Saiman Chow on sustaining freedom in your work
The illustrator, animator and designer talks about personal style, the benefits of digital work and the way he has ensured his creative independence
New York-based illustrator, designer, animator, and director Saiman Chow has been in the industry for over two decades and has experience in motion graphics, advertising, and design. His work is kaleidoscopic and trippy, and no idea is too bizarre or unusual to address. This open approach has allowed him to work on a range of projects over the years, from rebrands to TV promos, editorial illustrations to one-off animations.
As a freelance creative with an indomitable imagination, Chow makes a point of maintaining his independence. Whether it's his approach, his output, or who he's working with, over the years Chow has learned that by protecting his freedom he can do work he's proud of. Here, he discusses the various ways he can maintain this creative freedom, while acknowledging the challenges that come with it.
Illustration for Google Design Labs. All pictures: Saiman Chow
FORGET THE STYLE
"In all honesty, I was never interested in talking about style. It's a convenient way for others to categorize and label things. It feels artificial and forced to me," says Chow. "So much happens in art school It was important to find your own style and develop a brand as if that were the only yardstick for success. It's a means to an end. And for me this is not a good attitude to the longevity of a creative career promote. "