An Chen is a talented illustrator with a deep passion for using shapes to bring his artwork to life. With a background in graphic design, he finds solace in creating illustrations from vector shapes, which allows him to exercise his creativity and expertise in a comfortable and familiar medium.
Typography plays a significant role in An's artistic process, serving as a major influence on his illustration techniques. When observing his work, one can easily notice his penchant for shaping illustrations with bracket serif or giving them an italicized appearance. This unique approach adds a distinctive touch to his creations, making them stand out and capturing the attention of viewers.
In addition to his fascination with typography, An Chen also finds inspiration in the texture of 1950s and 1960s matchbox designs, particularly those produced by the Soho Lipnik factory. The vintage charm and character of these designs captivate him, and he seeks to recreate their old printing textures in his own illustrations.
To achieve the desired texture, An Chen employs the technique of mono print. This method allows him to replicate the nostalgic printing textures found in the matchbox designs he admires. By using mono print, he is able to infuse his artwork with a sense of history and nostalgia, evoking memories of a bygone era.
With his unique fusion of vector shapes, typography, and vintage textures, An Chen's illustrations possess a distinct visual language. They showcase his creativity, attention to detail, and passion for bringing together various artistic elements to create captivating and evocative artwork. As he continues to explore new techniques and expand his artistic horizons, An Chen's illustrations are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who has the pleasure of experiencing them.
Tips to fellow Artists:
Don’t be a perfectionist. I used to be afraid of showing my work to the public, even posting my works on social media. Lacking confidence and courage, I always told myself I would put myself out there when I was “ready”. Now I look back on my early career, there was never a moment when I felt ready, and no perfect work appeared. I wasted a lot of good chances and time waiting for the perfect work to come out. Now I would encourage people every time you have some work done, post on your social media, attend a competition, send it to art directors or clients you want to work with. Amazing things will appear to you. Also If you don’t step out, you will never put yourself in the situation where you think you are lacking something, so that urges you to improve yourself.
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