Akabayashi Mizuki

I don’t think I would’ve progressed as far as I have, artistically, without this series. And not only that, but I think diving so deeply into these obscure characters has really given me a funny edge when it comes to constructing personalities and connections, and avoiding stereotypes in my own work. I’m not someone who gets into fandoms, really. I know, because I haven’t properly joined anything since I stepped away. But Durarara is so enchanting with it’s wild plot, and the people that I’ve met in this fandom and still continue to talk to and enjoy to this day, like, I’m so grateful. 

I started drawing digitally when I first made my ask blog in 2012, and by updating that thing so often, I was really able to better myself as an artist. All of the questions that people took the time to write me, the HUGE amount of love, the few bit of hate; the drama, the fantastic and not-so-fantastic relationships I’ve made- I would do it all over again if I could. Together we stuck it out for years until they made the second season and I can still remember how excited I was for that. I remember seeing Akabayashi’s official anime design for the first time (A BLUE SHIRT, ARE YOU KIDDING ME////) and seeing Aozaki’s first-ever general design (CAT EARS, ARE YOU SERIOUS, AND A RED SHIRT, NOOOO////) on the screen of my laptop and just freaking out. I remember all the events I tossed out there- Summerarara, Spookyrara, etc.- and all of the amazing feedback from those. I remember being called a pedophile because I drew Izaya and Mikado sharing earbuds once, and that was hilarious. I remember meeting people and giving the best advice I could muster up and oh my god, I’m so thankful to Durarara and so thankful to the fandom.  I can’t believe it’s been ten years. And look at that, I still think Akabayashi and Aozaki are super cute. I’ve changed so much. I’ve learned how to put my foot down and let toxic relationships end. I’ve learned how to travel the world and meet new friends despite whatever language barrier lied between us. And I’ve learned how to draw better.