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HELLO SMA18 AWARD WINNER, nemuisemi!

SMA Editorial Dept. SMA Editorial Dept. 23/12/2022 9 min read
PROFILE Name/Pen Name: nemuisemi (pen name), Yuliia (real name) Age: 19 Country: Ukraine Favorite manga: Mushishi, Ping Pong Favorite movie: When Marnie Was There, Cowboy Bebop: Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door Favorite quote: “Dedication is talent all on its own.” – Alphonse Elric Entry title: “Not Your War” Round: SMA18 “Moments of HAPPINESS, AFFECTION, or TEARS” Awards: Grand Prix Runner-Up
Don’t hurry; think and prepare before starting more.
  About SMA
  • How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award? At first I was really shocked, but then I burst into tears. I would never have thought that I could get that far and win any prize, especially on my second try. I always take part in something just because it’s quite fun and it is an interesting experience for me, but I’m obviously happy to be one of the winners.
  • What was the inspiration behind your awarded work? Unfortunately, it was the current situation in my country. It was just an attempt to rethink and convey the feeling that I go through everyday, but I don’t want anyone to feel pity for me. “Not Your War” is a made up story, so I hope it was a really touching experience to read it.
  • What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them? I’m not that good of an artist, so I often have difficulties with perspective and anatomy, but I’m honestly trying my best to become more skillful. I’m trying to use 3D models and photo references to make my process easier, haha♥

READ nemuisemi’s SMA18 ENTRY HERE!


  About your Manga
  • How and when did you start making manga? Any advice for beginners? My first try in creating manga was back in 2019. It was a 200 page story called “Song of the Wind.” I was 16 and didn’t know much about creating comics, so the story was a real mess, but at least it was a good experience for me! I would recommend beginners not to be scared to start creating manga even if you don’t have any experience or skills needed. Just have fun, study other people’s work, and you will improve eventually! But I feel that I’m a beginner myself hahaha.
  • Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools? I draw manga digitally but only because it is more comfortable for me. If anyone prefers drawing traditionally – it is up to you to choose your materials! Clip Studio Paint is a great software with useful tools, so I recommend using it (but I draw in Paint Tool SAI personally).
  • What was the first manga you picked up? I guess it was the first volume of Gintama. It was a New Year gift from my friend, and from then I started collecting manga on my own.
  • Which manga changed your life? I think it is Mushishi. It was always my absolute favorite manga because of its atmosphere and Urushibara Yuki sensei’s style, and I love every chapter from this masterpiece. I feel a unique connection with this story.
  • Which manga character do you most identify with? Why? I’d say it is Ginko from Mushishi. I’m also pretty cold in appearance, but I share his philosophy and viewpoint on life. I love life how it is and accept our reality.
  • What kind of manga do you want to make next? Only time will tell. I want to make touching and sincere stories so anyone can relate to them, and I hope I will have enough skills to do this!

  About You
  • What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax? I love watching cartoons and playing games! I’m keen on dolls and repainting their faces. Also, I’m always very sleepy, so my hobby is lying in bed and relaxing hahaha.
  • What industry do you work in (if manga making isn’t your primary job)? I’m currently studying animation at university. Making animations is a hard enough job, but frankly speaking, comics and manga suit my interests more. I hope to become a good mangaka, but now my only option is freelance when I have free time from studying.
  • Where do you see your manga career in 5 years time? I’ve been writing a script for my personal project for a long time, and it’s obviously a manga project. As I said, manga is my passion and I would like to continue drawing and studying to become good at it. For now, I feel that my drawings aren’t authentic enough to compare myself to real Japanese mangakas. But I will try my best!!
  • What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could? Don’t hurry; think and prepare before starting more. I feel that my previous works could have been much better if I had been more patient and thoughtful.
  • What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®? Don’t be afraid and just try! SMA is a great opportunity to estimate your skills and know exactly what areas you as a mangaka should improve. I believe only practice can be your teacher, so an attempt will pay off your time, and eventually, you will get a comment on your work. It is much better if there is someone professional who can help you point out your weaker sides.

 

Thank you, nemuisemi! We’re eagerly expecting your next manga masterpiece!

You have time until April 3rd to join SMA19 and have a chance to develop your potential as a manga creator with us in Japan!
SMA Editorial Dept.

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