Introducing Joey Han
We are excited to introduce our latest addition to the roster, Brooklyn based Illustrator, Joey Han. We wish him a very warm welcome ahead of the holidays! Joey’s illustrations explore central themes of memory and place, particularly how environments shape what we hold onto. Working across analogue and digital techniques his work hits a sweet spot that is both traditional and simultaneously contemporary. We discussed inspirations and life as an illustrator with Joey. You can find out what he had to say in our Q&A below.
What made you want to become an illustrator?
I guess I never imagined anything other than a life making art. I studied film in college and had intended to work in film, and for a long time I also considered architecture. I might still explore those at some point in my life, but at least for now I think illustration suits me best. At the end of the day I just like to draw.
Where do you take inspiration from for your work?
Places I go and people I meet. In New York City there’s so much life going on all around, so it’s hard not to be inspired. For a while I was working in busy NYC restaurants, so you meet all different kinds of people. The greatest bursts of inspiration always come from being on the road or traveling to new places.
Are there any other illustrators or artists you admire? What do you love about their work?
Hayao Miyazaki and Bill Watterson. Their work is deeply empathetic, which I think comes from both being masters of observation. This acute observational skill shows in both their draftsmanship and writing/storytelling. I admire the fact that both are able to approach big and profound concepts, and sometimes sharp criticism, with a lightness, warmth and understanding.
What is the best thing about being an illustrator? And the worst?
I don’t take for granted that I can make a living through art and doing what I love. I enjoy learning about all different things that I’m commissioned to illustrate, and I like the challenge of trying to distill what I learn into a single, understandable visual. I’m generally more of a social person and like to work in collaboration with or around a lot of people, so a downside of being an illustrator is that the actual work itself is usually done in isolation.
What do you have to have in place before you start work?
Just music, really. I always listen to music when I work, and I find it helpful to try and match the atmosphere or tone of whatever illustration I’m working on.
How do you overcome a creative block?
Personally, creative blocks tend to come from being in the same place for too long — mentally or physically. A change of scenery is really helpful. Travel and exploration, even just a walk to a different part of my neighborhood or park, seems to be the best way to refresh my mind.
What are 3 of your favourite films? Which one would you love to illustrate the poster for?
High and Low by Akira Kurosawa, Wings of Desire by Wim Wenders and The Taste of Cherry by Abbas Kiarostami. I first saw High and Low when I was about 14 and I thought it was the best movie I had ever seen. I had the movie poster up on my wall all through high school, so it would be really fun to illustrate a reimagined poster.
If you could work on the book cover for one book, which would it be?
A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean. I grew up fly fishing with my dad, and he gave me a copy of this book, which is a collection of stories that includes the titular novella. This story is one of the primary cultural reference points for fly fishing for a lot of people, and it has one of my favorite ending passages of any book.
What would be your dream studio location and set up?
In the countryside by a stream and an orchard.
If you could have any artwork in your home what would it be?
My grandmother is a painter, and paints traditional Chinese ink and watercolor paintings. My first memories of painting were with her, and in any home I live in I would hope to have her paintings on the wall.
More from Joey’s stunning portfolio can be found here!