Kazakhstani artist featured among DC Comics creators
Tengrinews.kz – The name of Kazakhstani artist Asset Kairambayev, known as Naykeed, has appeared in the official announcement from DC Comics. The 30-year-old illustrator from Astana created a variant cover for a Harley Quinn comic, which will be released this month. Tengrinews takes a closer look at how the story about a "robbery and a date" came to life and why word-of-mouth works even in Hollywood.
How it all began
Asset started posting his first works on social media, which eventually caught the attention of others.
"Over time, people from various industries began to notice me. In the beginning, I worked mainly for the CIS market. The first big push came when Aysultan Seitov noticed me. I helped him with illustrations and storyboards, and then, thanks to word of mouth, I started working with others. My breakthrough into the international market came about two years ago when I changed my style and started doing redesigns of characters from 'Naruto'," he explained.
Asset noted that his works were well received by many people. Later, he received an unusual offer.
"I got a message on Instagram from a DC Comics editor who had been following my work for a long time. She offered me to create the cover," the illustrator shared.
Screenshots provided by Asset
Working with DC
According to the editor’s request, the cover had to depict the heroines on a date while committing a crime.
"I immediately realized that the composition had to play on contrasts. While they are having a pleasant time, there should be some madness happening in the background," he noted.
He initially proposed several options. One idea was a scene where the heroines take over a roadside cafe and dine while everyone around is in fear. Ultimately, they settled on a different option.
"We chose a scene where they are sitting in a truck after the robbery — literally sitting on top of a security guard," Kairambayev explained.
Illustration: Asset Kairambayev
Inspiration and style
Among the artists who have influenced his style, Kairambayev names comic book and manga authors.
"I am inspired by Phil Noto, Masashi Kishimoto, and Tatsuki Fujimoto. I have always been amazed by their ability to balance stylization with academic techniques. I don't like it when things are done too realistically or too caricatured. They manage to find the golden middle," he shared.
Kairambayev believes that Kazakhstan already has many creators who aim at the international market. However, according to him, it is important not only to follow trends but also to find your own approach.
"Try to bring your own vision. Understand what you personally like in visual art, and analyze how it relates to the external creative world," he advised.
He pointed out that many beginner artists make the same mistake: trying to simply replicate someone else’s style.
"It helped me when I took a step back and thought about what I really liked and what fundamentals I needed to improve," Asset said.
The artist also emphasized the importance of an academic foundation.
"No matter how much people turn up their noses, academic foundations — composition, drawing, perspective — are really necessary. They help you understand your style more quickly," Kairambayev believes.
The comic with the cover created by the Kazakh artist will be released this month. For the local community, this is another example proving that today, in order to work with industry giants like DC, all you need is the internet, a solid foundation, and the courage to show the world your unique style.