Andrea Wan is a young emerging artist from Vancouver. She has studied Film, Video and Integrated Media at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and Illustration and design at Kolding Designschool.
She was born in Hong Kong but moved to Vancouver at a very young age, where she was raised and now lives working as an illustrator and visual artist.
I’ve always loved illustrations, and the vast amount of possibilties there is to get a point or story across.
I’m fascinated by the way some people can draw and paint the most spectacular things based on an idea, thought or feeling.
Everything seems possible!
I came across Andrea’s work through a friend of mine (also from Vancouver) and instantly became a fan of her work!
I love the use of colour, the clash of fantasy and realism and her personal point of view/style, so I was excited to get a chance to ask Andrea a few questions about her work and the ‘creative process’.
M: How would you describe your work?
A: My work can be desribed as muted, intimate and subtle. I often think of my art as poems or collages that reflect the very inside of me.
M: Does your cultural background and/or the place(s) you live/visit reflect in your artwork?
A: Definitely. My work always responds to the environment around me. I spend a lot of time thinking about where I came from, the city I’m in and where I’d like to go next.
M: What inspires you?
A: All sort of things – walks in the neighborhood, random doodles, photographs, conversations, relationships, images on google. I’m interested finding the connection between unrelated subjects.
M: Can you namedrop some of your favourite artists/people that inspire you?
A: Charlie Kaufman, Stefan Sagmeister, Maira Kalman, Roald Dahl, Miranda July
M: Describe your workspace?
A: I find it hard to sit still when I work so I have 3 different work areas…2 at home and one at my studio space which I’m sharing with a group of like-minded artists and designers.
M: What tools do you use?
A: Gouache, ink, watercolor, pencil, and sometimes Photoshop
M: When/where are you most creative?
A: I find myself most creative whenever I’m in an unfamiliar situation or a new environment, and occasionally when a deadline is approaching.
M: How does the creative process work (From idea to final “product”)?
A: I like to brainstorm before I start drawing. My sketchbook consists of lists of words, rough thumbnails and doodles. Sometimes I skip the sketches and go straight to making the final drawings. I also prefer finishing a piece in one go.
M: Have you done a lot of commercial work for magazines, website, etc.?
And if yes, how is the creative/work proces different from your personal work?
A: I’ve worked with clients in editorial, music and fashion. For commercial works, I often have the freedom to create images using my own interpretation from the given topics, whereas personal works can be whimsical and spontaneous. So far every project I’ve worked on has been fun and challenging and I always learn something new.
M: Have you ever thought about doing something else?
If yes, what?
A: I’ve had a lot of jobs before, but recently I haven’t been thinking about it because I want to focus on what I’m good at (and because I pretty much suck at everything else).
M: What do you love most about being creative/an illustrator/artist??
A: I enjoy making art because it helps me understand myself better.
M: What advice could you give others who wish to pursue a creative career?
A: Be honest to your own creations and give your best shot at every project.
Find her work here and visit her personal blog here
//Melissa Ruengmanee Hansen
