Conversations with Stephen Chan

Hey all, we have another awesome conversation with Stephen Chan! Sit back grab a cup or your favorite, and read about Stephen Chan, the music, the illustration and the tips he gives us to become a better freelance artist.

Hey Stephen, thanks for doing this interview with Black Format.

Hey guys, no problem, thanks so much for asking

Sure man, Do people usually call you Stephen?

Yeh, a few variations, Stephen, Steve, Ste … any is fine … I used to be just referred to as Chan (or The Chan) in High School / College. Please take your pick

haha, Steve it is! where did you grow up?

I grew up in a town called Birkenhead (next to Liverpool), England. Well, to be more precise, in the living room of a normal sized semi-detach house is where I spent most of my childhood.

coool! but your last name is not English, where does it come from?

Usually when people ask me this, I would say my dad is Jackie Chan. You wouldn’t believe how many people fell for this .. (as I have a huge nose that bears resemblance) but yeh, my family are originally from Hong Kong. We used to go back yearly, and I try to keep this tradition, to catch up with family and friends. My second home…

haha thats awesome, I always wanted to go to Hong Kong, as a matter of fact Bubi, a member of the Collective resides there now! Do you think this had any influence in your work?

Definitely, I’m quite sure of its influence. I grew up with a healthy does of manga, anime and computer games. The whole culture of the cute character orientated products and media of Japan really exploded in Hong Kong. Things like Sanrio and A Bathing Ape showed that simple shapes and bold lines had strong appeal. The Vinyl toy scene in Hong Kong showed that adults can still play with toys. I think this Asian culture influenced me a lot, as you can probably see in my characters.

yes defenetly, we love your isometric style! I specially love the facebook illo you just did not too long ago. How did you develop the isometric style?

I think it must have been 2-3 years ago, during this early period I entered quite a lot of competitions in a variety of styles. But then, one day I entered a competition in the Isometric style (because I was working on a project in this style at my graphic design studio). The competition was judged by Peter Saville, and he chose my illustration as the winner. This was the confidence I needed, a style made famous by the likes of eboy and Rod Hunt, so I had to develop my own isometric style which is more Character driven. And now, through numerous projects, I am still slowly developing and molding this style.

It’s so amazing! what do you like to listen while you work?

I listen to a lot of weird stuff, recently my Japanese friends introduced me to Chatmonchy, Mass Of The Fermenting Dregs and Toe. I’m quite in to Japanese bands, favourites include Mono, Shiina Ringo and highly recommend Spangle Call Lille Line. I also like to listen to Hong Kong comedy / radio / talk shows, keeps me in tune with the culture and language over there. Also lots of random Stand-up shows that I just play in the background (Bill Bailey, Dylan Moran etc) with keeps the British side of me entertained.

Ha, Ive never heard of any of the mentioned above, what kind of sound is that?

Haha, yeh, most of them all quite unknown, even to Japanese people. There’s a variety of sounds, mostly indie rock, alternative, shoegaze… something like that.

ohh man, i gotta check them out then! Do you find that music inspires your work?

I think to a degree, the way it changes with your mood, or how if influences your emotions. It keeps me relaxed and focused, but not sure how directly it might inspire the actual final product. I feel everything affects the work though, even slightly, will make that important difference. So keep your eyes and ears open always

Yeah, I personally find the same, it keeps me relaxed and by doing that your mind is more creative. or so i find. Glad I have a job that I can listen to music while I work…. So what are you doing now, are you working for a company or freelancing?

I am freelancing currently, sometimes from home and sometimes I rob some desk space at my friends company…

Thats so awesome, how did you step to the freelancing world? any tips?

I started out as a Graphic designer / Illustrator at a Design company. I think I was super lucky to be working for them freelance. They gave me lots of work, which gave me the chance to slowly develop my style and myself. I try to be as involved as I can in the design community too, you meet a lot of nice people and contacts this way. People respect you for your skill and your hard work, and this will lead to good things. Just keep doing great work and promote the hell out of it… promoting is just as important as doing. What’s the point of doing great work if no one sees it..

Those are really wise words, we are just writing an article of the importance of social media and broadcasting your work. The more doors you open the more possibilities.

What is your view on social media? What is your favorite tool?

I think without social media I won’t be here today speaking to you. I wouldn’t have meet most of the artists and designers that I have built a close (yet digital) relationship with. Just today I became facebook friends with Akinori Oishi and chatted to him, from UK to Japan, haha. I wouldn’t have gotten half the clients that I worked for. I wouldn’t be planning a group exhibition in Japan with Illustrator friends from Asia. Social media is a part of our daily lives now, it is essential.

I regularly use Facebook, Twitter and G+ which all have their own unique qualities. I have a lot of friends and family on facebook, which I’m sure we all do, but the other 2 are mainly for promotion, design contacts and more focused as a front for my illustration work.

Totally agree, media is reducing the size of the world. Collaborating has never been easier. It has so many benefits, but what do you think are the downsides?

Social media and just the internet in general is an infinitely massive space. You can really get lost in it and get sucked in to this black hole for hours and hours (I’ve fallen victim to it many times). You need to be able to manage yourself, Social media is important, but there must be balance (I’m still working on this too :S)

Yes, yet is so interesting, so much to learn! Balance is key though like you say it a matter living life at least 80/20 80 being online haha.

Stephen thanks a lot for this amazing opportunity to chat with you, in a more relaxed and spontaneous interview format.
Goodluck with all your future projects

Thanks again to you, it has been a nice chance to take a step back and learn about myself too. Hope it isn’t too boring and that it helps whoever that has the patience to read my random ramblings, haha, even a little bit .. even just one person… thank you…

Make sure to visit him on behance and twitter @Stephen_Chan_