NEO-TOKYO 2099 INTERVIEWS: An interview with “Monogatari series” illustrator, VOFAN (Interview by Dennis A. Amith)

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VOFAN is perhaps one of the most popular artists from Taiwan that has created many wonderful illustrations that have attracted fans of his work worldwide.

Best known as the illustrator for the popular “Monogatari” light novels and his use of color and depiction of natural light in his artwork, his unique artistic talents has earned him the nickname, “The Magician of Light from Taiwan”.

In fact, his creativity also extends to his passion for photography utilizing natural light.

VOFAN recently was one of the guest of honor at Anime Central held at Rosemont, Illinois on May 18-20.

I recently had the opportunity to interview VOFAN regarding his illustrations, his work in Taiwan and also his photography.

DENNIS A. AMITH: Before we discuss your career, let’s get to know more about you. What point in your life did you feel that art is the career that you wanted to pursue?

VOFAN:  I really like drawing when I was a kid, and wanted to become a mangaka in middle school. After I entered college, I realized I actually enjoy drawing illustration, so I produced illustrations constantly till I graduated. After graduation, I actually made enough income so I became a full-time illustrator.

DENNIS A. AMITH: Have there been any artists that inspired you the most?

VOFAN: I have be inspired by many creators and works, sometime the inspiration can come from an unknown artwork from the internet. But chronologically speaking, I have been inspired by Haruhiko Mikimoto, Makoto Shinkai, OKAMA, Rinko Kawauchi and other artists.

DENNIS A. AMITH: Among the things you have on your desk or room where you do most of your artwork?  What are the top 3 important things (specific brushes, pens, etc.) you always use to create your type of art?

VOFAN: Wacom Tablet, Razer Nostromo and Clip Studio Paint.

The digital art print for Monogatari Series art exhibit @animecentral 2018.
See it @vertical_staff . pic.twitter.com/FsHotUiPBg

DENNIS A. AMITH: Your work is now internationally known thanks to the “Monogatari” series.    How does it feel to receive international attention for your work?

VOFAN: I started drawing because it was my hobby. However when this hobby became a career, it allowed me to connect with the readers from around the world, it felt like a dream comes true.

DENNIS A. AMITH: You worked on “FAUST” long ago.  What are your memories on working on that project?

VOFAN: It was a pleasant memory working with FAUST, the editor gave me complete freedom and never asked for any revisions. That is how I was able to draw anything I can imagine.

DENNIS A. AMITH: I’ve read how you worked as a gaming character designer and the Taiwan PC gaming industry?  But I’m curious, are you a gamer? And if so, do you happen to have a favorite game that you are playing right now?

VOFAN: I really love playing video game. Beside wanting to become a mangaka when I was a kid, I actually wanted to join a game company. My favorite fame is Panzer Dragoon from Sega Saturn. This game has a marvelous world setting, beautiful arts, spectacular music and exciting gameplay. It is the perfect game work

DENNIS A. AMITH: Over a decade ago, you worked on “Colorful Dreams” and you received a lot of positive reviews for your masterful use of color. What is your approach to color when you do your work?

VOFAN: When I was drawing for “Colorful Dreams”, I generally get the inspirations from my everyday life activities, and then I will record it on my notebook. And these inspirations later expands into the short stories in “Colorful Dreams”.

Chair in Abandoned.#廃墟 pic.twitter.com/Y3flf5Lc3W

DENNIS A. AMITH: One of the things that I love about your creativity extends past illustrations but also in photography, which you feature on your Flickr account.  What is your primary go to camera and lens?      And are you a photographer that stages your photos to get proper lighting or do you take photos with whatever natural light is available?

VOFAN: Out of all the cameras I owned, my favorite one is Leica M9 and the favorite lens are 35mm and 50mm because these lens are closest to the human eyes perspective, resulting more natural photos. I like to photoshoot in the natural light setting, but I do have a studio light kit. The lighting results are obviously different.

DENNIS A. AMITH: Having worked as an artist in Taiwan and also in Japan, what are the primary differences do you see working in both countries?

VOFAN: The Japanese projects have more medium varieties, such as merchandise, anime or games. But in terms of artist working environment, it depends on the clients.

DENNIS A. AMITH: What final words do you have for fans of your work?

VOFAN: I thank all the fans for supporting my works and please look forward in my new works in the future.

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Please visit VOFAN’s Twitter, Facebook and check out his photography on Flickr.

NOTE: You can find the full version of this interview here.

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