Nana_Gtu is a 15-year-old artist, and fan of anime.  Like many successful artists - Van Gogh and Picasso are famous examples - she is developing her practice through imitating work she admires.  

 Nana_Gtu is inspired by ‘chibi’ style drawings – a style in anime that features characters with large heads and eyes, and small bodies. In anime, ‘chibi’ is associated with cuteness, but it’s a word that can also be offensive is used in conversation when describing someone (a similar example might be calling someone ‘munchkin’ – it can be affectionate, but it can hurt feelings if used in the wrong way).   

Her chosen drawings for this blog post focus on women and girls, often showing complex characters that demonstrate both power and vulnerability. I WhatsApp-ed Nana_Gtu to ask her a little more about her work:

 What do you love about anime?

“I love anime because of the artwork. Some anime are absolutely stunning like Violet Evergarden. That specific anime is *muah* that artwork is honestly the best I’ve ever seen you can just feel it. I also love anime because of the stories. They are each unique in their own way and quite creative. Also I adore Asian culture ;) especially Korean/Japanese.”

 What kind of characters do you like to draw best?

 “I prefer drawing women. I’m more skilled at that, I usually mess up boys lol. But I can usually draw whatever gender if it’s in a cute chibi version ^^.”

 What do you like about drawing?

 “I like expressing myself. It’s relaxing and a nice activity to pursue, also I secretly like compliments even though I won’t admit it in person.”