Hi Clair

Interview with OTM.com

Korea’s Sweetheart
Natalie Kaine

Illustrator Clair Jang makes time for a quick, cross continental Skype chat with OTM to discuss her work, aspirations and longing to return to her long lost friend: Toronto.

Born and raised in Korea, Clair lived in the Toronto area for a few years, four of which she spent at OCAD studying illustration. There, she honed her playful and child-like aesthetic and experienced living far away from home at a tender age. She continues her whimsical artwork back in Korea, for individual clients, but is also working with a collaboration of artists to create ‘public art’ in small towns to express local identity and communicate with residents. Although public art is understood differently in Canada, I’d let her paint on my house any day.

Natalie Kaine: How long have you been an illustrator; how did you get started?

Clair Jang: I don’t know how I got started, but ever since I went to school for illustration, I was always open to opportunities around me. My first commission work was three pieces for a local café called “Barista” in Korea where I often spent time during the summer break. I was excited when I had a chance to create work for those who needed it.

NK: How often do you work? How do you spend your spare time?

CJ: I work Monday to Friday at the company. On the weekends I do other things to give myself more freedom and to try to do something new and exciting. I try to relax for the whole day and not think of anything else; I hang out with friends to share my ideas and thoughts. Recently I became interested in looking at blogs to see what other people are doing. I am also making little dolls and flowers using fabric and learning traditional Korean painting.

NK: How does your work change based on where you live?

CJ: My style of illustration is still progressing so I don’t think I can say it’s something particular, but I definitely think my colour schemes change based on where I live. I think the biggest difference is the way illustration is seen in different places based on the cultural differences and styles of illustration that art directors prefer. I think compared to Toronto, illustrations in Korea are more focused on children’s books, educational use and the stationary market. Toronto seems more focused on editorial and concept illustration. I also think the inspiration I get is different because people, lifestyles, cultural background, and interests are different in Toronto and Korea. I really miss the atmosphere of Toronto and I want to come back sometime soon. Being an illustrator is not easy in either Korea or Toronto, but I love the fact that no matter where I live, I’m able to illustrate.

NK: What are your influences? Where do your ideas come from?

CJ: I get inspiration from many random illustrators and artists. Some of them are Sam Weber, OLAF Hajek, Christopher Silas Neal, Chagall and Lee Soodong. I try to look at many artists’ works to open my eyes. I also get inspired from passionate people. I get ideas from relationships from the past or when I talk to people about something I am interested in; so mostly from memories, thoughts and daily life.

NK: What mediums do you work in? How has your style developed?CJ: I used to use mixed media. I used acrylics, oil paint, water colours, print making; it all looked good on me. And then I scanned them into Photoshop to finalize the piece, because I like to collage to create my work. I also like the randomness of processing work by using computer programs; it fits my work style. I love to play with my images so I think Photoshop is a good tool. I love painting on wood because I like textures. My style of illustration is still progressing, but I am trying to use different materials to create my work so I am hoping this will lead me to develop my style.

NK: How do you see your career progressing in the future?

CJ: I hope I can get more illustration jobs and I want to publish my own book and children’s book in the future. Of course, I would like to have more gallery shows with interesting artists and illustrators. I like the idea of creating a collective like Team Macho. I think being an illustrator is lonely sometimes so I think it would be nice to share thoughts and work together with others at the same place. It would be wonderful to collaborate with a fashion designer. I would like to try many different things and meet interesting people in the future.