About Roldan Araja
Third place winner of Fine Art Fantasy category
I am Roldan Araja, also known as The Airbrush Ninja, from the Philippines. I began airbrushing in 2016, teaching myself by watching tutorials on YouTube. No one actually taught me in person. It was difficult and frustrating at first. My early works involved spraying cutouts of Pokémon on shirts because I couldn’t get the airbrush to spray evenly for line painting. Then, I found videos that explained how to control the airbrush and the basics of airbrushing. I tried those techniques and gradually discovered how to thin the paint and control the PSI. Once I figured that out, I suddenly gained control over the airbrush. To this day, the basic techniques I learned early on are what I continue to use. I also have a YouTube channel, "Airbrush Ninja," where I share the processes and techniques I’ve learned over time in the hope that others might benefit from my experience.
Winner’s Interview
1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, what is your background? When did you start airbrushing and what was the learning process like for you?
I am a self-taught artist. I started airbrushing back in 2016. It had been my dream to learn when I saw a group of artists in the mall making t-shirt designs. I was so amazed that I waited to see the entire process of how it was done. I didn’t have the money to buy my own airbrush, so years passed before I could finally purchase one. My first airbrush was the Badger Renegade Chrome. It was so expensive that I was determined to learn how to use it, and I didn’t fail. Now, I can paint anything I want.
2. Can you tell us a bit more about your winning entry piece? How / why did you choose it? How long did it take, and what inspired you?
I have a game called Mobile Legends, and Kadita is the name of the hero I was using. Then I thought mermaid is an intereting fantasy subject. It took me about nine days, working for only 1-2 hours a day.
3. What challenges did you encounter during the creation of this piece? What is your favorite part of the work, and why? What airbrush techniques did you use in this creation?
The most challenging part was the flowers on Kadita's head. I had to make them look like thin, translucent plants. The gold metal piece on the arm was also difficult to paint.
"Airbrush is my dream tool, and my goal is to introduce them to more people"
4. What does airbrushing mean to you and what drives your passion for airbrushing and creating art? Also, how do you find the ideas for your other works?
Airbrush is my dream tool, and my goal is to introduce them to more people. That's why I’ve made many tutorial videos about it—covering the things I wish I had known when I was just starting. People today are luckier; they have all the information they need, unlike back then.
5. What are your goals / targets for airbrushing? What do you want to achieve?
My goal is to create a huge piece on a wall that people will immediately recognize as an airbrush painting. I want the airbrush to become popular.
6. Do you specialize or prefer to work on a specific surface?
I don't like painting on shirts, but I want to paint on anything else.
7. How would you describe your style(s) in airbrushing?
I focus more on realism, though I also enjoy fantasy art. I've tried hyperrealism and surrealism, but I prefer sticking to realism and portraiture.
8. Any advice to beginners looking to start airbrushing? What would you tell your young self?
Yes, I want to tell them to start with simple patterns and textures. Watch a lot of tutorials, because not every style will work for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and don’t be afraid to fail. I've learned from my many mistakes.
"Don’t be afraid to experiment, and don’t be afraid to fail. I've learned from my many mistakes."
9. Do you have a website or blog? How can people reach you on social media?
YouTube: @AirbrushNinja
Instagram: @airbrush_ninja
