Why is aZLing4’s art so good? / Arknights Art Style Analysis

Aka a how to draw gacha characters part 4.
aZLing4 is the illustrator of the characters in Arknights such as Pallas, Irene, Flint, and Firewatch (to name a few). I wanted to explore how muted colours and the detailed backgrounds are used in many of Azling4’s artworks, so here’s my notes of analysis of the elements of Azling4’s character illustration style I find fascinating.
Tools Used:
Clip Studio Paint EX
Wacom Intuos Pro
Brushes Used:
Default Gpen
Default Gpen with pen pressure turned off
Default soft brush
Default mechanical pencil brush
情報量が増えるペン
BGM
[Arknights OST] holiday - NoireSama
【トーマス大森音楽工房 - No.232】
【トーマス大森音楽工房 - No.228】
Cassette Tape Dream / Sharou
10℃ / Sharou

[@untemperance]

For what it's worth, the shape of Irene's E2 art isn't meant to be the shape of a museum's frame. It's a lantern.

[@Noelucc]

Ohh that makes sense. I was thinking it was a dock railing maybe but the chain looked too skinny to me

[@momsaccount4033]

@@Noelucc it might be double purpose. They might be dock railings that, combined with the cubic framing, resembles a lantern

[@firstnamelastname7298]

reminds me of a lighthouse, a lighthouse with bluish light

[@odesge]

as an artist myself, I always found arknights splash arts to be a really good source of inspiration, so it's nice that there's someone who's covering it like this

[@gint6898]

The artwork was the sole reason for me downlaoding the game, haven't played it in ages though.

[@armyvictory0191]

@@gint6898 same here. Other players I know who play the game are just in it for the gacha, meanwhile I'm just into the gacha games for the art 🤣

[@zomfgroflmao1337]

It looks a bit like waves made by a chopper, because they are relatively small and choppy, as if the rotor blades above make them and La Pluma is looking up to the incoming vehicle. That even gets enhanced by her eyes looking up, her hairband getting whisked away and the radio in her hand, as if she ordered the chopper or something. My favorite aZLing4 art piece is Heavyrains skin, the lighting in that drawing is insane and pull you into the super vibrant area under the window. I think it is the only one where lightning takes center stage, and it works insanely well in my opinion.

[@secretscarlet8249]

I love Azling since she uses composition and shapes and elegance rather than relying on fanservice.

[@sibericusthefrosty9950]

Finally! Content that isn't just gameplay, rolls, or reading operator/event wikis. Applying theories from professions, which in your case being art and its related concepts, made me knew that anything from the game was made with life and not just throwing everything at the wall and choose which sticks well. We need people like you, to remind those that Arknights is more than the surface.

[@MINNOWBER]

Agreed shame there’s not more of this type of content considering how in depth the entire Arknights team is

[@ilmn25]

btw aZLing4 is colorblind (from pixiv bio)

[@nextstrayed]

As a mere scribbler and no artist watching your videos have been really eye opening to the process of making digital art. I feel like I'm finally beginning to understand the array of tools that are used to realize the pieces I enjoy so much. Thanks for making these! Looking forward to see what you create next.

[@JullOxW]

Probably one of the most interesting Arknights content out there... We've got character analysis, lore analysis, music analysis, but we lacked art analysis. Thanks for all your work, the information you provided and that beautiful drawing at the end! Hope to see more in the future, I learnt a lot

[@Roteberht35]

i think the lack of liveliness isn't because of the style, it's probably that the pose is kind of static. I think you would have liked it more with a more dynamic pose from the start

[@lounirs]

I agree, it seems like the artist really likes dynamic poses

[@Schwarzo]

Not only did you manage to teach me a lot about drawing, you also showed me what it was about aZLings's art that I love so much. Now im even more happy to have started aZLing4knights as a Nicheknights playstyle. Thank you, this video is awesome!

[@velvater6701]

I'm really glad you analysed azling's art style, I really love characters draw by them and now I understand slightly better how azling does it. A really well done La Pluma and thankyou for the video!

[@FaboIsComing4You]

Noelucc this is top tier content. I've always adored arknights art, never seen it broken down to this degree. You've earned yourself a subscriber

[@j.w.304]

I really fell in love with your drawing and narration style over these style analysis videos! Your thoughts on the filming process were interesting as well, and made me appreciate the finished result all the more c:

[@chibiga1353]

If I think very hard about aZLing4's art, I can say they are very generous with folds on clothing. However I could never do an in-depth study like you! Your observation is very detailed and I'm learning a lot from your series. Love your videos! 💕💕💕💕✨✨✨✨✨✨

[@_Xenias]

these types of videos you post really do help gather info on how to analyze and execute, i will never not stop loving these types if video you post like these. Every Analysis videos you post i feel like i gather something new that i would have never known. I am very glad that I have struck gold onto such an amazing youtube channel.

[@rafliyaumil8812]

I really like when the artist do the artwork breakdown. More importantly, its an Arknights artwork breakdown. I cant ask for more.

[@hint-in-murmurs]

I was just looking up your channel for your Jacknife video and found this! Very excited your analyses are always wonderfully insightful, especially for an intermediate artist such as myself! :)

[@qwackqwack223]

i love your artstyle analysis videos!!! i really enjoy how in-depth you go when you analyze their styles, it's inspired me to try doing my own studies of arknights artists ^-^

[@iberis361]

Hell yeah! Thank you for this in depth analysis of AZling's amazing artwork and art style! I've always loved their art although sometimes not perfect(Firewatch skin erheem) I'd still argue they're one of the most amazing artist in Arknights with their unique bleak and desaturated art style!

[@aerfarin]

thank you for your analysis! i look forward to each one and thank you for your hard work!!

[@mohammedkarim6615]

Your willingness to be vulnerable made me subscribe. Work hard and climb the ranks of KZbin Art videos.

[@crafteariee]

your art style analysis videos are a treat to watch and listen to! Thank you for this!

[@sheltonsimmons1665]

thank you sooo much for making this really opened my eyes on different techniques

[@user-qi8mp6oc2s]

Love the analysis of the artist's style and your commentary on what you learned through your practice! super informative and fascinating

[@altabinas8413]

great job! i like your explanations and process. and art looks so official! i was very impressed with how you made the waves

[@EXoDuZ302]

just to say showing the "ugly" beggining does make all feel more genuine so kudos

[@teamoplayer1811]

Damn, this is what I've looking for. I love this kind of content, I learn so much.

[@nemuke1703]

Love these analysis videos! It's actually quite helpful because you break it down in a digestible way where new and old artists can understand! Ty for the help!

[@avocadocheese77]

Dayum I love channels/videos like this that break down artists styles it's so interesting ❤❤

[@makerwidow4213]

I love these videos. It helps me and gives me motivation to complete one of my art goals for the year which is make a splashart :D

[@VikoVT]

i love these videos so much !! im so happy you posted this :))

[@lemonade3532]

really informative video. Loved the process used to break down azling's art

[@akaniwa]

Thank you for this beautiful video, and your window into a realistic workflow. I really resonate with the whole not finding videos with the entire process, and its been putting me off too. So finding this was exactly the kind of thing I needed.

[@butters3746]

I appreciate the effort you put into learning and applying these techniques into your own style. I picked up a few tips here and there from your videos, as I am learning how to paint instead of cel shading. Keep it up, would love to see more of your personal work!

[@FaizalKuntz]

it almost like magic how artist can make things

[@zuzzzied]

i love love love love love! these types of videos, it helps me so much when i don't know how to break down art from an artist that i like. the points about perspective were so eye opening too!!

[@renx5569]

Thank you so much for this breakdown video! I really loved aZLing4's art style and you explained the magic in it perfectly

[@remochii]

Wow you did a really great job! This inspired me to give it a try as well!

[@Lostbreva]

I definitely think it was incredibly helpful for me Observation on skilled artists is very helpful and I'm very glad you added the mistake process too along with the break down on the artwork. I'll use these notes for my art study, thank you!! Have my subscription

[@buhreeriart8620]

Omg I really love your AK artist analysis videos so much!! 💖 I love the styles of numerous AK official artists so your videos are really helpful in studying their styles! ✨ I hope you do analysis videos for alchemaniac and Skade soon 🌸💖

[@karina1242]

i simply LOVE your videos of arknights art style, please keep up the good work ❤❤❤❤🥹🥹🥹

[@chmonyaaa]

Please keep making these videos, I''m greatly fond of Arknights artstyle and want to learn to draw like these artiststs so it's incredibly helpful!

[@KariFeRawri]

thank you for showing my a style that I love and want to incorporate in my own art

[@bacalhaugaming7701]

Omgd you did an amazing work 💖💖

[@Zoeila]

i went to art school in late 99 early 2000's and this was more informative then any teachers i had back then

[@Kawalamode]

omg yes! Thank you! I have always felt like I had to perform at a scertain level when i was doing sppedpaints and what you said is how i felt! I just found you and im glad i did. its nice knowing i wasn't the only one thinking this and they way you study other peoples styles is quite unique~ keep it up

[@Adam_d0t_Line]

It turned out great! You definitely captured the tone of their work, great job!

[@xaf15001]

Thanks for making this video. As someone that likes to dive into art as a hobby, it's cool knowing that there's videos like this that helps me understand more of the nuances that I didn't really catch because I don't really dive deep into them. It's also extra cool that it's about my favorite game. Great video, very chill but also really interesting and engaging.

[@mounchgraph1407]

Wow i always find new art channels like these. First tppo and now u. thats amazing!

[@velaerys]

Thank you so much for this analysis video! aZLing4 is one of my favorite AK artists and I've always wanted to study his techniques >///

[@eater9333]

love ur videos, nice job and keep the content up :)

[@MaroonTearLilium]

I really appreciate your transparency and willingness to show your mistakes. I think it's a good thing* for people to be able to see that its not always as easy as it may look and is also informative in helping people improve

[@Ian-fi1wy]

Just discovered your channel, I must say, you do a fantastic job, keep it up !

[@iocasteo389]

i love your art analysis videos so much ! keep up the good work , +subscribed :3

[@senihani6634]

omg I love it when youtube algo brings me to wonderful artists like you! I learned a lot from your video, thank you for sharing your study with us all ❤❤❤

[@WeebiePi]

goated analysis 👍

[@sologoomba]

I must say, your videos are only getting better.

[@jshxlot]

Artists with this kind of level of artskill really is worth the money! Imagine doing what you love and making a living out of it. My dreaaaaam!

[@kodama4519]

Thanks for these videos, been in a super bad art slump lately but really just need to do some studies on artist bought both of the arknights art books.

[@CarnosaurKiller]

Good essay, as an artist is easy to follow and learn the process through your explanation.

[@lrich1104]

13:16 I absolutely appreciate this aspect of your video! As someone who also wants to learn from others' speedpaints and process videos, I always feel like I get to the point of the process vids I most want to see and then it jump cuts right before I get so see it. I understand not wanting to leave in all the mistakes and uncertainties of course, but I feel like that part of the process is just as interesting to see and learn from personally. Your failures and successes make your art what it is and the result is super beautiful, keep being awesome and thank you for these videos! :)

[@bluespark777]

Nice analysis, i always find it difficult drawing more desaturated stuff so this was really helpful

[@muchdog3]

I was interested in Arknights arts and suddenly found your channel with detailed and professional look at arts from another professionals. Thank you for exhausted yet easy to explain analysis.

[@diuryry]

YOU ARE A GOD SENT PERSON OMG I NEEDED THIS VIEO SO BAD, LOVE YOU

[@kgdkgdktdkt]

i'm not even interessed in anime art, but just because it's your channel, i watch them. Good job in your piece!

[@hoangTL]

I'm really overwhelmed with knowledge O_o

[@abyssia6440]

We need more art analysis content like (you, and tppo) i love these kind of content and it is rare to see these kind of content)

[@plusheila5080]

Great video btw :o I subscribed

[@nbruns10]

I love their art because of the muted colors! I'm planning to build all of their operators cause of that

[@crona420]

OH MY GAWDDD THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@danraz0ralice340]

Gorgeous!

[@titankingz60]

loved the vid! Although I don't play arknights myself, I love the artist who helped make the characters and it's interesting to see someone do an actual study on their professional work! I feel like every time you post you seem to have improved a lot since the previous videos so keep it up :P

[@shrewsburygobelen8449]

Nice vid!

[@piotrszulim1831]

Great art and video. I was under the impression that at least part of the reason why aZling4's artworks have muted colors is because she's color blind (it's in her Pixiv)

[@aeyasera1]

I've just barely started learning how to draw, and I have no idea what a lot of the stuff involved here really means, but I like I learned a lot anyways. This video is incredible, and I'm gonna go watch all your other videos o7

[@KashewKiddo3826]

Omg you really improved your art so much! I actually thought it was azling’s art when I saw the thumbnail. Great job! You nailed it!❤️❤️❤️

[@NFateZZ]

I really appreciate your effort in trying to study and analyse the artist in your style. Deeply felt that you should get recognised for what you did by actually implementing it. Tbh, I found many 'study' art videos to rip off or draw 'exactly' like the artist you are studying, and it infuriated me. It's not called study if you have the exact image that you can copy. The main purpose of studying art is to understand how it's used and implemented it into your own art. Otherwise, your work will never leave that artist's shadow. Anyway, Good job with the video It really helps me a lot! I'll be cheering for you from the side, good luck!

[@mitrin532]

10:16 This explanation helped me to understand how to draw water better than any tutorial I found before, wow

[@peterxyz3541]

First time on your chan. ❤️❤️❤️ I need more of this type of art studies. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😂

[@scissors7996]

Azling and KurooBlood are probably my favourite arknights artist they have their own colour pallete and unique style

[@bada8893]

Idk if you knew this, but aZLing4 is actually colorweak, which is the reason his illustrations have such low saturation. This gives his early drawings like Firewatch almost a muddy look. Probably as AK becomes bigger HG is providing him with assistants to help out, since the more later drawings have higher saturation and wider variety of colors. He still retains his style to a certain degree, which is really cool!

[@kairon156]

This speed paint is a great overview for colour and style. I just wanted to let the KZbin algorithm know that I'm a good 15 years away from being this good.

[@souptomato2174]

i did know there ribbon in lapluma hair....but your art are amazing! Looking forward !

[@antares3030]

Great artwork and analysis! :3 There's nothing wrong with simping La Pluma either

[@much7395]

I've never even opened any drawing app but these videos are still quite interesting, will show them to my friend who actually does art

[@yahalloe]

dayum, you drew good

[@thoze4813]

Your drawings are so good!!😭😭😭 I want to draw as good as you one day

[@recnelizgaming]

new subscriber here! I just want to come back on digital drawing again

[@npc.artist]

Love the explanations ❤ I name this composition christmas tree because it's seem like they use a lot of spiral dynamics and very wide camera perspective, very hard to try

[@SamiNash]

for a very long time I was wondering why I was drawn to aZLings characters in Arknights. Thank you for the analysis, as a non-arts expert.

[@revenant1581]

This kind of videos is what I am waiting for Arknights especially with these arts which is Arknights is known for. For me the one that captivates my interest is Kuro blood, Infukun, Ryuzaki, and of course Skade

[@nelathan]

You did an amazing analysis on the style! Though i think you didnt quite capture that in your own work. Im glad you show the sketching phase. Maybe try thumbnails too next time. For the color theme maybe look for classic traditional pigments.

[@saint_sam]

I'm a very lonely person, and I have a lot of great ideas for stories, so I decided to write a visual novel. I know how to draw, but I really wanted the character art to be of great quality. Your videos help me SO much understand how people go about creating incredible work with lots of atmosphere and details. Thank you T_T

[@plusheila5080]

Just my humble opinion but I liked the end result better with the clouds. It added an interesting layer by breaking up the straight edges of the box :)

[@ran8801]

guyss Noelucc uploaded a new video!!! >_< keep up the work

[@EmeraldEagle_]

I love that you this, you did a great job... I've been inspired. Nice thumbnail btw, I think it matches your voice... if that makes any sense

[@daleryanaldover6545]

4:09 "I'm being dumb and just winging it". - Literally me It's been a long time since I last draw something, I am thinking of coming back and what you said at the end really inspired me to try again, thank you!

[@AizaBreathe]

i tried it out wow. it’s dope

[@scaredstiff7176]

I noticed you used clip studio paint to draw this. If you're struggling with perspective, I recommend TOPGYN! (also more accurately titled "The only perspective grid you need") , an asset in the clip studio paint assets library that shows all three perspectives at once. It works like a 3d object so you can move it in space to find the perfect perspective. Best part is that it's also free.

[@guestj9213]

I made an artist research about azling a month ago for my project😭this couldve helped me