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CALENDAR

10-13 Dec.
Siggraph Asia 2008 (Singapore)
31 Dec.(Deadline)
The Big i Contest
9 Jan, 2009 (Deadline)
The 3rd Wacom Holiday Season Contest 2009

 
Wacom Community Featured Artist of the month

 

Name: Huei-Li Chen
Country: Taiwan
Website: http://shawli2007.
deviantart.com/

Wacom Tablet: Cintiq 12WX

 

Freelance illustrator, Huei-Li Chen, is known best for her work on the book covers of fantasy and romance novels sold in Taiwan and China. Her colorful artwork exudes seductive pheromones from her subjects, one reason why publishers continue to ask her for more. To date, she has worked on well over 200 bookcovers!

 

Wacom Community Featured Artist of the month
   Interview with Huei-Li Chen
 
 

1 .When did you start your career as an illustrator? Who has influenced your artwork?

 

Well, I was an illustrator in an adult PC game company about 7 years ago. One publisher saw some of the work I did in that game and asked me to do some book covers for them. I took the opportunity and the results turned out pretty good; the books sold really well. I became a freelance illustrator since then. I studied many artworks to learn different techniques. There were many great artists that had influenced my work. Shunya Yamashita, Fuyumi Souryo, Cicely Mary Barker, Michelangelo (not listed in alphabetical order), and so many others.

 

 

TeacherZ: This is a series I did last year. I used a very different style to create these pieces and I sure had lots of fun doing it. The faces of the characters are more realistic and the tone of the entire work is heavier.

 

 

 

 

 

2 .How many bookcovers have you created so far? Which one is your favorite? What is its story?

 

I have never really counted them, but they have already exceeded over 200 books. I have them all organized on a bookshelf. They are like my babies (^^), I take very good care for them. My personal favorite is the series called ”極 品公子" ("Qualified Lovers" - the title is my own translation). The story is about a young man raised in a rich family and the adventurous and exciting life he lives.

 

極品公子("Qualified Lovers"): This is my favorite series. It doesn't have an English title, so "Qualified Lovers" is my own translation. I was greatly influenced by Shunya Yamashita while doing this series and really had a great time. I learn more about how to use lines to describe the sexiness of female body.

 

 

 

 

Cellphone downloading series: This is one of the images from a series created in 2004 for cellphone users in China to download. I heard that the series was downloaded over 100,000 times a day.

 

3 .The characters look like they were done in anime style, but why did you choose to use watercolor for the background?

 

I did the work this way so I can let my characters stand out more and blend more into the environment. Using this method, I think it gives them a semi-realistic feeling and makes the pieces stronger.

 

 

 

4. What are the most difficult things about being freelance illustrator? What are the best things?

 

Freedom. Freedom is the most difficult thing as a freelance illustrator. Unlike working for one company, there’s many times I had to follow the orders from my boss; being a freelancer, I am the boss, I get to decide what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. The best part of being free is to be able to make my own decision. The downside is to try not to stay too free, and that's the most difficult thing.


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Egyptian: This is a new series I am developing now for fun. I am just trying to experience something about lighting and shadowing.

2nd Wacom Anime/Manga Contest: This is the piece I submitted to the 2nd Wacom Anime/Manga Contest. I love the cuteness and innocent of her face. I don't draw innocent girls a lot; most of the girls I draw are very sexy looking, because, you know, that's my job.

 

5 . You learned fine art at a university in the United States! Why did you choose to go abroad? What is different from learning art in Taiwan and USA?

 

Actually, I moved to the States with my family when I was 15. Studying at a university was a very wonderful experience. I got the chance to know so many western artists and their works. I also had the opportunity to know and experience a different culture. All of my American classmates were crazy artists. They studied art, explored art, challenged art, and loved art in so many different ways. All these things affected and inspired me, and I was able to be strong and focus on creating my own art. Fortunately, unlike many people in Taiwan, I am not afraid to enjoy the ability to do art, and I am also not afraid to enjoy and love art.

 

 

 

 

6 .What kind of music do you listen to while working? Favorite fashion? Novel? Anime?

 

I usually listen to radio while working. I listen to stations such as news, pop music, and even English radio sometimes. This way I get to know what’s going on around the world and won’t feel being left out. My mind is always busy although I am quiet sitting in front of the computer monitor. I don’t watch TV and I seldom watch anime, but I love almost all work made by Pixar. I love watching monster movies (^^); my favorite movie is "Jurassic Park" (Love the dinosaurs!). My favorite novel is “Gone with the Wind”, but I seldom read these type of novels now days. If I have spare times and I want to take a break, I usually travel.

 

 

 

7 .Do you have something you have been doing a long time besides drawing?

 

No, but I do want to know how far my art will lead me to.

 

 

 

 

8 . What would be your dream hardware set up?

 

Cintiq 21UX. This is what I want from Santa Claus. I can't wait to try it, but of course, I have to wait. Christmas is not here yet. I remember there's one tool from Doraemon's pocket: a big container that artist can go in to work, eat, and sleep and won't be bothered. It will be nice to have a container like that. Do you know where to order it? Or maybe, I might just get a Doraemon for myself.

 

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Bookcover 2: A bookcover image that I just recently finished. I've always wanted to draw fairy-like girls and the atmosphere was so soft and fresh. I like it a lot and can't wait to do more of this.

 

9. Any upcoming events, exhibitions, etc.?

 

There’s a new book series I am working on now that is coming out soon in Taiwan. I am also working on a piece to enter the Taiwan Kadokawa 1st Light Novel and Illustration Contest. (http://www.kadokawa.com.tw/lightnovel2008/#). And, I am also working on my first illustration book scheduled to be published at the end of 2008.

 
 

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TeacherZ