Jan 27, 2014 8 Questions with: Sophia Chang
Sophia Chang at the Agenda trade show in Long Beach (January 7, 2014)
I was introduced to Sophia Chang when we were working on interTrend’s twentieth anniversary tenugui project together. Her contribution was an array of rapper portraiture done in a deceptively effortless-looking, pen-and-ink style. (Of course, the Queens creator’s tastes lean toward the East, and some of my favorite depictions include Q-Tip, Ghostface, and Rakim.) Since then, our paths have crossed many times–both for business and pleasure–and I’m constantly impressed and amazed by her gigs, which range from apparel for PUMA and Staple to illustration and design for fashion magazines around the world to personal printmaking for her Esymai shop. What Sophia’s wide-ranging body of work has in common is a clear love for her subject matter and confident line drawing that seemingly spills straight from the heart, through the nib of a pen, and onto whatever she’s making. So how could I not ask her Imprint’s 8 Questions about her creative process?
How would you describe your job?
A dream come true.
What are some projects that you are currently working on?
I am currently working on a few exciting projects. I have a collection with PUMA releasing in Fall 2014. It is a full line of apparel and footwear for men and women. I am also working on a collaboration with the NBA.
Clockwise from top left: Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations for Travel Channel, illustration for Steve Madden Magazine x Galore Magazine, Shirt design for That Food Cray X Fresh Cafe, 20th Anniversary Tenugui Project for interTrend, Mike Tyson T-shirt for Staple Design, Michael Jordan illustration for Esymai, spot illustrations for Vibe Magazine.
With all of your freelance work starting and stopping at different times, is there such thing as an average work day?
Sure thing! I’m a pretty organized person, so most of my days are thoroughly planned down to the minute. I freelance full-time and things get crazy sometimes (in a good way and bad way). I have typical slow days when I get to spend some quiet time with my dog, watch TV, and nap, and then sometimes I have the crazy hectic second-to-second rush day. Literally the New York minute.
Do you ever suffer from drawer’s block (kinda like writer’s block)?
Absolutely. Usually procrastination solves that problem. Just kidding. I keep my mind on the jobs and my eyes open to inspiration. Usually I don’t think of anything until the last minute, though.
Where do you find inspiration? Not just in art and design but anywhere.
I’m fortunate enough to have been born and raised and living in a great city such as New York. Inspiration is everywhere. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if you keep an open mind, the city will speak to you. Also, I am blessed to have a great creative network I can vibe with. People to inspire me and challenge me.
Clockwise from top left: Feature for Hypebeast with Action Johnson, Coming to America print for Esymai, Jeremy Lin print for Esymai, Black in the New York Groove mix art for DJ Clark Kent, Marc Gasol illustration for Grantland, Biggie Smalls illustration for Esymai, Mixtape covers for Fruition Las Vegas.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grow up?
An artist. I win!
Reading anything at the moment?
The Holy Bible.
What’s your favorite post-work destination?
The bed for a nap.
Clockwise from top left: Art for Baohaus 2 (photo: Cynthia Chung), album illustration for Talib Kweli, illustration of Drake for XXL Magazine, Marilyn Manson for W+K New York, Portrait for COCO & Breezy, Raekwon the Chef illustration for Esymai, cover art illustration for Status Magazine.
You can follow Sophia and her latest projects at Esymai.com but her Instagram feed is better if you want to see her Pomeranian
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