Meet Nicole! Known as ‘Obsidiayan,’ she is a 19-year-old artist and fandom member from the United Kingdom.
Describe yourself in three words.
Determined, a bit crazy, and creative!
How long have you been drawing?
I have been drawing for as long as I remember. Even though it wasn’t my dream to be an artist, back then I loved to make cards for my family and friends. I still can’t paint flowers very well to this day [laughs]. I was a traditional artist for quite a while, then got my first tablet around 14. My dream really took off from that point.
What kind of medium or equipment do you use?
My current tablet is an Artisul D13. I use Paint Tool Sai for drawing and Photoshop CC sometimes for coloring and finishing touches. I use After Effects CC for animation.
How did you get involved in the Shadowhunters fandom?
I discovered Shadowhunters around the time casting for the TV show was announced, but it was my friend who was more excited since I had no idea what it was. And then I forgot about it until I found it on Netflix one night, already six episodes into the first season. I ended up binging all of them and I’ve been watching it ever since. But I never really got involved in the fandom until early April after 2A ended. My favorite characters are Alec, Magnus, Maia, Simon, and Jace.
Who is your ultimate favorite character to draw and why?
I would argue, between Alec and Magnus. When I first started watching the show, it was Alec because I love archery and his character development was one of my favorite parts of the show. Alec has so much to him; it’s interesting to try and put that emotion into a drawing. However, if I wanna go crazy with VFX or draw something powerful, it’s going to be the High Warlock of Brooklyn.
What ships do you ship, and why you love them so much?
Malec of course! It’s the first relationship on a TV show I have actually been interested in seeing develop. I had no idea it was going to happen since I haven’t read the books, but the surprise of it and the way Magnus and Alec chose each other was so heartwarming. It’s different and complicated, but it has been such a beautiful development to watch. Especially seeing Alec finally get to be free with who he is, and Magnus finally getting the caring love he deserves. I have other ships, but nothing as solid as Malec. I also really want to see Maia and Alec interact; they would be a BROTP for me.
What has been the best part of your fandom experience so far?
I love this fandom more than anything; it feels like a family. I didn’t really join the fandom until early April; I just sat back and enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere. I never imagined the response and the support I would get though. I was honestly so shocked; I had no idea what to do for the rest of that day when I posted my first drawing. It’s pretty much the first time I have done fanart properly and put it out there. The love from fellow artists and the general community is amazing and it has inspired me to keep going. I said to myself, ‘One drawing and that’s it,’ but now, I have a list full of ideas. Honestly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all the love and support the fandom has given me. I hope to keep putting smiles on peoples’ faces.
Like what you see? You can follow Nicole on Twitter and Instagram!
