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Spraygraphic Interview with Artist James Yang
By Spraygraphic | September 10, 2008
Spraygraphic Interview with James Yang
SG: Please tell us about yourself?
JY: I am a Korean who was born in Oklahoma in the 60’s and had dreams of becoming an astronaut. The only problem with this dream was my fear of heights. Dad would laugh and ask how I would get into the rockets since rockets were TALL. I told him it would not be a problem since rockets would be shorter in the future. Rockets never got shorter so I changed my mind and decided to become an illustrator. I have been illustrating since 1984 and work with a variety of clients from editorial, corporate, advertising, and publishing. My agent, David Goldman (since 1987) has a great quote about the illustrator’s life: Every day is exciting because you never know who will call.
SG: Where do you currently live and work?
JY: I currently live and work in Brooklyn. My wife and I used to live in Manhattan for many years and just moved. The change has been exciting. Many of our friends who are illustrators, designers, dancers, musicians and painters live nearby so it has been fun.
SG: What mediums do you work with?
JY: These days I work with computers. I have a quad-core Mac Pro with a 23-inch monitor. Photoshop is the only program I use. Earlier in my career, I painted in acrylic with ink and collage elements. I switched in 1994 which probably makes me one of the earlier traditional illustrators who started using computers. It was a scary time in my career because I was really busy with work when I decided to change. Fortunately, it turned out well, I was naive and it could have ruined my career. Sometimes its better to be lucky than good. The main reason for the switch was I had reached a limit with painting. With computers you can experiment and change your mind easily.
SG: Describe your working process when creating a new work.
JY: A client will send a manuscript or synopsis of the project and I try to break it down to its core meaning. I think compositionally, so I do tiny sketches with basic shapes to work out ideas. The client will received two or three sketches and pick the one they like. The sketch is scanned into the computer and I will use it as a template to add color, texture, and line. Textures are from found objects, but everything else is created in the computer. Photoshop is like a very fancy silkscreen process so I think in these terms when working. The final art is sent electronically to the client. I love the internet. Back when I was doing painting, it was such a huge PAIN IN THE ASS to pack, ship, and keep track of artwork. Thank you, Al Gore, for inventing the internet.
SG: What kind of things do you do when you get blocked or find it hard to create something?
JY: I usually don’t have creative blocks. Crap. I probably just jinxed myself. When I feel stuck, I stop and do something else. Maybe I’ll go outside for a bite to eat, go to a bookstore, or play one of my hobbies like golf or tennis. I’ll try to be more aware of my surroundings and this usually provides the spark I need to get the process going. Traveling has always been great for inspiration. I’m more of a “sponge” guy who soaks stuff in. I also have a routine where I think up ideas in the morning since this is my best time. If my routine is messed up, it will be harder to develop ideas.
SG: Where are you currently finding your inspiration?
JY: I really like Tim Biskup’s work, and looking at some of the illustration and design from the 50’s and 60’s. My interest in this style of work coincided with the time I started doing children’s books. I was a kid in the 60’s so this probably answers the question about my recent influences. I’ve also noticed more animated titles and credits for movies these days. Great stuff.
SG: Can you please tell us a little about Joey and Jet?
JY: “Joey and Jet” was the first book I wrote and illustrated. While working on another book, “Build it Up, Knock it Down” the story suddenly hit me. “Joey and Jet” is a visual joke where a boy throws a ball that keeps going FOREVER. I was looking for a device to use as an excuse for creating different landscapes. A bouncing ball chased by a dog seemed perfect. The language of the book reminds me of early “Dick and Jane” books I read as a kid. My editor, Dick Jackson, was fantastic. He has this way of editing your writing where he makes it sound like a better version of yourself.
SG: How did you get into being an freelance artist for companies?
JY: My path was pretty basic. First I get into newspapers which gets you noticed by a wide audience. Back in the day, you also took your portfolio to every design firm in the city. At the time I lived in Washington DC. Eventually, a firm called to have me do work for one of their clients. One of my first corporate projects was illustrations for IBM which later won awards. This was pre-internet, so winning awards was a big deal and made other companies comfortable with using you. My rep, David Goldman would always ask for samples from corporate clients and mail these samples to other firms. This was how we got the ball rolling. With the internet, it is so much easier. You just post new stuff for the world to see.
SG: What kind of deadlines do you work with when producing this kind of work?
JY: It varies depending on the project. Usually I have a week for sketches and an extra week for final. Some projects can take a month or longer depending on the approval process, and some projects might need something turned around in a week. There is really no set schedule.
SG: Do the companies come back to you and say “change this” or “change that?”
JY: Yes. Fortunately for me, it doesn’t happen too often or gets settled pretty quickly.
SG: How much are you willing to change? Is there some kind of negotiation process you go through?
JY: Depends on my role in the project. If I’m supposed to be the big guy, I will express my opinions and I find the client respects my opinion if it is based on concern for the audience. If I’m a cog in a giant wheel, I try to contribute with the thought my work has to fit with the bigger picture. There is always more than one good solution to any problem, so it is not that big to change things. Also, my agent makes sure I get extra for numerous changes. Getting paid has a way of calming you down.
SG: Where has your work been seen?
JY: My work recently been in the New York Times, Wall St Journal, Financial Times, Time Out: New York, and various other magazines. You can also find my second written book, “Joey and Jet in Space” at online bookstores.
SG: Where will it be seen next?
JY: My newest book, “Puzzlehead” published by Atheneum will be released next year. Otherwise you might see me pop up in magazines or newspapers.
SG: What is your dream art assignment?
JY: Creating work for a company where my work is the identity of the company which would include advertising, posters, and all the corporate stuff. I love design system stuff. Also designing characters and look for an animated project would be fun.
SG: What is your favorite color?
JY: Blue because this is my lucky color when I play sports. As you know, athletes are very superstitious. Too bad I’m not much of an athlete. Whatever.
SG: Who is your favorite artist? And Why?
JY: At the moment, Tim Biskup. I love his colors and the way he draws characters. His work also has this unrestrained quality. Whenever I see his work, I think I need to loosen up.
SG: What book/magazine are you reading this week?
JY: I’m a typical New Yorker. I like the New York Times, New Yorker, and Time Out: New York. I also read a ton of stuff online. One of my favorite blogs which recently ended was “The Secret Diary of Steve Jobs”. It was laugh-out-loud funny. I’m very sad to see it go.
SG: Ever do a self portrait? Where is it now?
JY: No, unless you adhere to the theory that every piece of art is a self-portrait. I’m sure I did one in college, but I have no idea where it is.
SG: Where is your favorite place to hang out?
JY: At the moment, my favorite place is a German Pub called Steinhof’s. It’s a great place to hang to out have a beer and eat wiener schnitzel. I love wiener schnitzel!
SG: Any final words of advice?
JY: There is a balance between being flexible and sticking to your guns. If you are too extreme in either direction, you will regret it.
Additional Links:
blog: yangblogworld.blogspot.com
Topics: Artist Interviews, Graphic Design, International-Art |
One Response to “Spraygraphic Interview with Artist James Yang”
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January 3rd, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Excellent interview! James has amazing art and great concepts … but what I like most about him is his sense of humor.