I was privileged to get an interview with Airam Zenemijil. She is not only a great artist, she created an amazing manga called Frozen Fire. As co-creator of the Art Zeal webpage in which you can read her free manga, Airam is also moderator for the Art Zeal Facebook page and full time student. Frozen Fire is a fresh and exciting manga full of action great writing and a feel that will touch a lot of manga and comic fans. Her ongoing series first appeared on the Art Zeal website in December and has over 50 pages of manga related bliss.
What can you tell us about the Art Zeal project.
Airam: Well I cam sum it up as this, "Art is the form of true freedom and peace..."
What started you drawing?
Airam: I don’t really know what made me draw or why I started drawing. I've been drawing for as long as I can remember, it’s like I've just pick up some pencil then instinctively started scribbling things. Well, most probably it’s because of my father’s genes screaming, telling me to draw. My father is an artist and he passed to all three us his artistic skills.
How did you get the idea for your manga?
Airam: The idea came from a lot of anime I've watched and manga I've read. Those stories always make me think of possible situations that may happen and a lot of “what if” questions. I made me wonder about a lot of things until I've thought of an ideal character I want to see. So I've decided, if I can’t find that character in any of these existing stories then I’ll make one myself.
What is manga like in the Philippines?
Airam: You won’t usually find manga in the Philippines, I think comics are more popular in book stores here. Most of us read manga online since they are easily accessed and free.
What inspires your art?
Airam: In a way, maybe I’m just doing art because I want to, like “I am going to draw this because I want to” kind of thing… However, I guess that’s not all there is to it. Maybe only fellow artists would understand the proud feeling I get whenever I finish a drawing or a page of my manga. My passion is one of my inspiration, the others would be those people around me who appreciates the art I've created.
Is there going to be more from Frozen Fire 2013?
Airam: Yes, most scenes are already planned in my mind and I want to draw it all for the world to see.
Are you planning to do any different stories?
Airam: Yes, once I've finished Frozen Fire, I am planning to do more stories.
What other projects are you working on?
Airam: I don’t have other projects at the moment except creating the website. There’s a manga collaboration with other members of Art Zeal but it’s on hold right now.
Who inspires you to create?
Airam: There is no particular person. It’s like whenever I show someone my creation and they appreciate it, that just makes me happy. You know that simple sentence “I like your work.” Or just a simple smile those people make when they see my art; gives me reason to create more.
What do you read to relax?
Airam: I read manga or watch anime, it makes me feel relaxed and entertained. I’m not good with books or light novels; I’m the type who enjoys and understand things when there are illustrations.
Do you watch anime? And what’s your favorite?
Airam: Yes. My favorite is Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece, I love the art and I've learned a lot of lessons in there too.
I give Frozen Fire a 5 out of 5 beause the art is amazing, I love the story and can't wait to see more from Airam Zenemijil: Frozen Fire. check her and out at http://artzeal.weebly.com with the other artist of Art Zeal
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