Shelly Wan
Welcome back, champ! Let's get a quick bio: a little bit about you, how did you get your art career up and running, and where you're at now.
I am from Guang Zhou, a southern city in China. After graduating from the attached school of the Guang Zhou Academy of Fine Arts, I came to California to attend Art Center College of Design. I was an illustration major, and it wasn't till the last school year that I started to paint digitally. I interned at Walt Disney Imagineering during school, and I went to work for Rockstar Games as a Concept Artist after graduating in Dec 2004. I recently moved back to Los Angeles to work at Imagi Studio as a Visual Development Artist on the animated feature "Astroboy", coming to theatres 2009.
How important do you think formal training is in an artist's development?
I think it's important in the sense of meeting talented people that are also interested in making art. To see different perspectives and discover new angles that you may explore later on.
What is your process when working on an illustration? Do you work your piece out on the fly, or do you develop your ideas through thumbs and studies?
It's kinda embarrassing to talk about it, because I am sure it sounds odd...? I tend to visualize a "mood" i am trying to capture. I think out of the forms of art, music probably leads the way of making people feel this and that in an instant. So it's always helpful for me to hold on to a song that catches the mood somehow. It's through listening to it again and again (yes, it's odd) that I start to see things come up in shadows. The compositions start out like smoke that form and break apart in my head, sometimes I don't start drawing 'til I think about it constantly for two weeks. So yes, I work very slow and not on the fly! :) I can do that too but I am sure the work would suffer.
What are your thoughts on how to keep on your toes artistically?
Well, I struggle with that constantly myself. I think it's helpful to put down your pencil/wacom pen and just look at the world. Not just art but whatever that moves you. Do what your heart tells you to do. I know it's really vague - sorry.
Whose work are you following in the art world today? Who are your influences?
I am gonna try to say it in one breath: KlimtMuchaBrangwynLouderbackCornwellSchaeffer. Those are the tops. I love the golden age american illustrators and 19th century european artists. I love a lot of the contemporary artists as well: Mignola, Wood, Jean, Foster, and many animation artists. I think my main influences includes all art that has a sense of "Charm" in it. It could be done skillfully by Sargent, or it could be a child's doodle of an ice cream truck. I love charming things in disregard to techniques. By contrast if it's not heartfelt I tend to regard it as "Dead".
The absolute shittiest job you've ever had?
Hmm? I haven't had any jobs that aren't art related, so I guess I am lucky that way!
What are you reading, watching, listening to...
I read "perfume" recently, it's great. And I listen to audio books. Just finished "His Dark Materials" and "The Alchemist". Still listening to "Abarat". Watched... hmmmm? I don't have tv so i guess it's nothing. Listening to the Miyazaki soundtracks, especially "Laputa" and "Totoro".
You beat out 271 other talented artists in Last Man 2 last year, up from a playing field of 144 contenders in the first iteration of the Last Man thunderdome. Honestly, how much of a badass does this make you feel?
I am very honored. Quite shocked actually! I just didn't want to lose by too much so I tried to do my best. I end up discovering this whole new process and really improving my art. So I am quite thankful for all the contestants, because it's thanks to them and you that I did what I did.
Are you throwing down in Last Man 3 and showing the new crop of contenders how it's done for a second straight year? Please keep in mind that there is no room for the graceful sportsmanship you've displayed in the past and that this answer requires the use of at least one instance of filthy profanity.
Hmmm... Crap? Haha. Sorry, I think I am too deep in work and freelances to take on any more thunderdomes for now. I will stand at the side line and cheer for all of you! Especially you girls! Kick some asses and take no prisoners!
Thanks for your time, Shelly!
No, thank you Cody! ^________^ Here's to another great Dome!!!!!!
