Michael C. Hsiung is an amazing illustrator based out of Los Angeles. He has a very unique style of art that usually includes obese men riding animals and is inspired by mythology and cryptozoology. Michael is part of the Human Pyramids Artist Collective and spends his spare time keeping the Vans art blog fresh.
Now for our exclusive interview with illustrator and artist, Michael C. Hsiung.
City you call home?
Los Angeles
When and how did you first get introduced to art?
When I was a kid, I was always drawing, reading comic books, and stuff like that. My sister Pearl was a really good artist when we were young, so I was introduced to art via her experience in art class and etc. It wasn’t until later in college that I took some art history classes and really got the “official” art introduction.Then years later I was re-introduced to art once again via shows and magazines.
How would you describe your style of art?
In terms of style, I guess I would say that it’s like if a child drew with his feet for 4 years. Kidding aside, I’d say simple lines, illustrated, narrative, and humorous with a hint of obese men riding an animal.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in various things from my own life to mythology and cryptozoology. It really just depends when the inspiration or idea hits me. Sometimes my drawings are inspired by some interests I have at the moment and other times it is something from my childhood memories. The one consistent thing is that I usually discover what might have inspired me after I’ve done the drawing.
Mac versus PC?
MAC nerd.
Tablet versus pencil and paper?
Both. I’ll always be a pencil on paper guy – it’s how I always start my drawing off with. I did invest in a pen tablet a few years back after someone told me that I should try it out. While I’ve gotten used to using it as a mouse, I haven’t really transitioned into drawing with it on the computer. Sometimes I use it for lettering.
Can you walk us through your creative process?
My creative process is probably pretty boring. I usually start off with a piece of blank paper and scribble a bunch. Unless I have a specific idea, which often times I don’t, I usually sketch blobs on top of blobs or thumb looking shapes on top of other blobs. That is followed by lots of crumpled up paper in the trash. Other times, I think of an idea, do a bit of research, and start scribbling it out. That’s what I call my creative process, “scribbling it out.” Ha-ha.
How did you originally get involved with the Human Pyramids?
I was introduced to Human Pyramids via a virtual artist pen pal I had named Pacolli from Brazil. I think we started off as Flickr buddies, and we chatted her and there. Then we were going to do some art trades, and she sent us a bunch of cool stuff, like pillow cases and zines. It turned out that she was coming to Los Angeles to be in a group show with a bunch of international artists, the Human Pyramids.
While she was here, I went to check out the installation of the show and got to meet some of the artists. I lent a hand here and there, but overall I really got along well with them. Anyhow, long story short, they jumped me in at some German Sausage place downtown! I’ve been a Human Pyramid ever since.
Do you feel that collaborating with other artists is important?
I think collaborating with other artists is definitely important. I think it really helps to push you harder sometimes because it can be like a puzzle. I mean how does my style fit with theirs? Will it? But that being said, I think “collaborating” could mean anything from working on a piece together to helping a follow artist promote a show! It’s all about learning to work together and being a supportive community. If you can’t collaborate with your fellow artists, then I guess I’m screwed. haha.
Can you tell us a little bit about the Vans art blog that you run?
Well, let’s see the Vans art blog is a blog/tumblr where I post any information on Vans collaborating artists’ projects, works, and/or events. Sometimes I pop a little something-something I did on there. They said it was cool! haha.
Do you have any advice for future illustrators/graphic designers that want to make a career out of their art?
My advice to any future illustrators/graphic designers is to have fun – go for it, work hard, and get involved with the art community. You might not end up with a house and/or riches, but at least you can die, having done something you enjoy.
Is there anything else about you that you would like the world to know about Michael Hsiung?
When I was a kid, I wanted to grow up and be a fire dog.
We hope that you enjoyed our interview with Michael C. Hsiung. For more info and to see more of his work, check out michaelchsiung.com.
