Recently i was invited to be featured in the upcoming Artbook called Fusion Junction #3,A Collection of Contemporary Character Art, and did an interview with them. Since I realized that there are many people on DA would like to know more about my life as digital artist, maybe this interview can answer some of their questions, if not all. Enjoy!
I.This series of books features artists from around the world. What influences do you think your home country has brought to your work?
Having been born and raised a Hong-Konger, my direct influences at the time were mainly HK comics, and the most foreign being Japanese Manga. That really 'worked' in the sense that my aesthetic preferences were rather focused, and it helped me develop pretty rapidly in the respect -eventually being exposed to Western/European stuff which really set me off on a different mindset. I guess you'd call my education a very fusion based one.
II.If your art was a movie what would the tagline be?
Be Inspired. Be An Inspiration.
III.What was the defining point in which you came to consider yourself an artist?
The first time I picked up a pencil and drew, and actually liking it.
IV.What was the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Don't you ever stop creating beautiful artworks please.”
V.What is your favorite time of day to work and why?
Few hours before the clock hits 7pm. Cos that's when our daily lan-gaming session starts.
VI.Did you have a favorite childhood toy? What was it?
It had to be Lego. The most creative toy you can offer to a kid.
VII.Do you have any advice for people just starting to do artwork?
Art fundamentals are the key, even for digital art. It gives an artist the anchor and freedom to explore various art styles. Learn it well and it will reward handsomely.
VIII.How do you feel when you finish a new piece?
The excitement is over and it's time to move on to the next piece.
IX.Do you have any rituals you go through when you are preparing to work?
Not really. I am always ready.
X.What is the first thing you think of when you wake up and the last thing you think of before you sleep?
I am always excited to start my working day when I wake up, and I reflect on the things that happened during the course of the day and what I can bring from it before going to sleep.
XI.How do tradition and culture play into your themes and ideas?
Being Asian, I borrow heavily from tradition and that rubs off on my creative mindset when I do engage in my work.
XII.If you were to liken yourself to a fictional character, which character would that be and why?
It has to be Nobita in Doraemon. So that I can play with all the cool gadgets in Doraemon's pocket!
XIII.Life always has many surprises in store for us, what would you say has been the biggest change in your life and how did it affect your work?
The formation of Imaginary Friends Studios, and the fact that being an employer is no small feat, juggling business as well as creative needs of both myself and my fellow colleagues. The greatest motivation to date is my belief that as a team, growing my team equates to growing myself, and that's what I look forward to on a daily basis.
XIV. What is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?
My wife, Madeline.
XV. Is there an overall theme or message that you believe either consciously or sub-consciously runs through your work?
“To never settle for anything less than what you deserve.”
XVI. If you could make one wish what would it be?
To have been able to been born in the current generation, where more and more of the youth are getting exposed and dabbling in the creative field, having the blessing of technology and information systems to share so much. It matters a lot, especially during ones... “impressionable stage”.
XVII. What is the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you?
The lasting fact that IFS all started with a bunch of people who met online, and now share our careers and lives side by side in a physical studio. People from all walks of lives and nationalities -it seemed like it was only yesteryear.
XVIII. Has anyone greatly influenced your art from a personal level?
No I don't recall a particular individual that did, but graphic design has a substantial influence on my approach to the creative process.
XIX.What are you passionate about in life?
I am always eager to make a difference in others' life. I enjoy imparting my skills and what knowledge I possess in art to help other young artists grow.
XX.If you could keep time in a bottle, what is the one thing you’d like to do?
I would turn back the clock and possibly relive my artist beginnings.
XXI.What is your earliest memory?
I forgot. Haha!
XXII.If you were going to write a book, what would the last sentence be?
Believe in what you are capable of and fight for it till you get there.
XXIII.Describe a day in your life.
9am – wake up
10:30 – reached IFS
10:30 to 1:00 – drawing, painting, art directing, meetings.
1:00 – lunch
1:30 to 7:00 - drawing, painting, art directing, meetings.
7:00 to 9:00 – LAN gaming sessions (team-building so to speak)
9:00 till it ends - drawing, painting
XXIV.What is your guilty pleasure?
Gaming in the studio while telling my wife that I am working.
XXV.What animal do you most identify yourself with?
Hmm...I never wanted to be an animal.
XXVI.What is your favorite piece of art?
No I don't have one. I only like my art when they are fresh out of the oven.
XXVII.Who do you create your art for?
For God who gave me the talent to create beautiful artworks.
XXVIII.What element would you most like to improve in your artwork?
I would like to improve my story-telling skill thru comics creation.
XXIX.What is the power of art?
It brings a unique and personal interpretation to an idea that can emotionally affect an audience.
www.imaginaryfs.com
MY DA INTERVIEWFor those who wanna know a little bit more about me, you can find the interview here:
news.deviantart.com/article/20…Written by
<--- Thank you!
