what artists specifically inspire you?
That’s pretty difficult to answer, actually. There’s way too many! But I can list off some names from the top of my head if you like.
Masaaki Yuasa, Sally Cruikshank, John Hubley, Gene Deitch, Rebecca Sugar, Grim Natwick, Bob Clampett, Jim Tyer, Ralph Bakshi, Jiri Trnka, Rowland Wilson, Kay Nielsen, Eyvind Earle, Walt Kelly and the countless other awesome people whose names aren’t currently springing to mind.
I also have an art tag on a sideblog that you can peruse if you like.