Artist Spotlight @BlueRoninArt

1、Could you introduce yourself to our audience? How did “BlueroninArt” begin?

I'm Niall, the guy behind BlueRoninArt! I've been drawing since I was a kid and always knew I wanted to work for myself.
The "Ronin" bit comes from my fascination with Japanese history — a ronin's a samurai without a master, and that sense of independence really resonated with me! My love for Japanese culture runs deep, and I'm actually heading there later this year for the first time to soak it all in firsthand! The "Blue" part? Honestly, no deep meaning, it's just a colour I've always liked. I started the whole social media art thing back in 2018 on Reddit, fresh out of uni, and it took a few years to turn it into a full-time gig. Put all that together and here we are!

2、What inspires your artwork the most? Is there a theme or style that defines your creations?

Growing up, I was obsessed with comics and cartoons! Spider-Man, X-Men, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon - you name it! I didn't even know some of them were anime until Spirited Away came along. My dad and I borrowed it from my uncle (on VHS, I think - proper old school!) and it blew my mind! Around the same time, another uncle, who lived in America at the time, sent me a Shonen Jump with a Yu-Gi-Oh! promo card in it — this was way back before we could even get Shonen Jump in the UK! I was flicking through, saw the Bleach Visored arc, and thought, "Whoa... this is so cool!" That was the start of my anime/ manga obsession! Now my style's this mash-up of manga energy and Western comic grit, with big influences from Eiichiro Oda, Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee, and Joe Madureira!

3、When did you first start using alcohol based markers in your artwork?

I actually used alcohol narkers a lot as a teenager, but eventually switched over to watercolour, which became my mai redium for years. I still love watercolour and use it occasionally, but these days I'm primarily back t alcohol markers and honestly, they're probably my favourite medium now! The colours are vibrant, the blending is smooth, and they just suit the way I work perfectly

4、 Which type of markers do you prefer—dual tip alcohol markers with brush and chisel tips, brush and fine or other types? Why?

Brush tips all day! When I moved from watercolour back to alcohol markers, I was fine with them at first, but they only really became my preferred medium once I lot my hands on markers with a brush nib. I was so used to holding a paintbrush from my watercolou lays that the brush nib just felt instantly right! Perfect for blending, which is a huge part of how I worl Ill occasionally grab a chisel tip for blocky, stylised effects or a fine tip for teeny details, but I'm happiest with the brush!

5、 Many beginners want to know: how do you achieve that smooth blending and vibrant color saturation in your art? Any tips for alcohol markers for beginners?

With alcohol markers, always work light to dark! Start with your lightest colour and slowly build up the darker shades! If two colours aren't blending, use a mid-tone between them to smooth it out! I'll often go back and forth between colours until it looks right! Don't rush it - blending's something you build up, not a one-and-done swipe!

6、 What’s your favorite type of art project to do with alcohol markers? (manga, fashion illustration, adult coloring, etc.)

I love projects that let me tell a story through a single image! A lot of my work is anime or manga fan art, but I also enjoy working on my own original characters where I can put a unique spin on things. The thing is, people don't tend to see much of my own projects because I don't share them as often - but I plan on showing more of that side of my work soon! Two formats I'm especially known for are my "spill art" and "four-style" split portraits. Spill art is something I probably do a little too often because it's just so fun, and the four-style pieces are a great way to challenge myself with different techniques in one piece!

7、 You’ve tried Bianyo markers in your art. How would you describe their smooth ink flow, quick‑drying ink, or bleed-proof performance?

They've been a trusted part of my kit for years! The ink flow is smooth and consistent, the colours come out vibrant, and they dry quickly without causing too much bleed. They're comfortable to hold, which really matters in long drawing sessions, and I always know exactly what I'm getting when I pick one up.

8、 Many artists are looking for an affordable Copic alternative. How do you feel Bianyo compares to other brands?

Bianyo is seriously underrated! I've worked with a lot of brands over the years, and their ink quality holds its own against much more expensive options. For the price, they deliver fantastic results, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced artists who want quality without the huge price tag.

9、 Which features of Bianyo markers help your creative workflow the most? (ex: color-coded caps, ergonomic design, dual tips)

The colour-coded caps with the actual code printed on them are a lifesaver! I can quickly find the exact shade I need without rummaging around. Pair that with a comfy grip and a brush tip that feels riaht in my hand, and thev're just a pleasure to work with.

10、 For artists who want to start using alcohol markers for illustration, what’s one tip you wish you knew earlier?

When it comes to alcohol markers, I wish I'd known earlier just how important it is to understand layering and ink flow. Markers aren't paints — they behave differently, and once you get familiar with how the ink blends and dries, you can get so much more out of them! My best advice is to combine that technical learning with broad artistic exploration: expose yourself to as many different art styles as possible. Don't just stick to one or two influences — try out different styles, even copy them for practice, and pick up the little techniques that speak to you. Over time, you'll blend these influences into something that's completely your own.

11、 What would you say to beginners who are afraid of “marker bleed” or making mistakes?

Don't be scared of mistakes - they're part of the process. Sometimes they lead to unexpected ideas or solutions you wouldn't have thought of otherwise. With bleed, you learn to work with it and even turn it into a feature rather than a flaw. And remember, confidence comes with practice and familiarity — the more you work with markers, the more comfortable and in control you'll feel.

12、 Your content is very popular on Instagram and TikTok. How do you come up with new ideas for your Reels or speed drawing videos?

A lot of it comes from curiosity! I like trying subjects I wouldn't normally choose just to see what I can learn from them. My "spill art" and "four-style" formats are a staple because they're fun for me, instantly recognisable to my audience, and push me to try different approaches. Even if something starts as a bit of an experiment, it can often spark a whole new series of ideas.

13、 Are there any exciting projects or collaborations coming up for BlueroninArt?

Yes! I'm moving more into long-form YouTube content to connect with people on a deeper level. I've got a course launching in September that's all about breaking down and recreating different art styles. It's aimed at helping artists figure out how to study their favourite styles, identify the key elements, and then use that knowledge to emulate or adapt them in their own work.

14、 Finally, what does it mean to you to create with color?

Colour adds life, emotion, and atmosphere to a piece. I love the storytelling power of black-and-white manga, but colour can make a scene feel more immersive and emotionally charged. Learning colour theory early on taught me how different palettes can set the tone or mood, and it's one of the most exciting tools I have when building a world on paper.