Dazzling Yfana

Mask a Go Go

Please introduce yourself, give us a brief bio, tells us where are you come from and how you get started in this field?
My name is Ykha, it’s a short from my full name, Yfana Khadija Amelz. I graduated from Parahyangan Catholic University majoring in Architecture. But never mind, I never had a chance to do it anyway . I think it all started the moment I can draw ‘fuzzy string’, and I thought “hey, I could do this for a living!” hahahaha. And i got my family & friends that always supported me of course.

Do you have any formal training in this field? Did you go to art school?
Mmm, no, no art school. Self taught plus a few useful tips from my friends.

Can you name the work you did so far?
Mmm, for my daily job, I work as a graphic designer and an illustrator for Suave Magazine. Outside of that I did clothing designs for Koffka, a cover for PROVOKE! Magazine 18th edition, a collaboration with Nicoline Patricia for a fashion spread in BAZAAR, illustrations for The Aftermiles album (a rock band from Jakarta), illustrations for ’20 Dongeng Klasik H.C. Andersen’ published by Gagasmedia.

What is your favorite subject to illustrate?
The luscious part of the human body, lips.

Would you mind to give us a brief walk through your work flow (from ideas to the execution)?
Hahaha, it’s kinda messy. I have to start by making a concept, an idea. After that, find some reference to make the visual more clear then start drawing and drawing. But sometimes these steps don’t work, if I think about it too much, the concept or idea became a boundary that blocks my drawing. Whenever that happens, i just skip and go straight to the drawing and drawing part

What do you use to carry out your work?
Pencil/ink on paper, plus Adobe Photoshop for coloring. Lately I’m trying to use acrylic paint, the first try out was a disaster! Hahahaha. Never give up, never surrender though.

Of all your works, which are hit you the most and why?
I think “Tahan Nafas” because it represents my emotion most of the time. I buried myself with works and side projects till there’s no room to breath except for deadline, deadline and hahaha. . . Actually, I don’t smoke, I just think the image of a girl breathing her own pollution suits the concept.

Is there any point where you will stop drawing and look for a new medium to communicate your ideas?
Stop drawing?? NEVERRRRRR!!! But I do enjoy trying out new stuff, maybe photography, that’s quite interesting. But I don’t think I’m good at it, hahaha. I love drawing. Period.

What inspires you?
Everyday’s activity, life, personal stuff, youth culture. Cliché I know bla bla bla…
But a drawing goes out electric if you really experience and put your emotion into it.

Name an illustrator, whose work you respect/admires and why?
James Jean: he has various styles of illustrations, but you can still see his strong character in it. The color is soft but strong at the same time.
Dwi Koen: he really succeeds in capturing the essence of Indonesia in his comic characters.
Laura Laine: love the flowing lines and the detailed hair, such an inspiration.
Vania Zouravliov: great details, dark & powerful.

What is your next project (exhibition, books or photo shoot)?
I’m working on a couple of artwork for a few exhibitions next year and besides that I’m doing an image profile for C.U.T.S, my own band hahaha (is it okay if i did a little self promo?) Check it out if you want: www.myspace.com/causticsultraisttotallyslice

What would you tell other illustrator that hope to be as good as you?
Don’t hope to be as good as me, I’m still trying to be good myself hahaha.
Just love what you are doing, practice really does makes perfect, and be nice to people around you

Our pilot edition is themed black white. What crosses in your mind when we say black white and why? And which one reflects your personality the most?
I think of a hard line of honesty when I see black white. It’s like a symbolic color for the truth, whether is good or bad.
I need both colors to stay alive hahaha.

The Artist Artwork :

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