Johnson Ting, a digital concept artist from Malaysia, had a knack for all that is mecha and video game related. In this portion of his interview, he gives readers insights into his college life, inspirations, and his future goals in the art world.

Toonari Post (TP): If you could make the perfect piece of artwork what would it look like?  What medium would it be in? How would you achieve “perfection”?

Johnson Ting (JT): I don’t think I can achieve ‘perfection’. To me, one of the best moments in creating a work is the process of trying to make it ‘perfect’, but you can never achieve it. It’s the ‘trying to make it perfect’ part that is the part where you gain a lot of knowledge. We’re all students of art, no matter our age and our qualifications, we’re always learning. If we ever stopped learning, the purpose of creating better art is lost. The art could end up being soulless. A painting without the artist’s effort and passion is just.. dead.

TP: If there was any art medium that you wish you could master, what would it be and why?

JT: It would be the digital medium. It’s one of my most frequently used mediums and my favorite. I love it a lot, so if i could be given a wish to master it, then why not?

TP: What is your college life like at One Academy of Communication Design? Did your classes help your skills and give you inspiration for the future?

JT: To be honest it was rather unexpected, not how I imagined an art school to be like. The college focuses more on fundamentals and technical skills. In my opinion, it helps a lot, building a strong foundation for future purposes. What I like most about the college are the lecturers, not just the stuff they teach, but the part when they share their opinions about art and what their life as an artist is like.

To me, that is something you can’t buy, it is just priceless. The people I met during my college years are some of my proudest moments. Being able to meet great people and masters helps a lot in boosting one’s dedication towards art.

TP: You will be graduating soon, how does it feel to be finishing your degree? Any worries about what comes after graduation?

JT: Not really. Worrying doesn’t help, action does! I’m already a concept artist in a game studio a few months ago before I graduate. I’m switching to a full time concept artist afterwards. There are some worries, but if you’re sure on what you’re going to do and where you’re going to be, then there’s not much to worry about actually. Believe in yourself and fight for the best.

TP: Outside of art what is your life like? Tell me anything about yourself that you would like.

JT: Enjoying being alive! I’m grateful of the life I have been given and I often go out to a quiet place with a pen and a sketchbook. Seeing people interacting with each other, enjoying the view, and the breeze in your hair, it’s just amazing to be able to do so. I usually catch movies with friends and join as many outdoor activities as i can, hiking or cycling especially.

Interacting with mother nature is just relaxing and you can also gain a lot of inspirations from it. If I had the time I would just go around driving, enjoying the drive and the music, just great.  Oh, and games!

TP:What are your goals in life? Do you plan to continue art as a hobby or make it a career?

JT: My goal in life is to be a part of a team creating a successful game title, like Assassin’s Creed, Call of Duty, Gears of War, etc. Being a part of a team creating something epic is always something I have aspired to do and it’ll always be my main goal in life. Opening a studio with a bunch of fun people is also one of my goals! And yes, it’ll be my lifelong career and I’m really grateful that I’m fortunate enough in being able to achieve these goals.

TP: Do you feel that your culture has influenced you in some way that makes you different than other artists?

JT: Yes, I do. It’s something you don’t really know or notice. We all come from different backgrounds and cultures, everything we do affects our art. How we grow up, what we like to eat, where we lived, what we like to play, who we know, it’s all connected. It subconsciously changes the way we draw and it’s what makes us all unique. Everyone is special, everyone is unique, that is what makes us all one of a kind.

Image Courtesy of   rhinoting

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About the author

Kala Istvanek
Presently, I am attending Carthage College in Kenosha, U.S.A. I will be graduating with a degree in Asian Studies, with a minor in English and Studio Art. I have been a bookworm ever since I could read and I can never turn down a book. Art is also one of my loves and discovering new artists is always a thrill for me.

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