[Commentary] "The nickname is Daqiang, and his appearance is a cartoon." Liang Guanglin introduced himself in the self-portrait. In the cartoon, he has big eyes, a beer belly, and bare feet.
According to his words, barefoot means freedom, not being restrained, just paint what you like the most.
And he, as he described, turned his childhood hobby into a profession. He opened a comics shop in Qushuiting Street, Jinan, and painted a cartoon portrait for tourists in 5 minutes.
[Concurrent] Street cartoonist Liang Guanglin
I had this hobby when I was a child, and then I often drew with branches. At that time, I used a pencil to draw. Later, I went to some places, I read some books, I bought it and started to practice it myself. Anyway, basically my painting is completely complete. It's a grassroots, and it's all self-taught by me, just a special hobby. As long as I find something good and beautiful, I want to paint it. There is no reason for painting, but only a hobby.
[Explanation] Because of his childhood hobbies, Liang Guanglin has painted ceramics, glass, and oil paintings, and finally chose to draw comics.
He came to Jinan alone with a few hundred dollars to pursue his dream. He was reluctant to rent a house.
[Concurrent] Street cartoonist Liang Guanglin
I have lived in this place for 12 years, and in general I have calculated that there are about 30,000 paintings (painted), and all kinds of people have painted them.
Draw portrait cartoons for tourists, and tourists can also leave a souvenir for themselves in Jinan.
When they saw the portrait cartoons we drew, many tourists liked it very much, and then brought them some happiness, and I also gained some sense of accomplishment.
[Explanation] Liang Guanglin enjoys this kind of life by turning his hobby into a career.
In his spare time, Liang Guanglin is also working hard to improve himself.
[Concurrent] Street cartoonist Liang Guanglin
When I'm not busy, it's my own time. I just paint some art forms that I like from the bottom of my heart, such as ink cartoons. What I see and hear in my daily life, I use it myself. I drew it in the way of comics, and now there are also some works. Now I am collecting it myself. I take it out from time to time and look at it. Then I find my own shortcomings and how to improve it in the future. I have always wanted to find a style that suits me. This is also working hard, and it is very challenging.
[Commentary] Enjoying the current life, but cannot be satisfied with the status quo, and the future is unpredictable, but Liang Guanglin has ambitions in his heart and always wants to contribute to the comic industry.
[Concurrent] Street cartoonist Liang Guanglin
Now that I am in the comics industry, I must work hard through my own efforts. In my industry, it is the best to make a contribution. I have been working towards this goal and working hard.
Of course, I also hope that I will be very famous in the future, or my paintings will be liked by everyone. These are some of my dreams, and I will work hard.
Qi Jianyue reports from Jinan, Shandong
Responsible editor: [Ji Xiang]