Ash Szymanik
Hi, I’m Ash! I’m a queer Los Angeles based artist who makes all sorts of neat stuff. I have a BFA in Traditional Animation from Pratt Institute, and work as a designer, illustrator, and comics artist/writer.
My art is defined by animal characters, moody colors, and a bit of dark humor. I’m drawn to slice-of-life stories with LGBTQ+ themes and am committed to making art about both the struggles and joys of LGBTQ+ youth.
What is your favorite food?
Anything that is a pasta or a dumpling. Just as long as it doesn’t have mushrooms in it.
What do you love to do for fun?
I love collecting manga/comics, watching movies, discovering little-known indie video games, and cooking.
Location:
Visit Ash at:
Art Process:
I’m a digital artist who does most of their work in Procreate! However, I have a little journal/sketchbook where I scribble down my ideas and doodles of concepts. If I’m experiencing art block, I like to skim through it and mine for ideas!
When I illustrate, I tend to make a very rough sketch to map out the drawing, and once the sketch is legible enough for me, I start inking. I try not to be too perfectionist when doing the lineart, especially since I love a bit of a wobbly line and texture. Then I start coloring. I love picking colors and settling on a palette. After editing, I’m all done!
Mediums:
Specialties:
Animals, Book Covers, Character design, Coloring, Concept art, Graphic novel interior art, Humor, Illustration, Indie comics, Inking, Middle Grade, Non-fiction, Penciling, Picture books, Slice-of-life, Spot art, Writing, Young Adult
Published books:
Let’s Get Burgers (Silver Sprocket, 2022)
Nell & the Netherbeast (illustration, written by Adi Rule, Andrews McMeel, 2023)
Four Eyes (colorist, written by Rex Ogle, illustrated by Dave Valeza, Scholastic, 2023)
Pizza Face (colorist, written by Rex Ogle, illustrated by Dave Valeza, Scholastic, 2024)
Published Books
