ART BLOG
Technique, the business of art, and what it looks like to build something on the side
Written by Ivan Castro, marker artist, product manager, and AI professional based in Orlando.
Posts cover The Craft (marker technique and rendering), The Hustle (selling prints and commissions), and The Life (working in AI while building something on the side).
How Artists Actually Grow on Instagram and TikTok (It's Not What You Think)
Every artist wants more Instagram and TikTok followers. But the obsession with likes and follower counts might be exactly what's holding you back. Here's the mindset shift that actually works.
How to Draw Tattoos on Characters with Copic Markers
A step-by-step guide to drawing tattoos on characters with Copic markers. Render the skin first, build layers with cool grays, and make tattoos look believable.
How to Draw Clothing with Markers: Folds, Wrinkles and Tonal Values
Learn how to draw clothing folds and wrinkles in marker art. A breakdown of compression wrinkles, hanging folds, tonal values and shading using Black Panther as the subject.
How to Draw Glowing Hands with Markers: Copic Glow Effect Tutorial
Learn how to draw glowing hands and energy effects with Copic markers. A step-by-step breakdown of temperature, core glow, muscle definition, and outer fade, using Iron Fist as the subject.
How to Scan Original Artwork for High-Quality Art Prints
Three practical tips for scanning your original artwork to create better quality art prints — covering file format (TIFF vs JPEG), scanning resolution (why 600 DPI), and color mode (CMYK vs RGB).
Best Art Supplies for Marker Rendering with Copic, Prismacolor and More
The art supplies I use daily for Copic marker rendering, from Staedtler non-photo blue pencils and Prismacolor to Strathmore 400 paper. Real recommendations from a working illustrator.
What is Contrapposto? Drawing Tips for Dynamic Poses
Learn what contrapposto is and how to use it in your figure drawing. A practical guide from a marker artist covering weight shift, S-curves, and dynamic poses.
How to Color Comic Characters with Copic Markers: A Beginner Guide
Learn how to color comic characters with Copic markers. Working light to dark, non-photo blue pencils, and white paint marker highlights explained step by step, using Black Widow as the subject.
How to Create Shadows with Markers: Color Theory Tips
Shadows aren't just black. Learn the color theory behind realistic shadows in marker art, including why shadows skew blue and how complementary colors create depth.
COMMISSIONS
Want something made just for you?
Hip-hop, anime, comic book characters. Starting at $150.
SHOP PRINTS
Hip-hop, anime and culture art. Drawn by hand, limited by design.
Hip-hop legends, anime icons and comic book characters. Rendered by hand, ready for your wall.
Drop notifications. Not newsletters.
New tutorials, limited print drops, and the occasional honest take on the creative life.