Embedded Files
By: J
May 5, 2026
J is a sophomore communication major. They served as a staff writer for The Cyclone Chronicle during the fall 2025 semester.
Ever wanted to improve your art skills? We asked four artist alley guests from Zenkaikon 2026 for their best advice!
Zenkaikon took place on March 20-22, celebrating its 20th anniversary. The event took place in the Lancaster, PA, Convention Center and featured many voice actor guests, such as Khary Payton who voices Cyborg from the Teen Titans series. More information can be found here.
“I have always been wanting to start digital art and improve my skills, so why not ask some of the artists who sell their work professionally at this convention for some advice?” said J.
From prints, shirts, keychains, and more there's something for everyone being sold by artists at the convention. Each artist has their own unique art style ranging from pixel art, paintings, bead art, sketches, digital art, clay sculptures, mixed media. From walking around the convention four artist tables caught my eye.
I asked each of the four artists “What is the best advice you can give to beginner artists?”
“I hope that all artists can enjoy and love what they create, and remember that everything that you put your efforts into will be heard and seen by someone,” said a representative from Lucid Sky Art. “Even if it’s not evident right in the beginning things will be important later on! Always remember to be diligent and always work hard to get past the hurdles!”
Frieren Print by Lucid Sky (Photo by J Dahmer).
Kirby And Splatoon Prints By 1000 Dead Draculas (Photo by J Dahmer).
“Don't worry about developing your ‘art style’ right away,” said Natasha Tara Petrović from booth 1000 Dead Draculas. “That comes naturally over time and is developed as you grow and learn. figure out what you actually enjoy drawing and draw the hell out of it!”
“Draw what you are passionate about, because it will actually make the work easier and the results will show your love!” said a representative from Fox Clover Art.
“I would definitely say try figure drawing first as a beginner and keep practicing at it,” said a representative from Em’s Garden.
Next, I asked them: “So what's YOUR favorite part of being an artist?”
“I love drawing and the creative process of creating the artwork,” said a representative from Lucid Sky Art. “It’s the puzzle of finding the best lighting and pose and character and representation of emotion that drives my inspiration for artwork. I always love seeing what these two hands can create, and I'm always proud of myself, even if I’m a little insecure about always posting my artwork online.”
“I love playing with shapes, color, and expectation. Illustration is like a puzzle I’m always figuring out. Composition, color, angles, are all part of the puzzle,” said Natasha Tara Petrović from booth 1000 Dead Draculas
Sonic and Shadow stickers by Em's Garden (Photo by J Dahmer).
Pokemon Stained Glass Prints by Fox Clover (Photo by J Dahmer).
“Being able to travel and make friends everywhere, experience different places, and be my own boss… Which kind of sometimes is stressful, but the good far outweighs the bad,” said a representative from Fox Clover Art.
“Building the community is our favorite part for sure!” said a representative from Em’s Garden.
After interviewing each artist, I got some helpful tips to help with my art journey, and I hope that you, reading this, can get inspired by these amazing artists. Good luck on your art journey!
Make sure to check out our lovely interviewees here!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse