Meet Irina! Known as Irene Bane, she is an 18-year-old artist and fandom member from Russia. She took some time to speak with us about her process and her feelings about Matthew Daddario’s facial features.
Describe yourself in three words.
Linguistic, drawing, cats.
How long have you been creating art? What is your favorite medium?
I’ve been creating art my whole life. My mom said that I started drawing as soon as I could hold a pencil. I have been drawing portraits these last three years. My single favorite material is pencils, especially soft ones like 5B-8B by Koh-i-noor.
Emeraude Toubia drawn by Irina (Irene Bane).
What fandoms have you been in and made art for?
Series and movies: Shadowhunters (forever), Lucifer, Spider-Man (I want + 1 drawing of him), To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, and Love, Simon.
Singers: Bazzi, Anne Marie, Ariana Grande, Charlie Puth (I want +1 drawing of him), Shawn Mendes (+1 with Camila Cabello), Jake Miller, Jack & Jack.
Tell us about your process. How much planning is involved with each piece, and how long does it usually take you to do a typical drawing?
I have a certain folder on my computer. There I collect all the photos of people who inspire me. Later, I open this folder and choose what to draw. On average, there is roughly 30-40 photos. But sometimes I like photos so much that I almost immediately begin to draw them. A drawing A5 (in sketchbook) takes about 1-1.5 hours. Portrait A4 – 3-6 hours. It depends on the complexity of the photo and my mood. ^_^
Matthew Daddario drawn by Irina (Irene Bane).
What do you find the most challenging to draw?
Hmmm, I’m not really good at drawing hands. This is really a challenge for me.
What is your favorite episode of Shadowhunters and why?
There are several of them.
First of all – of course, it’s 1×12.
I’m sure, this episode was liked by every Shadowhunters fan. Why? There was such a wonderful moment – Malec’s first kiss at Alec’s wedding. They showed their love without any shame. Their love is stronger than anything in their lives. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than that. I really respect Magnus and Alec for being so brave and sweet.
2×03
In that very episode, I realized the whole essence of the Parabatai bond. Closer, than blood. I cried so hard when Jace talked to Alec and tried to save his friend, his brother. It’s another fantastic connection I admire.
3×22
I’ve never cried so hard over a show in my life. But this series changed everything. Such a tragic end. All the characters went through hard trials in their lives. Watching this episode, I realized that I was saying goodbye to all of them, to my life. I am very glad that the creators of the series and the actors gave us such a beautiful and terrible ending. Thanks for everything. Just thank you. I have no words no more. I love them.
Who is your favorite character to draw and why?
My favorite character to draw is Alec Lightwood. Well, I really love Matthew Daddario’s eyes and the eyebrows. They’re stunning. I do love Matt’s facial features.
Matthew Daddario drawn by Irina (Irene Bane).
What do you love about Shadowhunters, and what inspired you to start drawing fanart for it?
Ohhhh. Art is a difficult way of your feelings, your inner world. Shadowhunters take a special place in my heart. I love entirely everything about this story. Cassandra Clare – my queen. She managed to create such a wonderful world. There is absolutely everything: Love, friendship, family, war, death, good and evil, magic and blades, different kinds of creatures. All these aspects are very important because they created such an amazing universe, which I love with all my heart.
Do you want to know, when it started? Well, I saw Alec and fell in love. That’s all, aha.
What has been your favorite work of fanart you have created? What do you love about it?
Actually, there are a lot of my favorite works. But especially I appreciate one of Matt because he saw it and he signed it. He said that he liked my work and that my style is not like the styles of other artists, that it is very unusual. I love that guy, honestly.
Katherine McNamara drawn by Irina (Irene Bane).
What has been the best part of your fandom experience so far?
The brightest memory is you – my lovely friends. You always give me happiness and wish to continue drawing. You’re my inspiration, my support. And of course, I’m so thankful to the cast members for noticing me! But it wouldn’t happen without my sweet followers! Thank you so much!!!
Find Irene Bane on social media!
Twitter: @irene_bane
Tumblr: irenebane
Instagram:@irene_bane
Redbubble: irenebane05
Harry Shum Jr. drawn by Irina (Irene Bane).
