Home Features Serafleur – Feature 2 of 5 – Urban-Muse Magazine #4

Serafleur – Feature 2 of 5 – Urban-Muse Magazine #4

by Curt Anderson
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SERAFLEUR FEATURE

Abigail Diaz (Serafleur) is a 26 year old Filipina artist currently residing in Quezon City, Philippines. Abigail Diaz is the fourth Filipino artist Urban-Muse Magazine has profiled and the first Filipina! She has a strong interest in Fashion and Fantasy and her work has a starry mystical look that is utterly unique and all her own. She is an artist that is blazing her own path forward and shines as bright as any of the stars in her paintings. It’s a pleasure to have the opportunity to get to know her better in this magazine.

Urban-Muse: Abigail, it’s so nice to finally get to feature you here on Urban-Muse. For this interview would you like to be referred to as Abigail, Abbi, or Serafleur? I’ve seen you use each of those, we will adjust the interview format based on your preference.

Serafleur: Hmm that’s a tough question. Since both Abigail and Serafleur represent me as a person and an artist, I don’t really have much preference on what everyone calls me. But for this interview I would like to be referred to as Serafleur.

Urban-Muse: We have so much to ask you, let’s start off with your education. Education is something we ask every artist about. According to our notes you attended two colleges, the first was “The Fashion Institute of the Philippines” in Makati, and the most recent is Miriam College in Quezon City where you studied Bachelors of Science in Entrepreneurship. What else did you study? Were there art courses? Do you feel your college education has affected and or improved your work? Is Education something you would recommend to artists who may be wondering if that’s the path they should take?

Serafleur: I took Bachelors of Science in Entrepreneurship and my minor course is Fashion Design – an elective two-year course. During those two years we were taught about basic pattern making, fashion illustration and haute couture techniques. I didn’t study any digital art or fine art related courses or schools because of various reasons and I somehow regret not going into one. During my college years I wasn’t able to draw a lot due to school projects and there’s only me in my class that has the passion for art and so there’s little influence for me to draw more and improve harder. At that time I wasn’t sure of what career I should really take. My dream was to be a video game designer or illustrator but I thought I needed to go to a digital art and animation school where I can learn basic fundamentals, etc. I planned on going to an art school after I graduated Entrepreneurship but my parents wanted me to help our family business so I held my plan off for a while. For me, having an experience of going to an art school is an advantage especially because of your environment that will influence you to work harder and pursue your goals as an artist. Although what’s more important is to work hard yourself, keep on drawing and practicing, and be inspired.

 

 

Urban-Muse: So speaking of the Philippines it really is such a pleasure to get the chance to talk to Filipino artists! As we mentioned earlier you are the fourth artist we’ve profiled from the Philippines.

The others are: Noveland Sayson from Angeles City, Alen Rocha from Olongapo, and Jacob Max also from Quezon City! There really are some wonderful artists from your country! Also coincidentally according to our analytics the Philippines are one of our top countries for traffic so there are no doubt going to be lots of Filipinos reading this! What can you

tell us about what it’s like to be

an artist from the Philippines and how that has influenced your work that is shown and shared on a global scale?

Serafleur: Wow that’s nice to know! I know lots of amazing Filipino artists and I also have Filipino artist friends which I’m proud of. We have this digital art community called Metal Pen founded by my friend Justine Cruz. He’s also a great artist that a lot of Filipino artists look up to. I’m grateful to be a part of this community where everyone’s supportive of each other.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Urban-Muse: Let’s start with your favorite artists? I know there’s bound to be a lot but who are some of your top favorite artists right now past or present?

Serafleur: Oh, I have a lot of favorite artists, but first few artists that influence me the most are Charlie Bowater, Jana Schirmer, Guangjian Huang and Stanley Lau (Artgerm). My goal was to have a semi realistic style. On my first year of joining Deviantart I saw Artgerm and Charlie’s works on the front page and I was amazed. Then I thought I have a lot to learn to achieve the skills that they have.

 

(Above: Serafleur’s version of Artgerm’s Pepper – Artgerm feature coming to Urban-Muse.com 7-24-19)

 

Urban-Muse: We read that you first started drawing at the young age of 7! How did you learn to paint? Completely on your own? Or were there people that helped you along the way?

Serafleur: Yes, but I started to paint digitally when I was 14 during high school. But I wasn’t consistent in drawing since I don’t have much influence back then. I mentioned that I didn’t attend any art school so I was a self-taught.

Urban-Muse: Media seems to be really important to you as well and a big influence on your work. What TV shows do you like? What video games did you play? Is there one that seems to have been most influential on you and your work?

Serafleur: Sailor Moon was the reason why I started to draw. I watched it when I was 6. I always look for any blank or scratch papers to draw Sailor Moon or Wedding Peach. I also had a huge collection of paper dolls that I dreamed of making my own paper dolls someday. For video games, I grew up playing JRPG games. I started playing when I was 8 and the first few JRPG games that I played are Final Fantasy IX and Tales of Eternia. After playing a lot of games with that genre it makes me want to become a video game designer and hoping to make my own someday too. The video game that influenced me the most is Shadow Hearts Covenant. The story, game script, music and characters touched my soul that I wanted to make something as beautiful as the game.

 

Urban-Muse: Take us through the process of creating a Serafleur painting. How does it start? With an idea in your head that you sketch down? Digitally or Physically? From then on how do you sit down and start to work? Do you have a certain type of music you like to listen? I have read you like to listen to music that makes you think of the character? Describe the process and how long it takes.

Serafleur: I listen to epic orchestral, symphonic rock, metal rock (but not the super heavy ones) because the lyrics and the beat make me motivated while I draw. Listening to 80s-00s songs make me nostalgic so they also inspire me to work as well. I really love anything fantasy and feminine colors so I think of, looking at various fantasy illustrations allow me to gather ideas. Listening to music that suits the mood of the illustration helps me execute what’s in my mind more. Painting headshots take me about 6 to 8 hours, portraits up to bust will take me 10 hours, half body and full body will take me 11 hours and above depending on the details.

 

 

 

Urban-Muse: Tell us a bit about your setup. What kind of Computer do you use? What Software? What model Tablet? Would you recommend this items? Are you satisfied with them or yearning for an upgrade?

Serafleur: I have two 24-inch monitors, one is Dell the other is Samsung. My computer system is Intel Core i7-4790K @ 4.00 Ghz, RAM 32GB and Windows 7 Professional. My tablet is Wacom 5 Intuos medium and I use Adobe Photoshop CC. So far I’m fine with my work setup but I’m planning to get Cintiq Pro soon.

Urban-Muse: According to your Facebook profile your boyfriend is Daniel Kamarudin, which is interesting because he is also an artist! Do you feel like being in a relationship helps put you in a good state of mind that could help your art? What is it like to have a significant other who is also an artist?

Serafleur: We’re freelancers so it helps a lot in our long distance relationship and our styles work really well together which is amazing to both of us. Having a partner that does and likes the same as you is really heartwarming especially when we inspire and motivate each other to do better. He has a lot more experience with the art industry so I’ve learned a lot from him and broaden my perspective in art.

Urban-Muse: We saw you and your boyfriend collaborated on a piece, a Zodiac Bust Statue. I’m not 100% sure what a bust statue is, can you educate us on it? It seems like a design layout that you would take to a statue / memorabilia company that they would use as reference to create a 3D Sculpture that could then be manufactured and sold? Is that right?

Serafleur: Yes we collaborated on a statue design based on my Zodiac portraits with the possibility of producing said design into a physical product should any collectables company take up the offer. When we start production. We would firstly send the design work and breakdowns of the finer details to a 3D artist to sculpt. Once that’s done, it goes to 3d print and prototyping where we iron out any physical or engineering problems the product might have. A prototype will also be sent to a painter to create the master paintjob. This is what the factories will use as reference to replicate once the product goes into mass production. Typically these collectables will be of a finite amount as once they’re all gone, they’re gone for good. As of now we’re still in the early stages of preparing a pitch but we’re hopeful of realizing our vision one day.

Urban-Muse: How do you deal with haters? People that just want to be negative? In addition to how you deal with them, do you have advice for our readers on how to deal with this sadly common problem?

Serafleur: Of course I will feel sad and think why people would want to waste their time hating on someone. I just learned not to pay attention to them, just click report then move on. I will think about the people supporting me than people who hate me. We will not get used to people hating us but we’re just going to keep getting stronger with the help of the support from our loved ones and other people.

Urban-Muse: How do you choose what your next piece is going to be? Do you have specific models/references you use or is it all from imagination?

Serafleur: Depends on what I feel drawing or what’s trending. I usually have few references while painting which really helps me complete my work.

Urban-Muse: Has there been situations where you had a piece and really struggled with it? Maybe you decided to scrap it or something? This is a common issue with many artists, do you have any advice to get past that “

Serafleur: Yes, I have situations where I struggle with my pieces but I keep on pushing myself to finish it instead of scrapping them. So I really don’t have much scrap works in my folder. We call that an “art block” and it’s really hard to get past that especially when we feel uninspired or unmotivated. What I do is rest from painting, do other activities that I like such as playing video games, watching movies or go out with friends. Then after that I will look for inspiring illustrations then help myself to get inspired again.

Urban-Muse: This is an incredibly common question so please bear with us, but are there any specific brushes you use or can recommend?

Serafleur: I use soft round brush, textured brushe from Jonas De Ro and Charlie Bowater then the glitter brush that I modified. If you want smooth style I recommend Charlie’s brushes then soft round brush which you can adjust the hardness. I also recommend to play with the brush settings.

Urban-Muse: You’re on virtually every art site, platform, and social media outlet. Which one has been the most important to you? In terms of growing your own fanbase, helping to find work/commissions, and maybe even where you prefer to view art yourself?

Serafleur: Before, I prefered Deviantart but Instagram is better in terms of growing your fanbase. The thing is in social media nowadays you should be active and post almost everyday for you to get higher reach. I got inactive for a few months so my reach got lower so I’m doing my best to get back to being active. Artstation for me is the best when it comes to a proper portfolio site.

Urban-Muse: In a previous interview you said your pseudonym “Serafleur” essentially means “Burning Flower” I was actually surprised when I read that because of the “fleur” I assumed it had something to do with a flower, and before I knew your name was Abigail Diaz I thought it might be “Sera” or “Sara” so you’d be “Sara Flower.” Twisted Fate seems pretty personal but could you elaborate why you like that aspect so much? Either way “Serafleur” is a very pretty sounding name.

Serafleur: I searched for the meanings of the phrase that’s connected to my own story Entwined Fate which I’ve been creating in my mind ever since I was in high school. It’s a story about an ex royalty that was exiled from her kingdom because they thought she’s a threat with her uncontrollable power and the journey to find her twin sister that was shown in a mysterious full bodied mirror that has the possible answer about her existence. Burning flower is the representation of the main character. So I searched for the names of the meaning burning then other name for flower.

Urban-Muse: Are you working somewhere right now or are you focusing primarily on your art?

Serafleur: I worked in my father’s company but I’m a freelancer and focusing on my art now.

Urban-Muse: How do you find time in your day to create art?

Serafleur: I usually work at night until 6am in the morning. For me it’s calming to work at night than during the day because of less interaction from people and it’s mostly quiet and peaceful.

Urban-Muse: Another really common question, but a pivotal one. What do you say when someone asks you how they can improve their art, and presumably be as good as you one day?

Serafleur: Well, all I can say is keep on drawing. Study the master’s painting, practice how they paint, learn how we do things by watching our video process, and always be inspired and motivated. Don’t be afraid to use references. Some people wants to learn but they don’t make effort or doesn’t draw much and that won’t help you to improve.

Urban-Muse: This is a question that can change throughout an artist’s life so it’s good to ask it from time to time. But right now what is your favorite piece of yours? What makes it special?

Serafleur: My favorite piece is Ceres. It’s my first painting of a black woman and I put a lot of glitters to it that shows a lot to her skin which makes me thrilled because I really love to put a lot of glitters into my artworks ever since 3 years ago. I also made her look like she’s glowing. Everything that I like in this piece are constellations, glitters, glow, and the colors. It’s also one of the goddesses of my zodiac series.

(Above: Ceres)

Urban-Muse: What has been the most important thing you have learned on your path to becoming an artist?

Serafleur: I learned to become more patient when it comes to working on a piece. Sometimes I want to rush my works into the final result but in the end I find it not satisfying. I also learned that you cannot please everyone. The more you’re known the more possibility that some people will hate you no matter what you do. They want to see you down instead of seeing you successful and that’s a sad reality. Or they just won’t really like your works in general. I tried to please everyone before but I now that I’ve learned a lot from this art journey I realized that doing what I love and what I want to do is much better and less stressful than trying to please everyone.

Urban-Muse: Somewhat related to the last question, but if you could time travel and talk to a younger version of yourself, what would you tell her?

Serafleur: If I could time travel and talk to the younger version of myself, I’ll tell her to not waste time and draw a lot, learn basic fundamentals early and keep on searching for inspirations. I regret not drawing regularly when I was young and I would’ve done most my goals now if I’m just more passionate when I was younger.

Urban-Muse: What does the future have in store for Serafleur? Where do you hope to see yourself maybe 10 years down the line?

Serafleur: 10 years from now, I see myself as one of the artists that influences younger artists and I’m able to create my own story as a video game or as a comic book. Also created more collaboration stuff with Daniel such as statues and artbooks.

Urban-Muse: The theme for this issue is going to be Triumph, and overcoming adversity. Has there been a really big event in your life where you feel like you overcame something very difficult? How did you do it? How did you feel afterwards? Do you feel like things like this are important to growing as an artist, and as a person?

Serafleur: I became inactive last 2017 for a few months because of personal issues, my depression and it affected my career as well. I almost gave up being an artist but lots of good people came into my life and they helped me to keep on going and not give up especially in life. I know I have a lot to learn as a person and I’m working on that. The advantage of being an artist is you can meet inspiring people easily through online or in person and they give you hope. That’s why I’m grateful to everyone who’s been with me until now in this art journey, without them I won’t get into where I am now.

Urban-Muse: And our last question, much lighter than some of the previous ones. We understand you have a small fluffy dog? Please tell us about them, often pets can be really important to an artist.

Serafleur: Ah yes. Her name’s Fluffy haha. She’s been with me ever since I was 14 and she’s the only dog I have. She’s always with me 24/7, a stress reliever and our happy pill. I can’t imagine myself without her. Whenever I paint she’s always beside me, sometimes I can hear her playing her favorite toy. I always wish that her life to be longer and healthy because she’s really the one that makes me happy.

Urban-Muse: Thank you so much for agreeing to be a part of this Abigail. You are wonderful. Please keep creating such beautiful art!

Serafleur: Thank you as well for featuring me! It’s an honor to be part of Urban Muse.

 

Support Serafleur:

Youtube Channel

instagram.com/serafleur.art

facebook.com/SerafleurArt

artstation.com/serafleur

patreon.com/serafleur

serafleur.deviantart.comgumroad.com

serafleurserafleur.tumblr.com

 

Support Urban-Muse

patreon.com/urbanmuse

 

 

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