Behind the scenes with illustrator ran9u! How does she design characters and add excitement to her drawings?
On Artist's Spotlight, we interview artists around the globe who are active on pixiv to shed light on their work and how they create their illustrations.
These interviews often discuss topics related to the business of illustration, such as how to take your skills to the next level as a creator and things to keep in mind as a professional, making them a valuable source for both aspiring and professional illustrators.
- ran9u
South Korean illustrator.
In addition to participating in the Portraits of Innocence exhibition, which brought together 24 illustrators, she has worked on illustrations for light novels and character designs for numerous VTubers and video games. She has published the art book “It's a Secret! ran9u Art Book” (unofficial translation of title), which compiles her Everyday Girls series posted on X and pixiv. She is active across a wide range of genres, including streaming as a VTuber herself.
Her work is characterized by vivid facial expressions, refined line art, and soft colors that convey the warm atmosphere of everyday life. Her illustrations have a friendly and endearing charm.
Introducing ran9u and her illustration work
── Could you briefly introduce yourself and your work?
Hello, I’m ran9u. My name is a bit unusual, so some of you might be wondering how to pronounce it! It’s read "Rangu".
I mainly post illustrations on X and pixiv depicting the daily lives of cute girls and situations that make your heart skip a beat. I usually draw illustrations of original characters such as Bunny Gyaru, Kitty High Girl, Kendo Club Captain, Idol Girl, and Disciplinary Committee Chair. Recently, with the release of my Idol Girl’s ASMR (ASMR where you’re pampered by a super-popular idol and feel healed in body and soul♡ - Japanese only), I’ve been focusing on activities that allow you to feel even closer to my characters in your daily life.
ran9u’s original characters Disciplinary Committee Chair (left) and Bunny Gyaru (right)
ran9u’s original characters Kendo Club Captain (left) and Kitty High Girl (right)
ran9u’s favorite illustration and its creation process
── What’s your favorite thing you’ve drawn recently?
Of my recent works, the Cage of Rabbit series is my favorite.
The series features a trapped rabbit as a motif. While the works themselves don’t have a gloomy atmosphere, they actually began with a slightly darker theme.
ran9u’s current favorite piece
── What made you draw it and what was the inspiration behind it?
The idea for this series came to me last summer while I was preparing to exhibit at Comic Market. At the time, although I was feeling creative, I was stuck. I just couldn’t come up with any ideas for the next installment of my main series, Everyday Girls.
That’s when I decided to create an entirely new world filled with two of my favorite things: pink and rabbits. That was the beginning of this series.
── What do you like about this particular image?
Looking back now, I realize that when I was drawing Cage of Rabbit, I was feeling lost in many ways. I was trying to understand myself and my likes more clearly and I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do. I was just focused on cramming in the things I like (pink and rabbits), but perhaps, unconsciously, the cage, which symbolizes inner limitations, reflected that feeling in the work.
▼ Here's a little behind-the-scenes!
── Which part of the process was the most fun?
I had the most fun drawing all those cute bunnies! It was a rare experience for me to include so many rabbits in a single piece. I simply tried to pack in as many of the simple elements I love as possible, and that’s what led to this wonderful piece.
── On the other hand, what was the most difficult part of the process?
When I drew the first illustration for Cage of Rabbit, I was struck by how beautiful the pink azaleas were and wanted to fill the entire piece with them. To be honest, I didn’t have much experience drawing flowers at the time, so I felt it was about time I gave it a try to push myself as an illustrator.
However, since this was my first time using flowers and natural elements as a background, it was really challenging.
── Was there an aspect that you paid particular attention to?
The girl existing quietly in a serene space. I aimed to make the piece have the atmosphere of a painting. I’m very pleased that I was able to express the exact mood I had envisioned.
Visualizing the character's background, situation, and even their emotions
── ran9u, your work is known for its vivid character expressions and gestures. Where do you get your inspiration? Could you also tell us about your approach to drawing such charming expressions?
Actually, while the expressions themselves are important, I place even greater emphasis on the background. Specifically, on why the character is reacting that way and how to craft exciting situations that make your heart race. I always hope that the situation I envision will be conveyed to the viewer as faithfully as possible. That’s why I don’t just focus on the expressions; I try to consider everything at once. From the specific situation, the dialogue, the setting where the character looks their best, and the emotions they’re feeling in that moment.
I fill my work with the things that I love
── As you continue your creative work, do you have any unique methods of branding that help you generate income and connect with your fans?
I’m not sure if you’d call it personal branding, but I believe that consistently delivering creative work filled with elements I love as frequently as possible is ultimately the path that leads to building a brand.
I also share my work with audiences in Japan and abroad through social media, and in Korea, I host live streams where I focus not just on my work as an artist, but also on sharing personal stories about myself. These streams have a casual atmosphere. It’s more about having fun and connecting with my fans than just talking about my art. I’d be thrilled if people in Korea could get to know me better through my work.
── Finally, please share a message for your loyal fans and everyone reading this article.
I am truly grateful to all my fans who have always supported my work in so many ways.
Lately, I’ve been struggling to balance my studies and my art, which has made it difficult to deliver new work, and that’s been frustrating. But at the same time, I feel like I’m spending valuable time reflecting on who I am as a person, what I truly love, and what kind of artist I want to become.
I’m still in the preparation phase, but as soon as everything is ready, I’d like to return to you all with a work full of the stories I love so much. Thank you so much for waiting for me!
── ran9u, thank you so much!
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