I tried to draw like Qtonagi (and found a simplified drawing method) | Artist Study

This video was my study and attempt in trying to draw in the style of the legendary Japanese artist: Qtonagi (旧都なぎ). The artist often posts illustration processes on her Youtube channel, but even with her real time process, I still couldn’t quite follow along.

So, I attempted to simplify her workflow into something that a normal human being can follow. With a simplified workflow/ formula as a guide, hopefully it will help you with decision making in your own Qtonagi study.

Qtonagi's Socials:
🎨 Youtube: @QTONAGI

Qtonagi Wacom Interview:

My PSD Files:

Brush that I used in this vid:

Timestamp:
00:00 Intro
00:42 Study Begin!
01:01 Body Proportions
01:35 Background
02:18 Line Art
02:50 Brush
03:21 Colors (layers)
04:39 Qtonagi’s Color Pattern
05:53 Tips & Difficulties From My Attempt
07:51 Simplified Formula
08:37 2nd Attempt

Any questions? Feel free to message me:

Tools: Adobe Photoshop, Wacom Intuos Pro, Adobe After Effects

[tj.]

she said in one of her streams that she uses DAREK ZABROCKI's brush pack (btw your content is very helpful! and high quality I really like it)

[mmm]

Qtonagi said in her last stream that she really impressed about your analys of her drawing process. Great job.

[CheckeredLemonaid]

Qtonagi makes everything accessible yet she’s impossible to replicate and i think thats honestly inspirational when developing an art style

[bakk]

for the lines, i found that simply drawing it zoomed out like she does will already put you in right direction, since theres less control therefore giving it more natural "shake"

[ShadowofArts]

What I love so much about these kinds of videos. Is that you are clearly not “copying” another’s art but studying it to improve your own. Finding techniques, examining what works well, and colors used. I also want to study to improve my understanding of different materials and shading.

[temshopy]

You're so underrated for an art tutorial channel, i feel like i learn along with you keep up a good work. : ^)

[tppoart]

Hope this video was helpful! Lemme know what you want to see more/ less of in these artist study videos, so I’ll know how to improve the next one!

[Ghost-hdcu]

One thing that I noticed you might've not picked up is a shading technique not often taught, but you see it everywhere. We're taught to shade a cyllinder with it getting darker on the edges if the light source is in front of the cyllinder, but you can also light it on one side with either a bounce light hitting the opposite side or another light source. Most often in this technique, I see atmospheric bounce light on the other side. The technique is to shade the center vertical line, or closest vertical edge of an upright cylinder, as the darkest point. Then apply a little atmospheric lighting on the other side of the darkest edge. 6:11 they arent actually just 'blending between two colors' she's putting that slight atmospheric lighting on the inner part of that shadow, with a transitionary dark part on the edge of the shadow. I see this technique ALL the time in japanese, painterly art and it's good to learn!

A simplified version: some, but not all shadows have their darkest point along the transitioning edge of the shadow. You'll see a small line that doesn't always connect all the way along the transition. Sometimes this line is a deep orange when there is a harsh light block hitting the skin, then as you get further into the shadow, it'll lighten back to cooler blue tones. Krenz Cushart, Quruiqing, and this artist play with those transitions a lot.

This piece of art is htt (ps://) twitter (.com/) a good example thats a little more graphic in use than painterly. You can see it a lot on his knees and thighs.

[t-ben]

Astonishingly attractive editing!! Very well-structured and in-depth video. I love the analysis of your own work and your ability to embrace the differences from Qtonagi. ur art is absolutely superb keep up the work :DD

[LU-hnkv]

I wish to get with my art to the point where people would study my style too.

[Annie]

even she said she don't care people copy her art style and also puting out so many process vids I still could never learn how to do it the details in her art is just insane🤯
（I need her brain🙏）

[reishox]

ngl this channel deserves more subs. The way he explains the techniques is easily understandable + the video editing is great. youtube randomly recommended me this video. And I m loving it. Great work.

[mayacold]

Thought I was just trippin when 9:21 showed up
Great video! The editing for the different artists is such a nice detail, you're a real artist!

[farahsyaheera]

I love the one with the detailed background! It looks fun to do and feels like light-hearted children's storybook

[broncoxy]

saw her work a while ago and instantly fell in love... _ITS SOOO PRETTYYY_

[zkme]

I'm really happy the algorithm finally gave you love, you really inspire me to continue to practice my art.

[svkopm]

Gosh! Im looking for my artstyle and I was really inspired with Qtonagi! I love to draw this antique stuff, it feels like sky and heaven (for you to know, Im really enjoying heaven dreamy theme), and your video helped me so much! It directed me in right way, and now I understand absolutely everything in her drawings and her art logic thanks to your explanations!

[cappipa]

I hope you continue to make this! I love your content! I never seen something similar and for this kind of more modern/contemporary anime styled artists that have a huge impact on "the internet" aesthetics this days! I also enjoy a lot your style of editing and voice over. It is really on point. I feel like I learned a lot, thank you so much!

[hogin]

Man you’ve gotta be one of the best channels for art ever

[satorri]

im not really all that into art but i watch your videos anyway because of your amazing editing and just how entertaining it is