interview | a chat w/ ningbo-based digital artist shadow chen ///

Shadow Chen (aka: Saltyshadow) is an incredibly talented mixed-media illustrator, painter, and digital artist based in Ningbo.

Shadow’s professional specializations as a freelance artist include illustration, graphic design, and web design. Her dynamic work depicts liquid shapes in bright colors – it’s instant inspiration and we just love it!

We recently caught up with Shadow to learn more about her background, her digital artwork, and her recent collaborations. See below for a few excerpts from from that conversation.

If you’re interested in collaborating with Shadow or purchasing any of her work, send us an email: EDGE@Neocha.com

For more from Shadow Chen on NeochaEDGE, link here.

For more interviews on NeochaEDGE, link here. /// Jellyfish

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into (digital) illustration?

I majored in industrial design and I’m an art and design post-graduate. Initially, I was into furniture design, but my love for art pushed me to explore more avenues as an illustrator and graphic designer. I got into illustration due to my interest in Photoshop. About three years ago I started posting “Photoshop-works” on deviantArt and I was soon hooked on it.

Where did the name “Shadow” come from?

I chose the English name “Shadow” because of my initial obsession with creating images of light and dark. This obsession is reflected in my recent Ink Mountain piece, which is a homage to the traditional Chinese artist Zhang Da Qian (张大千). I tried to reinterpret his style and infuse it with modern Western street-art influences.

What do you draw inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from daily life, from my talented friends and other people I happen to meet. I love “reading” different kinds of people, different states of mind, etc. Other art forms are also a major source of inspiration: street art, fashion, traditional painting, movies, poems, etc. I always listen to music to help me create a certain atmosphere for my artwork. But sometimes I might have a flash of ideas just by looking into the beautiful shape of a watermark on a pure white piece of paper.

What tools and materials do you use?

Photoshop, Illustrator, and traditional tools like colored pencils, water color, and acrylic paint.

When are you most productive?

I try very hard to concentrate and work during the day, in order to keep a “healthy” daily schedule. But I have to admit that late at night is probably the best time for designers to work.

Tell us a bit about your creative process. How does one of your pieces come to life?

When it comes to illustration with multiple specific styles and characters I spend a lot of time sketching. Usually I will draw more than one sketch, maybe three or four, and then I digitalize it on my computer. Figuring out of a way of making lineart and color work is the hardest and most important part of the whole process.

When it comes to abstract freestyle or mixed-media pieces, usually I prepare a very rough sketch and then draw it on the PC. It’s more enjoyable for me because it’s a free and expressional process, just like painting on canvas, only with photoshop.

There is an obvious “fluid” quality to your work. How did this style emerge?

Yes, I love water, bubbles, waves, liquid shapes / forms. Water represents vitality and life. It’s also the primary symbol of femininity and thus represents me, because I’m a woman. I don’t necessarily think that I’ve developed a certain style. I think my style has always been a part of me. When I create I’m just trying to be very honest, and when I finish, I always find similarities to my other works. My style is just like a main theme that represents me.

We’ve noticed that you also work on many remixes and collaborations. Tell us more about these. How do they start / develop?

I love working on remixes and collaborations, it’s a unique way of interacting with different artists. And, it’s a very inspiring and exciting experience because it allows one to explore an unpredictable creative process which most of the times leads to amazing results. It starts with a discussion between two or more artists. One of the artists, who is closer to the intended concept or style, will start working on a first draft for the piece. Then he or she will send in a refined digital composition (work in progress) for the other artist to continue with. The second round consists of refinement and polishing of the initial version. Then, a third round of polishing and revision follows. This process continues until each collaborator is satisfied with the piece. All in all, it’s an exciting but complex process of deleting, adding, and refining. See below for a piece I did together with Archan Nair.

What other mediums do you work in or would like to work in?

I love abstract painting, it’s a way of relaxation for me. I also like customization drawing (on shoes, cups, clothes etc.)

What shows, projects, or collaborations are you most proud of? What projects do you have planned for the future that you can share with us?

I’m proud to being one of 10 international designers involved in the Case-Mate project “I Make My Case,” where you can buy designer iPhone cases. The interactive function also allows you to custom design a case for yourself, re-mixing the participating artists’ design elements.

I love all the collaborations I’ve done. I’ve worked with some unbelievably talented artists! I did a lot of collaboration work with Archan Nair, and we are planing to continue this and possibly extend it to a series of artworks as a duo.

I will also continue creating t-shirt designs and gadget skins. In the future I plan to build up my own brand. I hope I can succeed!

When you’re not creating, what do you like to do?

I like hanging out with my friends: shopping, having dinner, chatting or playing sports with them. Sometimes I like having BBQs in the countryside.

What was art education in China college like?

I liked my BA education at university since I got a chance to learn many basics. I was introduced to different software and I had access to various information on product design, etc. However, I have to admit that I haven’t learned much during my MA studies. But I’m still grateful, because this period has allowed me to spend some time exploring what I can do and what I want to do for my career.

Generally, the education system in China still has a lot of misunderstandings on methodology and ethics in the areas of the arts, and there’s not much space for innovation and stimulation of indivitual talent. But I believe it‘s improving and will get a lot better over the next 10 years.

How important do you think art education is to being an artist?

It’s very important to have access to information. It also gives one opportunities of exploring and experiencing, as well as being inspired by and socializing with professionals in one’s field.

What should an art student keep in mind before he / she starts to create?

I believe people should constantly ask themselves: “Am I doing what I like to do, and what I’m good at?”. When people start to work in a creative field, I think there’s also another question they should ask themselves: “Am I being honest with myself about what I’m about to create? Is it my own thought and my own way of carrying out the concept?”

How can somebody prepare for a career in illustration? How do you succeed in the industry?

Preparing for a career in illustration is very tough. Especially for freelancers. Before you actually start getting jobs from clients, you have to do a lot personal pieces to train up your skills, to find your own style, and to promote and make yourself visible. I cannot say I’ve succeed yet. I’m still struggling, but I hope one day I’ll succeed.