About Me
Why do you call yourself ‘BlueFlaw’, and what does it mean?
When I originally made a GitHub account, I chose the username BlueFlaw. A flaw means a mark, fault, or imperfection. All beings are flawed, but I strive to become a better version of myself than I was yesterday. I believe there’s beauty in imperfection — and blue happens to be my favorite hue.
Where did you learn to draw?
When I was four, I’d find a quiet corner and just start drawing. It felt like a creative drive inside me — maybe because growing up with so little, art became my escape. I’d imagine new worlds and dream up fantasies, creating something bigger than my reality.
What helped me the most was studying other artists’ work and paying close attention to the anime characters I watched on TV. Growing up in the Philippines, I didn’t have access to many art classes, and I couldn’t afford to pay for them. So, I turned to the internet and discovered amazing free tutorials created by generous artists. It made me realize anyone can learn to draw — all you need is determination!
What kind of education did you have?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Mindanao and I’m also a Microsoft Technology Associate. Art has always been a hobby alongside that — the first thing I bought with my first paycheck was my very first Wacom tablet!
What inspires you?
That’s a complicated question! In short, I draw inspiration from nature, life experiences, other artists, and the beauty and complexity of life itself.
Is your art AI-generated?
No — none of it. My art, and the references I use, are entirely non-AI. I know a lot of places like Pinterest are increasingly flooded with AI-generated content, and that’s exactly what I try to avoid feeding into my own process. I do use AI tools on the coding/development side of things (like grammar checking for website copy), but never in the art itself.
Tools & Process
What tools, programs, and equipment do you use?
My main focus is digital art. Most illustrations are created in Adobe Photoshop and Clip Studio Paint, using a Wacom Intuos Pro Medium tablet. I also use Blender for 3D backgrounds and settings, so I’m not redrawing the same elements repeatedly, and Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing.
When working traditionally, I sketch with brush pens in a Limelight Hardbound Plain Sketchbook (A5), and paint mostly in watercolor, with occasional acrylics and oils.
What brushes do you use?
I usually create my own brushes and even offer them for free. If you’re curious about my favorites, I absolutely love Marc Brunet’s brushes — some of my most-used brushes are still his!
How long does it take to finish a drawing?
It really depends on the complexity of the artwork and my motivation. Sometimes I can whip up a decent piece in just 30 minutes. Other times, I spend days refining the sketch, composition, colors, and fine details until I’m satisfied with the final result.
Do you make tutorials?
Yes! I love tutorials — they helped me a lot as a young artist, and now I want to give back to the community. I haven’t finished all the tutorials I have planned yet, but I’m working on them one at a time. You can find all my existing tutorials on the Blogs page.
What software/hardware would you recommend for a beginner?
I’ve actually put together a full guide covering this — tablets, software, budget picks, and how to set up your first canvas. Check out Digital Art for Beginners: Tools, Setup, and Fundamentals for my complete recommendations.
Commissions & Working Together
Do you take commissions, art trades, or requests?
Currently I don’t accept personal commissions outside of contract work, but I love doing art trades with fellow artists. If you’re part of a non-profit and need illustrations for charity work, reach out and tell me about your cause — I’ll help if I have the time. If commissions open up, I’ll announce it on social media.
Are you available for mentorships?
I’m thrilled by your interest! But at the moment, I don’t have the availability to take on students. If I do start offering mentorships, I’ll announce it on my social media.
Where can I buy prints?
I’m so happy you’re interested in my prints! I’m still working on building my official store, but I do have a Redbubble shop open in the meantime if you’d like to take a look.
Do you sell original physical pieces?
I haven’t sold originals publicly yet, though people I know personally have picked up a few over the years. If I open this up more broadly, I’ll announce it on social media.
Do you welcome critique on your work?
Absolutely. I don’t think there’s any other way to actually improve — feel free to share honest feedback.
Using My Art
Can I use your art, post it on my website, or sell it?
My art is free for public viewing! As long as you credit me as the original artist and provide a link to my website, you’re welcome to share my work on your site, blog, or social media. You can even use it in YouTube music videos — just credit me in the description.
However, you may not sell or profit from my artwork in any way. This includes printing it on posters, T-shirts, mugs, or any merchandise, and selling digital versions like wallpapers or album art.
If you’re interested in licensing my work for commercial purposes, please reach out so we can discuss the appropriate steps to avoid copyright infringement.
Can I do fan art, write fanfiction, compose fan music, cosplay your characters, or translate your narrative into another language and publish it on my website?
That would be amazing! I’d love to see how others reinterpret my work. Feel free to email me a link when you do!
Do you draw NSFW or mature content?
No, I don’t.
Get in Touch
How can I contact you?
Feel free to reach out through email, my contact form, or social media — whichever’s easiest for you. I read everything and try to reply as soon as I can.
Do you have a Discord server?
I do have a Discord, but it’s mainly built around gaming and general hangout activity rather than art — so don’t expect a dedicated art community there. If that changes down the line, I’ll announce it.
Do you have a Patreon or Ko-fi?
Yes! You can support my work over at ko-fi.com/blueflaw.
Still have a question?
If your question isn’t covered here, feel free to email me at [email protected] — I’m always happy to help!