Tokidoki Bosotto

Tokidoki Bosotto Russia-go anime inspired its illustrator Momoco

In an interview with Momoco, the renowned illustrator of the Tokidoki Bosotto Russia-Go light novel series by Dereru Tonari no Alya-san (Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian), she shared details about her artistic approach, the influence the anime adaptation had on her work, and her solo exhibition arpeggio, which had an exhibition at Omotesando. And with a career marked by her delicate and expressive style, Momoco reveals the challenges and motivations that have led her to establish herself as one of the most prominent illustrators in the world of bishoujo art.

Momoco’s artistic vision in Tokidoki Bosotto Russia-Go anime

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Momoco, known for being the illustrator of Tokidoki Bosotto Russia-Go’s light novel Dereru Tonari no Alya-san, spoke in an interview published by Pixivision about how her background in oil painting and her love of art influence her unique style. And although she began drawing digitally during her college days, her approach maintains a handmade feel thanks to techniques such as hand-picking colors instead of using multiplying layers. “I like to retain the feel of my own brushstrokes, even in my digital works,” he explained.

Tokidoki Bosotto Russia-Go’s anime adaptation of Dereru Tonari no Alya-san, Tokidoki Bosotto Russia-Go, marked a key point in his career. Momoco confessed that watching her illustrations come to life motivated her to explore new perspectives, such as drawing faces from unusual angles and experimenting with bolder compositions: “This experience has inspired me to improve my skills and learn from how animators simplify or stylize visual elements,” she said.

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The interview also covered his solo exhibition arpeggio, which was open to the public until November 27, 2024 in Omotesando, Tokyo. This included works from his recent arpeggio art book (Genkosha), released on November 18, along with illustrations from Dereru Tonari no Alya-san’s Tokidoki Bosotto Russia-Go series Tokidoki Bosotto Russia-Go, inspired by the landscapes of Venice, Momoco commented, “I have always wanted to capture the unique atmosphere of the city. Although I haven’t been there yet, I hope to visit soon.”

In addition, at the past exhibition, she presented innovative designs, such as bright prints and clothing printed with her illustrations, which allowed attendees to take away a piece of her art, among the featured items were long-sleeved T-shirts and art prints with shiny materials that, according to Momoco, “bring a fresh and unique touch to the pieces.”

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Finally, Momoco shared her interest in expanding her creative horizons, from designing 3D models to holding exhibitions with traditional works, the artist is excited about new challenges, she also talked about her creative process, explaining how she draws inspiration from nature, architecture and photography to bring to life characters with complex expressions: “I like to draw characters whose emotions are not easy to decipher. That adds a touch of mystery that I love to explore,” he added.

Momoco, an illustrator known for her delicate and appealing bishoujo illustrations, her most notable works include the cover and illustrations for Tokidoki Bosotto Russia-Go of Dereru Tonari no Alya-san and VTuber model designs for Hololive’s Hakui Koyori, NIJISANJI EN’s Petra Gurin and NIJISANJI’s Igarashi Rika. Momoco is also the author of the art book arietta, among many others.

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©Sunsunsun,Momoco/KADOKAWA/Alya-san Partners