A couple of months ago I wrote an article about the Twitter artists that it’s absolutely essential you’re following in 2017. It’s been a little over 2 months since then, and that’s over 60 days worth of content from both new and returning favorites. I’m absolutely in love with a lot of the new emerging artistic styles I’ve been seeing lately, and it’s always great to be able to share them with everyone.
These are the online illustrators that represent the next generation of creatives. Going against the norms set by their peers, they continue to innovate and push forward, carving their own niche through their following. I’ve done my best to select a few diverse styles, but ultimately what I’m sharing is the art that I’ve been enjoying the most as of late. So without further ado, here are some of my absolute favorite Twitter illustrations from the last couple of months:
帰る時間 pic.twitter.com/timsYb4wml
— のり熊 (@kumainori) 11 May 2017
@kumainori
「帰る時間」
If you weren’t already familiar with the artistic talents of kumainori, they’re a creative who presents themselves through their stylish fixation on pale color palettes. Shaping an entire world around these shades, the illustrator often blends ecstatic, high-activity backgrounds with relatively simple characters. Don’t let that fool you though, as these characters are far from bland, standing on their own as unique and gorgeous illustrations.
Originally creating their Twitter account on April of 2017, the artist rapidly amassed a following of just under 5,000 active users. If you’re interested in checking out more of their works, you can find their full Twitter account, here.
「摘まむ」 pic.twitter.com/TkcmDDI3FJ
— ノビル (@nobile1031) 22 April 2017
@nobile1031
「摘まむ」
For those of you who aren’t already following Twitter user nobile1031, this seriously needs to change. This illustration in particular is a perfect example of their style, almost seeming as if it had been pinched straight out of a well drawn manga series. Their use of striking colors when working on their characters always largely-drawn eyes makes for such a unique and graceful style. I’m completely and totally obsessed with their illustrations, and it’s always exciting to see what comes next from them.
Originally creating their Twitter account on January of 2014, the artist commands a dedicated following of just under 6,000 users. If you’re interested in checking out more of their works, you can find their full Twitter account, here.
— ぴっぴ@ティア121 A16b (@pippi913) 30 April 2017
@pippi913
「untitled.」
This is truly a work of art that requires no description. But, you know I’m gonna give one anyway. pippi913 is an illustrator who perfectly creates an all-immersive universe within the confines of their artworks. Largely focused on the Pokémon franchise, pippi913 flawlessly illustrates carefully detailed backgrounds accompanied by equally detailed characters stemming from one of the most recognized game series’ of all time.
Originally creating their Twitter account on May of 2013, the artist maintains an ever-growing following of just over 25,000. If you’re interested in checking out more of their works, you can find their full Twitter account, here.
マジカルガール/ハッピーくるくる
music: 村カワ基成&Yunomi
lyric: Yunomi / アートワーク担当しました.
https://t.co/Hrjr8Ca3dd pic.twitter.com/PaiD7gmuey— きあと〰 (@_kiato) 10 May 2017
@_kiato
「マジカルガール/ハッピーくるくる」
Returning from our previous list is the always talented kiato! Her latest artwork is a cover jacket for emerging idol group ‘Happy Kuru Kuru’ featuring her distinct style coupled with a magical girl theme. Her vibrant mix of fantasy and escapism is especially prevalent in this work, flawlessly blending various locations and colors without a single issue. Synonymous with the music it accompanies, kiato’s works are always a visual treat to look forward to.
Originally creating their Twitter account in December of 2009, kiato maintains an ever-growing following of over 7,000. If you’re interested in checking out more of their works, you can find their full Twitter account, here.
ぐろーちゃん pic.twitter.com/a24H5ijHEb
— のむろ (@nomuuuuuuro) 10 May 2017
@nomuuuuuuro
「ぐろーちゃん」
Another returning face from our essentials list, this time illustrator nomuuuuuuro (yes, with 6 u’s) is back with an illustration of their original character ‘Grow’. This piece is especially interesting, as it’s embedded into a thread of tweets extending back all the way to May, 2016 with an entry added every month until now. It represents the ever-changing art-style that nomuuuuuuro is capable of, and shows a developmental growth in ability over 12 short months.
Originally creating their Twitter account in March of 2015, nomuuuuuuro maintains a following of over 2,000. If you’re interested in checking out more of their works, you can find their full Twitter account, here.
As always, this is only a small sampling of the incredible talent that exists when it comes to Japanese illustrators on Twitter. These just happen to be some of the artists that help make my feed all the more enjoyable. If there’s any artists you’re enjoying, let us know in the comments.