My research and context takes two forms: research into original source material, e.g. sci-fi novels, video games, etc. and into artists creating similar work to draw inspiration from and to place my own work contextually in the world of illustration.

Tabares is a freelance illustrator, also collaborating with merchandise brands who feature their art. (I have tried and failed to find an English version of their full name – only their social media handle, nuclear_winter__ – and their name stated on all other sites is Tabares 核の冬. I will refer to them as Tabares.)

Conventions of their work and style include:

• Usually female portraits
• Cyborg, or robotic parts. They tend to create robotic neck muscles or hands and arms.
• Saturated neon colours and lighting – e.g. bright magentas, greens and blues.

Tabares’ work inspires mine colour-wise. I like bright colours. My research has also been into futuristic body modification, with my project description being “Future of the Body”. This means the subject of the work is also relevant to my current project.

Contextually, if I were to create work similar to this, it might sit in the freelance illustration category. Tabares is creating visually pleasing work that people want to buy, and from this they are also receiving lots of commissions for people who want personal art in their style.