http://www.creativehunt.com/shanghai/articles/freelancer-shadow-tang

Kaige Tang (Shadow) graduated from China Academy of Art in 2009, majoring in Media and Image Design. His work extends into graphic, web, motion, and toy design. He freelances through his personal connections and through the international advertising group TBWA/agency.com, landing work for Ballantines, Visa, and others. His work has also been published in leading magazines like Milk and YOHO.

So tell us about your background. How did you become an artist/designer in Shanghai?

I started to learn Web design by myself in third-year junior high school,because I felt so bored. Deisgn was just play…but when I was admitted to China Academy of Art, I loved art and design. Now art is my way and my life.

What would you say your specialty is?

My major is Media and image design, so naturally I like it. Graphic design is not my major, but it’s also a favorite area. My specialty is mixing all my skills, combining motion with graphic design. My style is creating motion video with 2.5D and 3D elements, and music.

What kind of employers/jobs have you had?

Over the years, I have served for: TOY2R, Volkswagen, Benz, Roewe, Faiba, Ballantines, Purfeel, Mcdonalds, Skittles, Visa. Some of my work has been published by YOHO, Milk, Arting365 and so on.

Tell us about one of the jobs you’re most proud of. What was required? Why are you so proud of the results?

I was invited to work on the Qee project, whose first showcase includes works by Chinese artists. Toy2r’s creative toy collection, Qee, created a platform to collaborate with outstanding urban street artists and illustrators from all over the world. My toy was one of 400 hand-painted Qee toys exhibited in the Zhong GuanCun district in Beijing. The 2.5 inch collectible characters were produced in limited edition later on last year.

I used the Tangka style. Tangka is a painted banner which is hung in a monastery or family altar and carried by lamas in ceremonial processions. In Tibetan the word ‘tang’ means flat and the suffix ‘ka’ stands for painting. It is an element of Chinese art.

I’m excited to have designed Toy2r’s toy, named Lin Lin. This opportunity lets me sell my own toy design to the whole world.

What is the most challenging part of freelancing in art/design in Shanghai?

As the saying goes, “Life is struggle.” If I want to do some big projects or create some amazing artwork, I must put in a lot of money and a lot of time. This way is so hard. When I work for the bigger companies, I can’t control my time. Maybe two years from now I can do what I like.

How do you promote yourself and your work?

I have a website and I often publish my artwork on it. Usually, I show my new artwork to my friends. Let them know, I’ve worked hard, I have a creative idea blah blah…I also publish these works to networking places, like Vimeo, Xplsv.tv, Deviantart, and Behance to make some new friends from other countries.

What’s your studio like? Is there anywhere else you like to go/things to do to dream up new ideas?

I like to travel, and the Aegean sea is where I want to go. When I’m there, I’m sure I will have many amazing ideas! Haha. But for now I am working on creating my own studio/company in Shanghai.

What’s next for you? Any big projects, exhibitions, goals, or next step in building your career?

I have a big idea: I want put the new media art in my artwork, maybe motion or maybe interactive design. But the programming code is so difficult to me. This plan will probably take half a year.

Any advice for other freelancers looking to build their career in Shanghai?

Work hard and show yourself to this world, and make sure every work from you is your own idea. Do not copy.

View more of Shadow Tang’s work at his own 2TUN Studio website. To contact Shadow, email him at: Shadow.vnc@gmail.com.

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