Velinxi (Xiao Tong Kong) is a webcomic creator, illustrator, and aspiring novelist. Her chronic daydreaming has led to the creation of Countdown to Countdown, DPS Only! and most recently- Daughter of a Thousand Faces. The few hours of the week where she’s not drawing or sleeping is spent on Dnd, video games, and going down historical rabbit holes.

I had the opportunity to interview Velinxi, which you can read below.

First of all, welcome to Geeks OUT! Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Hi! I’m Velinxi, a Chinese artist that does a little bit of everything. I’m currently working on my two webcomics, Countdown to Countdown and Daughter of a Thousand Faces. Some people might recognize my art from cover or comic freelance work I’ve done, though- specifically Danmei or video games.

As an artist what drew you to illustrating?

I’ve always been drawing! My mom always tells me it’s been my “thing” since I was 2. I don’t remember that, but I believe it. It’s never been super serious until I discovered the internet and Deviantart at the ripe age of 11, though. It’s all been about illustrating for me ever since, when I found out just how far the limits of illustration could go. Which is to say, there are none.

What are some of your favorite elements of illustrating? What do you consider some of the most frustrating and/or challenging? 

I love rendering the most, I think. To me, that’s the most relaxing portion. It’s all about bringing life to the piece. I hate hands, that’s the most challenging part. And mechanical bits, I’ve been doing a lot of that lately for certain video games. Which is rough, because I actually love robots. I think it’s the rigid parts that get me, not necessarily the details. I love drawing flowing, free lines, and things that are so rigid and set in stone or steel just isn’t that.

As an artist who or what would you say are some of your greatest creative influences and/or sources of inspiration in general?

Shilin and Yuumei were my very first big sources of inspiration. I think they still are, to some extent, they’re titans in the world of illustration and inspired a generation of artists. Another big source of inspiration for me is Sachinteng, whom I discovered much later. I look back at these artists a lot when I’m just not feeling it. Otherwise, I draw inspiration from everything else I’m into, really. I think as an artist, there’s hardly any part of your life that doesn’t influence your artwork in some way. 

Aside from your work, what are some things you would want readers to know about you?

That’s… actually a difficult question. I’ve built so much of myself around my work, I feel like everything else that isn’t a part of that is shared with my personal circle of friends and family. It’s hard to come up with what I think is interesting or worth sharing to the readers. I guess I really love DnD and eating all kinds of food. They really help me unwind. I’ve also been super into horse-riding and volunteering at my local stables, but that’s more recent. I got my toe stepped on my biggest horse, too. Nasty stuff.

What’s a question you haven’t been asked yet but that you wish you were asked (as well as the answer to that question)?

You know, I’m not sure. I’ve been to quite a few conventions, and just being on the internet with an easy way to contact me makes it so I’ve been asked all sorts of questions. I’ve even been asked if I’m alright or doing well plenty of times by virtual strangers, which warms my heart. I guess I’ve never been asked who’s my least favorite artist. I love drama, why hasn’t anyone asked me that yet? The answer to that is [REDACTED]. 

What advice might you have to give for aspiring creatives out there?

Practice practice practice! Do those fundamental exercises! Don’t rush! Be free to make mistakes and “bad” art! Every aspiring creative comes across a moment where they want every work to be their magnum opus. Don’t do that, it’ll come naturally. Give it time. The only path to success is with experience in this field.

Are there any other projects you are working on and at liberty to speak about?

I’m actually writing a novel on the side! I’m an artist, not really a writer, even if I’ve written all my webcomics. Still, I’m excited to share it with those willing to give it a try. It’s an Adult Fantasy following a cursed Dragon and the mage it’s been fighting for a century. A bit darker than the usual stuff I work on. It’s really a passion project, so no one’s funding this other than myself.

Finally, what books/authors would you recommend in general to the readers of Geeks OUT?

For books, I’ve been obsessed with Blood Over Bright Haven by ML. Wang! Just incredible, I haven’t been able to stop gushing about it to all my friends that have even the barest hint of an interest in books. After that, I’ve been reading someDungeon Crawler Carl,Stormlight Archives, and the Farseer series! Those are all fun times, if you don’t mind all the heartbreak and violence. As for webcomics, I’ve been loving Suitor Armor by Purpah, it’s such a refreshing fantasy romance in the webtoons space in my opinion. It’s about a fairy in disguise navigating the intricacies and political intrigue of her kingdom as she falls in love with a reanimated suit of armor. I’ve also really enjoyed Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint andDevil’s Candy, those are some really fun times with twists and turns you never expect! Amazing artwork all around, too.