#loycos

[gunterfan1992]

Interview with Fan Artist loycos!

(Art by loycos)

So a few months ago, I was absent-mindedly scrolling on Tumblr (or was it Twitter?) when I came across something: an Adventure Time fan comic by an artist named loycos. As a person embedded in fan spaces, I find fanart like this all the time, but this time, there was something special about the art I was seeing. It was so... show-accurate!

I don’t mean that necessarily in regard to the art style (although it does feel right at home in the Land of Ooo, while still being its own thing with its own flourishes), but rather in relation to the characterization; the way loycos wrote the characters was spot on. She nailed PB and Marceline’s dynamic as former lovers who deep-down miss one another. She nailed Finn’s naive heroism and his one-sided crush on PB. She nailed Jake’s goofball energy. It was perfect.

In the past, I’ve only interviewed people affiliated with the show’s production, but I thought I’d mix things up a bit and reach out to some fan artists that I think are fantastic. As such, I’m delighted to share with you an interview I had with loycos, who answered my questions about her art, her history with Adventure Time, and where her work is headed!

What is your 'artistic origin' story?

[It’s] kind of a corny answer, but I've been drawing since I remember myself. My earliest drawing memories are drawing Clifford (the big red dog) fanart when I was around 5 y/o. I was always more of a "fangirl" artist, [and] I would draw characters from my favorite franchises to illustrate my headcanons and daydream scenarios I'd put them in. That hadn't changed one bit since. I had since gone on to study animation and illustration in official institutions which forced me to design characters and worlds of my own, but when I draw for myself it's always back to fanart (or studies). I don't have any OCs.

Are there particular artists or styles that you were inspired by and/or like to emulate or allude to?

I'd joke that my artstyle is just a mesh of all the franchises I've drawn fanart for over the years, but honestly, is it even a joke? I think you can easily recognize I had a Disney Phase like every other teenager (I didn't have an anime phase though! I know, I'm an anomaly) and [Steven Universe] definitely left it's fat mark on my style too. Out of [Steven Universe]'s storyboarding crew (which I followed very closely over the years) I especially love Raven Molisee and Jeff Liu for their wacky expressions and proportions, and of course Rebecca Sugar for their fluid and carefree lines. When it comes to art in general, I tend to prefer stylized, colorful and brushy styles over realistic or gothic ones, So people like Hue Teo and Patri Balanovsky pop to my mind (and my artstation feed, seriously look them up).

How do you approach your projects; what is your general art process?

It really depends on the type of project I'm doing, though, my [Adventure Time] comics were all pretty similar in their conception: I write down all of my ideas in my notes so I won't forget them. Then I either roughly sketch out the entire comic as fast as I can, or I write a script (if the concept is specifically very dialog heavy) and then sketch it roughly. Then I do the lineart and color, nothing too complicated. The one thing I think is worth noting in my long comic process is that I draw all of my panels on the same document- that way it's easier for me to make sure the characters stay on model and that my panel layout remains fresh. So basically, the way you read the comics on tumblr, as a long scroll, is the format I work on.

How did you come to find Adventure Time? What made you join the fandom?

Adventure Time is one of those shows you just know about, so I don't remember how I first found out about the show. However, I do remember when I started shipping Bubbline—after the episode “Broke His Crown” aired. I somehow ended up in their Tumblr tag and was blown away by the (by 2016's standards) blatant representation. Despite my obsession with them at the time, I never actually watched any episode that didn't feature the girls' relationship. I only started fully watching the show recently. But I did consume a lot of fan content, which I think helped me shape my own headcanons and such. After my initial interest in 2016 I put Bubbline back on the back burner and kept on my [Steven Universe] ramage, until last year's “Obsidian,” which brought me back fully on board the Bubbline decks around 2 weeks before it aired, so I was in maximum hype mode when I watched the special. It did not disappoint [and it] really reminded me of why I loved these characters and their relationship to begin with. I started drawing my own art for the ship shortly after, when I felt like the hype around the special died down and there wasn't much to keep me sustained anymore. I make what I want to see ;)

As for joining the fandom, I don't know if I can be considered a member, seeing how inactive I am most of the time and my very limited list of [Adventure Time] mutuals. I am extremely flattered that my stuff caught ATimers attention in a positive way.

You've done some amazing Bubblegum and Marceline stuff. What draws you to their dynamic?

I'm gay.

OK, seriously now. I have a soft spot for extremely feminine, dainty characters that are very reserved, so PB immediately marked herself as an obvious fav, and the road to shipping her with Marceline (who is such an obvious candidate and a multilayered, fascinating character herself) was a short one. I know calling PB dainty is far from a true statement, but that's what she appeared like on the surface and that's what caught my attention. Another thing is that I love relationships between immortal beings, I think it always adds another layer of complexity to any relationship, especially a romantic one. The whole "getting older without appearing like you've aged" and "watching everyone you love die around you while you stay the same" can surely make 2 beings bond, right? It always felt like PB and Marcy get each other in a way no one else can, they are very different on the surface but share fundamental internal similarities. Oh, and the fact that they're EXES? The romantic tension and the longing? The familiarity and banter they had in every scene they shared?This hit the jackpot on literally every relationship trope that I love. I'd much rather watch a "getting back together" than a "falling in love for the first time" story.

All of this and the fact that they [are] gay. It's really that simple sometimes.

In broad strokes, what is next for you as an artist and/or as a fan?

I have a few [Adventure Time] comics ideas\scripts on the back burner and one that is in the making. I think I'll dabble into some Nintendo fanart cause I've been playing a lot of Smash Bros and [Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild] lately.

I’m so excited to see what comes next! Either way, a huge thanks to loycos for chattin’ with me! If you’d like to check out more of her art, visit her Tumblr and her Twitter page!

[spinel-and-the-diamonds]

Here’s a fun collab I did with @loycos ♡ They drew the lines and I did the color!

[bucketofchum]

also Lisa Hannigan’s voice was so beautiful

when she sings “and swept in with the throng” I melt every single time

[acerosu]

 ~THE LOOP~

So I commissioned @loycos for a Bellow comic about Blue being a smug little flirter with her hair and IT TURNED OUT AMAZING! Poor Yellow. So weak for Blue.

NSFW version: https://imgur.com/a/fFY1tUy

And I also wrote a short about it. That’s under cut, and also a bit nsfw :D

“I can do this.”

 Blue Diamond sat in front of a crystal mirror; her intense eyes reflecting back as she tried to focus.

 “Just a few more tries.” She rolled her shoulders, chest out in determination. “How does that look?”

 Blue’s Pearl had long given up as she stood bored on the surface of the vanity before her Diamond. After a few hours, the gold inlaid into the marble had become far more interesting. Giving a nod, she glanced up.

 “You are more radiant than ever, my Diamond.”

 “No no. It’s still all wrong.” Blue frowned, hands stroking along the loop of hair that hung below her neck. “I either get it tangled or stuck on the top of my head.”

 She narrowed her gaze, testing the weight of the hair before tossing it up. Strands clung against her face as she let out a sigh in frustration, the loop slowly falling back down.

 “Maybe if I start higher?”

 She tried again, letting out an impatient whine as the loop flopped on top of her head, making her look like a fool.

 “Come on! How is this so hard?”

 Another attempt followed and Blue smashed her hand down on the vanity, causing various bottles to wobble and fall over.

 “Arg!” She huffed in rage. “Almost had it!”

 Her Pearl took a few steps back, still trying staying loyal but unable to give any more advice. Outside the private chamber, two stern Topaz guards exchanged glances as more embittered cries echoed down the hallway.

 ---

 Yellow Diamond sat at her control chair on Homeworld, fingers idly shifting through new reports as she rested her head against her free hand. Though a routine day, she was still focused, stern expression never leaving her face as she gave order after order.

 “Pearl.” Yellow’s tone rang out cold, but her servant knew it was not against her. “Go down to the research lab and make sure they have those new injector specs done on time.”

 Giving a salute, the Pearl stood up as straight as she could. “At once, my Diamond!”

 Yellow heard the door shut and leaned back, crossing her legs. More requests poured in: docking sites that needed to be moved, more troop orders to send out, and the long list of new gems to inspect. She let out a sigh, attending to each with perfect efficiency. A flashing light in the corner of one of the monitors caught her full attention. She dismissed the other screen and sat up, answering the call.

 “My Diamond.” She gave a bow of her head as White’s face appeared on the screen; a close up of an eye fixing on her as if she was in the same room. “What may I do for you?”

 “Yellow.” White’s face pulled back, revealing the rest of her stern expression. “The main scouting fleet is still sitting in the repair docks.” A smile. Yellow frowned back. “Perhaps you could get something done on time for once?”

 “I apologize.” Yellow brought up the schedule and all pertaining data. One tiny thing to slip her mind and the rest falls like solar winds over an unprotected satellite. “I shall have them back on duty at once. Let me get you an estimate.”

 White narrowed her eyes. “That would be wonderful.”

 With her leader waiting, Yellow gritted her teeth, typing faster than ever as she sent out urgent messages and set up queues for each of the scout vessels. The door behind her opened again. Good, a little help from her Pearl during this mess. While in the middle of contacting the head Peridot in charge of repairs, a shadow fell over her view, blocking the clear light from her screen. At first she glared up, but her gaze softened to surprised confusion as she saw Blue standing before her.

 Yellow opened her mouth to speak but was lost in curiosity. The normal sad eyes and alluring presence of her fellow Diamond was replaced with glowing confidence and a sly grin. She watched, wide eyed, as Blue reached up and took her hanging loop of hair in both hands, maintaining full eye contact. In one fluid motion, the hair was tossed up, soft strands flowing over Blue’s head before falling back down, settling behind her shoulders to join the rest of her graceful locks. A small blush grew under the playful gaze as Blue grin wider. But that was not what Yellow was staring at.

 Mouth agape, the serious Diamond sat frozen, expression torn between shock and pure awe as she leaned back at the surprise. Blue had pulled down her dress and without the hair in the way, her full chest was now on display, large breasts welcoming as her gem glinted in the light. Yellow still held a hand out, her fingers stuck in mid type. They rose, reaching for the gift before pulling back, the powerful Diamond left bewildered as she stared at every inch of the form before her.

 “You got a little something there.”

 Blue stood with her chest out, trying to hold back laughter at the sheer joy and surprise brimming from Yellow’s face. All those hours of practice had been worth it. She reached down, resting her gentle hand under the Diamond’s chin before closing the open jaw, thumb trailing over the lips. She felt Yellow lean into her grip, still stunned.

 “B-Blue! I- you. What? Can I? We- wow.”

 All composure had left the room as Yellow stuttered, unable to form a complete sentence. Blue grinned down, leaning closer.

 “Yes. I had the same idea.” She whispered, wrapping the powerful Diamond up in her arms.

 Though unable to properly speak, Yellow had no complaints. She immediately rose, allowing herself to be embraced against the supple offering. Closing her eyes, she gave out a long sigh in approval. Blue nuzzled into soft hair as lips kissed along her breasts. The pair sunk to the floor together, Yellow’s legs weak and Blue more than eager to continue the fun. She pinned her fellow Diamond under her, eyes glowing in anticipation. Yellow grinned back, hands sliding down Blue’s waist to grip her hips.

 “Yellow? Hello?” White’s voice rang out above from the still opened screen hovering by the chair. Her pleas remained completely unnoticed. “Don’t give me that excuse of the connection failing again!”

 There was a pause as a low moan echoed from the floor, followed by gasping praises. White frowned.

 “Oh stars.” There was a sigh as White rolled her eyes. “Not again.”

[desnaa]

the fact that patti has her own bed in company and takes naps in between shows is the best thing, and everything she deserves

[loycos]

hey guys!

I recently moved out (hence the lack of activity in the last week or so), and i’m currently desperately looking for a job. until then, i really need another income, so im opening my commissions.

what I will draw: anything. SU (obviously), any sort of cartoon, OC’s, caricatures, fursonas, you name it.

NSFW commissions can be found here.

Please be ready to provide references in case I’ll require ones.

thank you all so much for the support! <3 if you want to donate to my ko-fi, here’s the link.

EDIT: a few things that I didn’t make clear\apply to my post last night and are super important:

I receive payment through PayPal. I won’t start working on your commission until after you’ve paid me. PRICES DONT INCLUDE PAYPAL FEES.

Contact me VIA EMAIL ([email protected]) to lay your request.

EDIT 2: since Tumblr hid my nsfw blog, people that want to see the nsfw commission sheet will have to DM me. 

[luximus]

An awesome commission of the beans done by talented @loycos!

This artist does some awesome Steven Universe fan art. Go check them out!! :D

[lunar-comic]

This is a quick ( and very very rough) little comic about how I think Blue and Yellow find out Steven is Pink's son in @loycos Human AU. I thought having the story be that Pink was a Uterus donor to Rose (without the Blue and Yellow's knowledge of course) would be an interesting way to translate both Pink and Rose being Steven's mom into reality. Plus it also shows Steven having a very complex family which is something I wish the show would focus on more.

And @loycos if you do see this please message me in someway to let me know what you think.