Interview: Spring People

BY EDITOR
​Ping-Yu Chiu is a breath taking fashion illustrator, one that is pursuing a graduate degree in Illustration at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

​He collaborated with ITEM for this issue, where he was able to bring his refreshing take on beauty to life.

What historical or current art movement do you think your work resembles the most? 

The idea of my work, I would have to say, resembles a sense of modernism. This moment in art is a philosophical movement that grows from cultural trends and social changes. I like to illustrate those confident women wearing clothes that scream fashion. 

Do you have a particular favorite medium that you use? 

Actually, I use a variety of mixed media that I enjoy utilizing when I illustrate. Here, I used the likes of watercolor, ink and acrylic. I really like to use the transparent effect of watercolor to illustrate a female’s sensitivity, capturing their subtle emotion, and then I add ink and acrylic to emphasize the cool part that I want to point out on female’s makeup or clothes, in the final step.

Is there a certain illustration style that you enjoy more? Such as portraits, beauty, nature, movement, etc. and Why or why not?

I focus more on female portraits and interactions of people in fashion because I like to emphasize the contrast and identity. For example, confident women still poses sensitive features and I like to focus on those differences. 

When do you find yourself illustrating the most? 

I general, I draw at night because I enjoy creating without distractions, except for a little music playing in the background. This makes me feel so relaxed and stress free. If I am struggling in some parts that I can’t resolve, I will rest my eyes or stop drawing for a while. When I come back and sit in front of my drawing desk, there are always some new idea running through my mind!

Do you have any long term or short term goals as an illustrator? 

My long term goal is to be a successful fashion illustrator, one that works with a lot of brands and companies. I want to be at a place where I can draw how I like each and every day. My short term goal, is to keep improving on my skills, so that I can produce my very own exhibition in a gallery.