"My workflow is actually quite simple. I usually start by studying and trying to recreate art styles that inspire me, especially those seen in Arcane and Valorant. What fascinates me most about these projects is how the artists manage to communicate complex forms through simplified planes, strong shadow shapes, and carefully placed brushstrokes."

"One of the most valuable things I've learned is that good stylized painting starts before the texturing stage, during the modeling process itself. The way we build volumes and define facial planes directly influences how light and shadows interact with the character. I pay close attention to how shadows help describe the forms, especially around the eyes, nose, cheekbones, and jaw. Understanding these relationships makes it easier to decide where to emphasize certain shapes, increase contrast, or introduce more visible brushstrokes.

For my Link fan art, I wanted to apply these principles. Rather than aiming for realistic textures, my goal was to find a balance between simplified forms, clearly defined colors, and painterly details that enhance the character's anatomy and overall design.

When painting, I like experimenting with different brushes and masks. They give me more control over color transitions, brushstroke variations, and shadow placement. One important aspect of my approach is that I try not to rely too heavily on smooth gradients. Instead, I prefer building the textures with clearly defined shapes, deliberate color changes, and brushstrokes that follow the volumes of the model.

I think one of the biggest challenges of hand-painted texturing is knowing what to simplify and what to emphasize. Not every area needs the same amount of detail. Sometimes, a single well-placed brushstroke can communicate a form more effectively than several layers of intricate details."