Meet Katy Ronis | Digital Illustrator & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katy Ronis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katy, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Looking back, I think I always had a desire to create. I grew up in an overprotective household, so for a long time I was uncertain about my future and had very little faith in myself, but I knew I had a knack for illustration, so I took a chance to get away by going to art school. It was there I realized I truly wanted to create and draw for a living. I was free to express myself, both in my work and my day-to-day life, for the first time. I never wanted to forget that feeling.

It took some time after graduation to stand on my own two feet and fully separate myself as an independent being, but after saving up and gaining a small following in my free time, I was able to confidently pursue my career as a freelance illustrator. The current pandemic and my relationship with my clients also inspired me to pick up streaming as well to further connect with others, so I also consider myself a content creator. At the end of the day, connecting with others and growing alongside them was what I wanted the most. I strongly believe that’s what drove my choice of career the most, even if I didn’t fully grasp it at the time. To create things people can connect to, and to not only connect with them through my work, but grow alongside them as well….that’s why I’m truly grateful to be able to do what I do every day.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I specialize in digital illustration with a focus on character illustration and story-telling. My process is similar to that of crafting a layered paper doll–I paint each part of the illustration (head, hair, etc.) into segments and and add shading to give a layered effect. I especially love playing with brushes and color to mimic a more traditional look in my digital work. My work can be applied in a number of ways, from character design to music videos, the latter being the latest large project I’ve completed (DeReconstruct by Penny Parker).

My experience as an illustrator is also reflected in my career as a content creator. I use a custom digital avatar (known as a Vtuber, or virtual youtuber) in place of a webcam and stream myself playing games and interacting with various media. Using software like Live2D and PrprLive, my art is rigged to reflect my movements and speech on-screen. Compared to just using a webcam, it makes my streaming experience twice as fun and more engaging on a personal level! I get to be me, but I also get to lean into playing a character on-screen.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
These day’s, there’s no place like home! We’d get drinks from the liquor store to save costs on drinking out and get comfortable with some movies or games. If they were into it I’d even offer to have them on a stream while they’re here (I originally started streaming as a hobby, and it hasn’t lost it’s appeal since transitioning it more into a career).

Otherwise, where to start….we’d have to visit my favorite restaurant–Danji, a Korean Fusion place by the Mall of Georgia. The Cheese Garlic Chicken is the absolute best! OR we could get Korean BBQ from Breakers (a bit more of a special occasions type of place, but worth the price to eat as much grilled meats as I can stand)! Knowing my friends though, we’d likely be planning the visit during a big event. DragonCon in Atlanta would definitely be the biggest excuse to visit, followed up by a concert if TWRP (Tupperware Remix Party) was in the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to thank the friends I’ve meet, both those I’ve drifted from and those I’ve only known for so long. The memories I’ve made and the ones I’ve yet to make inspire me to keep moving forward.

And, I’d especially like to dedicate my shoutout to my (soon-to-be at the time of writing) husband, Jordan. We’ve been engaged for so long due to circumstances out of our control, but our marriage this September is but a formality compared to the love I’ve felt through it all. Thank you for always supporting my dreams.

Website: https://catelintindall.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/katydiids

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI4P186ixcjOmBR8kRl7h6A

Other: https://www.twitch.tv/katydiids – Main streaming channel https://commiss.io/katydiids – Primary listing of commission pricings

Image Credits
Katy Ronis