Hailing from Queens, New York, multimedia storyteller Sophia Chang has collaborated with a-list names such as Samsung, Nike, Adidas, Apple, and the NBA.
Passionate about storytelling via mediums such as illustration and design, we spoke to Chang about the culture in her home city of New York.
What area do you find yourself in the most and why?
I’m in downtown a lot. Typically from Union square down to LES. I attended Parsons School of Design for undergrad, I would work part-time retail at formerly Journeys and PUMA in Union Square while doing internships in Chinatown, SoHo and Flatiron
Where do you go to feel inspired?
The subway cart. Filled with advertising, diverse people, conversations and whatever might be outside!
Are there any artists (photographers, painters, sculptors etc) that we should check out? What do you like about them?
Aaron De La Cruz based in SF, ItsALiving AKA Ricardo Gonzales in NYC, Steve Sweatpants in NY, Brian Tampol in LA, and Haley Ann Robinson in Portland. I’ve followed their work for a few years, always exciting to watch them grow and they are artists I actively try to support with my work, and also by purchasing their art.
Favourite music artist?
I listen to southern rap, r&b, funk and soul, bossa nova, dancehall, bachata, salsa, Christian music, even hymns… I’m all over the place.
How would you describe the creative community?
I see my creative community as one family. It should be cyclical, look out for each other, support each other, find job opportunities for each other etc. We ‘eat’ together.
How has the pandemic affected your creative process?
I was travelling a lot, every other week prior to COVID for the past few years. It was exciting, I was given a lot of opportunities to travel to cities around the world, but it was very exhausting. The pandemic has allowed me to ground down on what’s in front of me. I love working for hours straight with no distractions so it’s allowed me to step up and handle a lot more work
Who would you love to collaborate with?
I’ve had the opportunity to be able to work with a lot of amazing Fortune 500 companies in my career. At this point in time, I’m more focused on empowering my community than just ‘what I can collaborate on’. I want to use the skills and relationships I have to build platforms to empower other creators and shed light on their work.
How do you keep yourself motivated in the current climate?
I've got good friends I check in with. I have so many aspirations and goals and I’ve focused on the 10,000 hours if not more in the past decade to refine my skills. The next decade-plus will be focused on building and bringing these aspirations to life. That’s enough motivation for me, regardless of the climate.
You've worked in a lot of different industries, which one is your favourite?
I love all of them, that’s why I continue to work with all of them.
You've worked with many brands, how do you help them achieve and maintain an authentic voice?
I stay true to their brand voice. I spend time studying the project, campaign, their brand voice before bringing in my illustration, skills or opinions into the collaboration. It’s important to strike that balance and maintain their voice while elevating the message with my art.
