Read our interview with Niki, the creator behind Moon Duckling.
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello! My name is Niki – the person behind Moon Duckling! As the name suggests, I mostly draw duckling(s)… and moons! While ducks make most of my artworks, I’ve also tried to dip into some different animals – foxes, cats and bears! I draw vector illustrations, and sketch using my tablet while completing the artwork using mouse! I also am a game developer, and I’m currently developing a bubble tea x ducks game! ♥
Can you tell us about your game in the making?
Sure! Before I started working on my current game, I worked on a stealth comedic game called The Duck Life… But eventually, I realized this was not the first game I want to put out. And moreover, I realized there is a spot missing between the restaurant games… a bubble tea game is missing! So it was only natural to take my two biggest loves (ducks and bubble tea) and combine it into one.
What are your favorite pieces of art that you’ve created?
I’ve been lately obsessed with the new ways I started to create artworks. While simpler illustrations like Rainy Frog still hold my heart, I am currently over the moon with the complex illustrations inspired by Japan I’ve been creating for the past month. That, and all the flower illustrations!
How has your work evolved over time?
Back when Moon Duckling started, while being called Moon Duckling, it actually didn’t have anything to do with ducks. Most of my artwork back then were either cats, or inspired by Japan… or both! Eventually, I realized I could just… Start drawing my favorite animal. Even if there might not be many people who like it, it doesn’t hurt to try, right? Then I got better in drawing the said duck, started working with one solid color palette and slowly started adding shadows and highlights. And while most of my past work had lineart, lately, I’ve been liking no-lineart again.
How do you deal with creative block or moments of self-doubt?
Whenever any self-doubt thoughts come to my mind, I know it is time to take a short break. And I think this is an advice I could give anyone – if you ever notice you are starting to hate or doubt what you create, take a step back, take a deep breathe and just take a break. It can be a day, it can be a week – but never push it like me, until you truly hate the thing you are creating. It’s very easy to get stressed when you are running your own business, but it should never make you hate the very thing it started it; your passion for art.
Can you describe a challenge that you’ve had to face?
When I started going to in-person events, my very first event was a con that just started. In other words; it was their first year as a con. This was not only something I didn’t know, I also didn’t think it could be a problem. Turns out, it was a huge problem.
Not only was the entry fee super high for what it is, the foot traffic was very low (because the tickets were very pricey + they started marketing three months before the show), and there were over 40 artists on 700 cosplayers. No one made money at that event, and it became sort of a joke between me and some of my art friends that it was an event for socializing.
Can you share one of your favorite memories about your small business?
When I attended my second event, and I truly realized, “People actually like my art? And the things I create? Wow… I would’ve never dream of that!”.
Is there anyone that you would like to thank?
I think there are a lot of people that I’ve met during the past 10 months who completely changed the way I think about my business and mostly my art. I am really thankful to all of them and I’m also thankful to all people who like my silly little duckling artworks I create. And I am extremely thankful towards my grandma and boyfriend, who always support me, even if they may not understand everything every time.
All images included in this article belong to Moon Duckling.
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