Character example for an upcoming book project I'm working on.

What is Gothic Lolita?

Gothic Lolita is a unique fashion subculture that emerged in Japan, characterized by a blend of Victorian and Rococo-inspired clothing with a dark, gothic aesthetic. This style is part of the larger Lolita fashion movement, which emphasizes modesty, femininity, and elegance. Gothic Lolita, however, incorporates darker elements such as black or deep-coloured dresses, elaborate lace, and accessories, often accompanied by Gothic makeup and hairstyles.

The fashion originated in the late 20th century in Japan and was heavily influenced by the visual kei music scene, where musicians embraced flamboyant and theatrical fashion. Designers like Mana, a guitarist known for his involvement in the band Malice Mizer, played a significant role in popularizing Gothic Lolita through his fashion brand Moi-même-Moitié.

Gothic Lolita is adored for its intricate and doll-like aesthetics, creating a fantasy world that allows individuals to express their creativity and rebellion against mainstream fashion norms. The emphasis on modesty and elegance, combined with the dark and mysterious undertones, gives wearers a sense of empowerment and escapism. The fashion has transcended its Japanese origins and gained international popularity, with enthusiasts appreciating its artistic and avant-garde nature, as well as the sense of community it fosters through events, social media, and dedicated fashion subcultures around the world.

Character example for an upcoming book project I'm working on.

What is a Military Soldier?

A military soldier is an integral part of a nation's armed forces, trained and equipped to defend and safeguard the interests of their country. These individuals undergo extensive training, both physically and mentally, to prepare for a variety of tasks and missions. The role of a military soldier encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including combat operations, peacekeeping missions, disaster relief efforts, and supporting national security initiatives.

Soldiers operate within a hierarchical structure, following a chain of command led by officers. They are often organized into units with specific roles, such as infantry, artillery, or specialized support units. The duties of a soldier can involve everything from patrolling and reconnaissance to engaging in active combat, depending on the nature of the mission and the branch of the military.

Discipline, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial attributes for military soldiers. They are trained to work cohesively under various conditions and to follow orders to maintain unit cohesion and mission success. Soldiers may be called upon to serve in challenging and high-stress environments, requiring resilience and commitment to their duty.

The commitment of military soldiers goes beyond the physical aspects of combat; they are bound by a code of ethics and are expected to uphold international laws and conventions during armed conflicts. The dedication of soldiers plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, security, and sovereignty of their nation.

Character example for an upcoming book project I'm working on.

What is a Mecha Pilot?

A mecha pilot is an individual trained to operate and control large humanoid robots known as "mecha." The term "mecha" is derived from the word "mechanical," and these machines are a staple of science fiction, particularly in anime, manga, and other related genres. Mecha pilots, often portrayed as skilled and heroic individuals, play a central role in piloting these colossal machines during various missions and battles.

The mecha themselves are versatile robots equipped with advanced weaponry, often used for both military and civilian purposes in their respective fictional universes. Mecha pilots are tasked with navigating these machines, engaging in combat, and utilizing the mecha's capabilities to accomplish specific objectives. The complexity of mecha operations requires extensive training in piloting skills, tactical decision-making, and understanding the technological intricacies of the mecha they operate.

Mecha pilot characters are featured prominently in popular works like "Gundam," "Neon Genesis Evangelion," and "Code Geass." Their stories often explore themes of war, identity, and the symbiotic relationship between human pilots and their robotic counterparts. The mecha pilot archetype has become iconic in geek culture, symbolizing bravery, heroism, and the fusion of cutting-edge technology with human skill and determination.

Anime Girl based on Hitachi’s EMIEW 2 robot: http://youtu.be/6Jb9oJY0Fe8

This has been a W.I.P for months and no doubt will continue to be for a few months more >_< Can’t wait to get through my to do list and finish these drawings.

Death Note fan art pencil sketch. It's a work in progress. I still need to ink and then colour. Might tweak a few bits also.

What is Death Note?

"Death Note" is a gripping tale of power, morality, and the consequences of playing god. The story revolves around a high school student named Light Yagami who stumbles upon a mysterious notebook, the "Death Note," dropped by the Shinigami (death god) Ryuk. This ominous book grants its wielder the ability to kill anyone whose name is written within its pages, as long as the writer has their face in mind.

Driven by a desire to rid the world of criminals and create a utopia under his rule, Light embarks on a dark and twisted path, adopting the alias "Kira" and becoming a vigilante deity feared by both law enforcement and criminals alike. However, his actions attract the attention of the enigmatic detective known only as L, sparking a deadly game of cat and mouse between two brilliant minds.

As the stakes escalate and the body count rises, Light's moral compass becomes increasingly skewed, blurring the line between justice and tyranny. "Death Note" explores themes of power, justice, and the nature of good and evil, challenging viewers to question the limits of righteousness in the face of absolute power. With its intricate plot twists and morally complex characters, "Death Note" remains a timeless masterpiece of psychological thriller anime, captivating audiences with its suspenseful narrative and thought-provoking themes.

Cat Girl Work In Progress. Might be a while before I finish this one.

Manga Guy - something I doodled over the weekend.

Exhibiting at Comic Con

It was invited to attend my first comic convention-like event as an artist. Japanorama - A Japan and anime themed event held at the National Space Centre in Leicester from 4th-5th of May 2013. It was described as:

I was described as:

Ben Krefta from Organic Metal, is a hugely popular artist and designer, who runs online tutorials

A quick summary of what happened

I was one of several guest artists given a stall in the 'Artists Alley', along with talented artists: Chie Kutsuwada, Laura Watton-Davies, Jodie Azhar, Emma Vieceli and Dock. The aim- to talk to visitors of the show, sell our own selection of art related goods and potentially take commissions.

Unlike the others artist in attendance, I'd never attended this kind of live event. I had no idea what to expect. I made do with selling several postcard size art prints, which I'd sign for customers. I'd talk to fans and discuss potential commissions. To be honest, I was unprepared and I probably wouldn’t have considered going had I not been invited. In the end. I'm glad I did- it was a great experience.

Chatting to fellow manga inspired artists and fans alike was a worthwhile experience. It's something I usually only do from behind a computer screen. At one point, we got up on the main stage to give a talk about working as manga inspired artists in the UK. Again, presenting art related info is something I'd previously only done via my website or art books. The public speaking side of things felt a little daunting, yet all worked out in the end.

I'd be happy to attend a few more similar events in the future to get a greater feel for the whole con-going experience and see how they compare :)