An artist with a talent for drawing muscle and rugged charm, it’s time to spread the word about Shanen Pae, a freelance artist of unique style. Known online by her pen name Epsee, Shanen has become well-known in both the gaming and anime world thanks to her previous works involving the Game Grumps, Overwatch, and more recently, her official work done for the game, Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator. With an emphasis on yaoi, this artist is taking the hearts of fans everywhere thanks to her men of design, and it’s time to find out more about the talent behind our newest gaming obsession.
Q: I’d like to start off by saying thank you for this interview. It was a pleasure meeting you at YaoiCon this year, and you have a wealth of talent as many have taken note of from your personal work and work for Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator. I’m sure there are many fans out there who want to know about the person who brought their fantasy daddies to life. Tell me a little bit about yourself.
A: Hi again, Alexis! It was awesome meeting you too! I’m Shanen, and go by “Epsee” on the internet. I live in California and work as a freelance/contract artist for games, toys, and animation.
Q: Why did you become an artist/illustrator? Has this always been something you’ve wanted to do?
A: Growing up, I actually wanted to take care of animals for a living. Art was a close second, but I’m glad I went this route, even if I don’t get to hold tortoises or feed birds at work.
Q: Were there any memorable moments during your childhood that helped you decide the artist life was the one for you?
A: Watching The Lion King for the first time.
Q: What art do you most identify with? What type of work do you enjoy doing the most?
A: Animated movies! Some of my heroes are Satoshi Kon, Masaaki Yuasa, and Don Bluth.
Q: Aside from being an artist, what other jobs have you done so far?
A: I babysat for my neighbor’s cute kid a few times.
Q: Have there been any memorable responses to your artwork that have stuck with you?
A: So, in the ninth grade, I had a naval shipping phase- in history, we were learning about the Napoleonic era and I’d consequently gotten into this old British television show called Hornblower. I used to doodle slash of Horatio Hornblower and his second-in-command, William Bush, in my notebooks. My straight guy friends would tell me they really liked my doodles, and once when I asked, “Even though it’s older dudes kissing?” they went, “Yes! Can I keep this page?”, and “No, I want it!”. They nearly broke out into an argument over who got my poor quality sketches.
Q: Is there anything you like or dislike about your work? Anything you want to improve on?
A: One of my worries is that something is unintentionally wonky and I’m not good enough to notice it yet. Do you ever look back at your art from years ago and go, “So many mistakes!”? It’s a little scary to think what your drawings today will look like to you in another few years.
Q: What type of art work do you enjoy doing? Any particular type you identify with the most?
A: I’m not very good at comics/sequentials, but I love implying stories through cinematic panels, if that makes sense. Something I do for fun is illustrate scenes from my dream diary.
Q: You looked fantastic in your cosplay as McCree from Overwatch. Are there any other characters you want to cosplay as in the future?
A: Aww! Thanks, pardner! I recently dressed up as K.O. from OK K.O.! for a Halloween party.
Q: Who’s your OTP from Overwatch?
A: R76 probably. I have a small shrine for them.
Q: What are three of your favorite video games?
A: Hard question, can I go with series? Legend of Zelda, Metal Gear Solid, and Paper Mario.
Q: How would you describe your work? Would you say it fits more of the X-rated genre?
A: Nah, it’s pretty tame. I hope “carefree” is a nice word for my art?
Q: What tools do you use when drawing? (Tablet, programs used, pens, etc.)
A: Wacom Intuos 4, Photoshop, Paint Tool SAI, and Clip Studio Paint.
Q: What is your drawing process?
A: Roughs, refined sketch, lines, flats, rendering, then post-processing. Sometimes I skip a few steps.
Q: What kind of music do you normally listen to when drawing? Any favorites right now?
A: Videogame soundtracks, k-pop, classical, it changes every season. I’ve been into future funk lately, like Moe Shop.
Q: Any future projects or plans for the future that you can talk about?
A: I’d really like to share more of my original stories. For example, the girl with the skunk hair who I post on social media every once in a while, named Jean. She was part of a summer game jam project that never got finished – I hope one day I can realize her game.
Q: What is your dream project?
A: Anything I can art direct myself for the most part, or don’t have to change my personal style for.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given by someone?
A: It’s okay to not work yourself to the bone every day.
Q: Professionally, what is your goal?
A: Mm, I’m not sure. I’m happy as long as I’m having a good time and paying the bills.
Q: Are there any words of advice or encouragement you have for other artists out there aspiring to do what you do?
A:
Exclusive Bonus Content:
Want to play the game? Purchase Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator and find out who your dream daddy is now! Follow Epsee on Twitter @epseelutely to see more of her newest works and updates!
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