. I always make time for other people and not for myself. But I have this certain balance now. It’s like a natural order for me. Wake up in the morning. Go to the Gym. Come home and take a shower. Draw. Go to work. Come home. Draw. Go to bed. Rinse and repeat. Sometimes going to run errands with or for my parents. As long as my schedule doesn’t change, then I am okay with it.
How do you surpass the moments of stubborn art block and exhaustion that hinder progress on your art?
I would watch either anime to get the idea flowing again or play something on my console. Heck, even go to the gym. You would be surprised at how many ideas you can come up with just by running on a treadmill.
How do you relax and rejuvenate after a long day of work and creativity?
Re…lax….? What the heck is that? Haha! Nah. I just watch videos of Puzzle Solving or Instant Regret on YouTube. Maybe a game here and there. Read Manga. Now, I heard of a legend. There’s nothing in this world that can beat the power of sleep. Which I have yet to learn how to harvest the knowledge of murdering pillows with my drool.
What are your goals for the future in art?
Hopefully I can get a shot of making an Anime for people to watch with a killer soundtrack. Characters that would be iconic like Spike from Cowboy Bebop.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind in your artworks?
I just want people to enjoy it. I want it to bring people together and show that someone from a small town can make it just like everybody else.
If you could go back ten years from now and tell yourself anything, what would it be, and why?
Invest. Invest in a computer. Art Tablet. Programs. You actually have people around who really value your work. They will root for you. You don’t have to follow someone else’s shadow to dictate your self worth. I’m serious. Art is art and it can be your ultimate form of expression. You don’t have to copy or mimic your teacher or other people. You have a style, work on it and watch it improve.
What’s the biggest achievement you’ve accomplished so far and what about it makes you proud?
Pow Wow Art giving me a chance to share my art. I finally made a decent Manga. Well, hopefully it turns out great because I worked hard on it. I’m proud that they gave me the opportunity to share my work and also interview me. So, yes I do appreciate everything that they have done for me.
What advice would you give for other emerging artists entering the world of art careers?
Your art style is your own. Just stay consistent and diligent and I guarantee you that it will bare fruit. You might hit a bump in the road, but remember that just because one doesn’t like it doesn’t mean the world dislikes your style. Tune out the negative and focus on the positive. It can be hard at times, but there is always someone there who has your back. Always keep in mind that there’s always room to improve. If you need a break then take one. Don’t overdo it.
Thank you for everything you contribute to the world of art, J.D. Kim! With your persistence, passion, and desire to learn, there’s definitely opportunity ahead. We look forward to seeing what series you create. There’s no doubt that audiences will find rich stories, deep characters, and compelling action that will keep us on our toes!
