Q) What artistic roles do you like to perform (i.e inker, penciler, computer colorer, painter). What styles/ genres do you create in?
I come from traditional roots. I started with watercolor, acrylics, and Copics. Sometime before my studies, I made the jump into the digital world. Since then, I’ve been working as a digital artist 99% of the time – and I enjoy every second of it! I try to do play with a lot of topics! I create character art, creatures and also finding joy in nature!
Q) How did you get your start in art, what was the first project you did that made you feel like a professional?
Before I became self-employed, I worked in agencies – mostly in graphic design. Alongside the typical design tasks, I also created smaller illustrative elements for advertising and various brands.
Still, this work never truly felt “professional” to me, even though it objectively was.
The first time I really saw myself as a professional artist was only when I took the step into full-time self-employment.
And I remember exactly when that moment happened: it was when I painted my first book cover during this new phase and eventually held the printed version in my hands. That was the moment everything truly clicked for me.
Q) Where would you like to see yourself in five years with your art?
want to do everything I can to continue working independently. I would also love to keep the opportunity to collaborate with major publishing houses. In the past, I also had a strong desire to work as an artist in the gaming industry. I studied Game Art & Animation and would be thrilled if I ever get the chance to work in that field.
In five years, I want to walk into a bookstore and see my work on the shelves – or play a game and recognize something where I can say: “That was my idea” or “I made that.”
I often struggle with the feeling that I wasted my potential during my years in agencies. I imagine how much further and more developed my art could be if I had invested my energy differently back then. But that is behind me – the best thing I can do now is to look forward.
Q) What do you feel is the most important things a person should take from a piece of art?
Maybe a bit cliché, but for me, it’s an emotion – any emotion! I believe everyone takes something different from a piece of art, and as long as that happens, the artwork has already been successful.
Q) Do you have a specific creative process when you are working on a piece of art?
I often have an idea or an emotion that I want to process. I then try to think about what I want to create and what resources I might need. Sometimes I need to look for references for poses, or even photograph them myself. Sometimes I go outside to study something, or I look at artists who excel in their field. Most of the time, they also offer tutorials, from which you can learn an incredible amount!
Q) What are your primary inspirations when creating art?
Lately, it’s mostly music! But movies or color combinations can inspire me as well. Of course, life itself can be a great source of inspiration too. I know that some of my best work often comes when I’m feeling sad, angry, or happy. It often helps to reflect inwardly and use those emotions as a creative outlet.
Q) Do you have any favorite artists that you like to study for technigue?
My absolute favorite artist at the moment is Grady Frederick! I don’t even know how many times I’ve watched each of his tutorials, but they’ve helped me tremendously. And every time, I discover something new that I try to apply to my own work and techniques.
Shoutout to Grady! Merci!
Q) What would your dream project be? Are there any mainstream projects you would like a chance to work on?
I would really love to work with or for Larian Studios someday. Or just watch other artists at work and collaborate on a project together. Tim Burton or perhaps Michael Kutsche would be huge sources of inspiration for me!
Q) If people want more information about you or to request a commission, where should they go?
Instagram DMs @cecilinee or Mail ceren.Senguelen@gmail.com
Final four questions –we ask everybody.
Q) When the zombies take over the world where will you be?
I’ll probably be in front of my tablet, painting. Zombies? Not enough time for that, haha! When I reach the end, I’d love to experience it while I’m still in the process of creating.
Q ) What is your favorite Fandom (could be sports, pop culture, favorite director or author)
Lately, I’ve been immersing myself in the books of Benjamin Meyers. I love the calm and serenity his works convey. And then there’s the complete contrast when I get lost in the visual worlds of Tim Burton.
Q) What piece of art, do you think people must experience before they die?
The painting The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David. I’ve never been so overwhelmed by a painting as I was by this one. I don’t even know how much time I could spend just in front of it.
Q) Give one fact that most people would not believe about you?
I’m actually really shy
Paper Phoenix ink 