Find answers to commonly asked questions about my online store, influences, and more.
GENERAL
Where can I buy your work?
My official online store is www.gigimurakami.store. In addition to that, I have one stockist, Newtown HQ in Astoria, Queens, so you can now buy some of my art and merch in person.
How did you get into art?
I was always drawn to art, drawing, anime, cartoons, and manga. When I was like 6 or 7, I wanted to become an animator for Disney, so I’ve always had a passion for it.
Who / what are your influences?
Some of my notable influences include Katsuhiro Otomo, Naoki Urasawa, Satoshi Kon, Junji Ito, and Kentaro Miura,as well as Gigi Cavenago, Rockin JellyBean and Adam Hughes. Other influences include Akihito Yoshitomi, Shuzo Oshimi, Sushio, Kinu Nishimura, vintage pulp and pin-up art, and shows such as Tales from the Crypt, The Twilight Zone, Black Mirror and The Outer Limits.
Who / what inspires you?
I’m inspired by many creators and mediums, including video games, film, and music.
Some notable inspirations include
– Artists such as Rockin Jelly Bean, Frank Frazetta, Yoshitaka Amano, Hamlet Machine, Gabriela Correa [Crisalys], Takeshi Obata, Acky Bright, and Hiromu Arakawa.
– Filmmakers such as Christoper Nolan, Ari Aster, Darren Aronofsky, and Quentin Tarantino
– And different titles, such as Silent Hill, Tales From the Crypt, The Twilight Zone, Danganronpa and the Zero Escape, Resident Evil, and Siren.
Are you self-taught?
If high school classes and Youtube tutorials count—then, no. If they don’t count—then yes! I haven’t had much formal training outside of high school classes.
How did you learn how to draw and create manga?
I learned how to draw through observation and intentional practice. I study life for anatomy and environmental practice. I would also study the works of the artists I enjoyed. The same is true for manga as well. I studied a lot of work from manga artists and writers, as well as how to best approach manga and comics. I’m still studying day in and day out to improve my art and writing abilities. This process of studying is incredibly important to me and is a key reason for my growth—the learning is never finished.
What are your usual art supplies?
This changes from time to time, but currently they are the Mitsubishi~Hi-Uni and Tombow mono100 pencils in HB and 2B, Pilot Dr. Grip mechanical pencil [.05 and .07], Prismacolor Col-Erase color pencils, Copic markers, Tombow Mono eraser, Pentel Brush pens, Pilot and Deleter 4 black ink, Tachikawa nib holder, G, Nihonji, and Maru pen nibs [I prefer the Nikko brand], Portatrace Lightbox, Deleter manga paper, and Kuratake Gansai and Holbein watercolors on occasion.
Top 5 anime?
In no particular order:
Yu Yu Hakusho, Rurouni Kenshin, Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Paranoia Agent and Erased.
What are your goals?
Through my original stories and artwork, content creation and creative business, my goal is to become an internationally published horror mangaka and notable public figure within manga, anime, horror, film and alternative culture.
In addition to this I want to carve a path for other aspiring mangaka, and not only inspire, but aid them in pursuing their goals. This is the legacy I wish to leave behind.