1. Welcome to Psdtuts+, please introduce yourself. Could you tell us where you're from and how you got started in the field?

Hi, my name is Ee Venn Soh. I am the person behind the creative identity of EIII. I am a 1986b graphic designer and illustrator originally hailing from Malaysia. Currently I am doing my final year studies majoring in Computer Science at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. I am focusing on software/mobile applications, web development and motion/data visualization.

I do not have any formal training in all these, but it just happens to be something that I am good at. I got into designing many years back when I saw cool artworks published in a local magazine. I was inspired to create my own space and experiment around with it. Things weren't that good that time and I only got serious into designing two years back. The first tool I used was Adobe Fireworks if I'm remembering correctly.

2. You have an extremely distinct and original style of designing, so in a few words could you describe your view on the appearance of your art? 

My works are a saturated mixed media of colors, balance, shapes, 3D perspective, drawings, airbrushing and photo manipulation.

3. Your latest illustrations have featured 3D shapes that look like they were created from scratch. What element do you feel they bring to your art that can not be filled with anything else.

The candor and openness in designs with regards to my life as a whole have made me keep trying new techniques and experiment with new styles. As I am not an art student, I constantly study how leading creatives craft their works.

Currently, I am trying to incorporate perspective shapes and objects into my illustration. It brings up the artwork into a whole new dimension by projecting it from different directions. I am learning new 3D software at the moment to further emphasis on perspective in my art.

4. You are very talented at using simple 2D and 3D shapes and manipulating their color to fit into your designs, now this is a very original style that you do not see a lot, so how long did it take you to get a hang of creating art with this technique?

I can't vividly remember how I started loving this kind of approach for my art. But definitely it is what I have slowly accumulated throughout my entire designing life. I love how colors, shapes and patterns blend themselves together. Creating arts in a harmonious, accord and melodious atmosphere will be most pleasingly appropriate for my works.

5. "Silver Maiden" is an illustration that you created with the photographer Pitor. Now can you walk us through the whole concept and a brief summary of what was involved in creating this piece?

This is my 2nd collaboration efforts with Piotr. The first was Asyluym. He is a very talented photographer from Poland. His photos have successfully captured the essences and emotions I have always wanted.

Basically, I will spend a large amount of time studying a photo. Brain-storming about what I should and shouldn't do with that photo. I have a huge database of images on my computer where I can take a quick glance and get the flow moving.

Very often, I will start by doing photo manipulation. Placing and creating elements that blend with the photo itself without overpowered it. I try to compose my artworks in a way that uniquely define my style but yet remain balanced.

Next, I will work on the details of the whole image. Adding bits and parts around. I create my elements by either painting or drawing them with a mouse, or getting stocks from around the internet. Finally, I will do some color adjustments to the overall piece.

6. You are currently in a University perfecting a wide variety of skills including motion arts, and image processing. How do you plan on binding what you already know in Photoshop with what you are learning now in the University?

Technology is one thing you can never catch up with. There are just so many things to learn. I am passionate in many things but eventually to excel in your field, you have to specialize in what you are doing. The future trend of designing has changed and evolved. It is about blending programming and designing.

Designing alone won't benefit you in the long run. Studying, designing, and experimenting with arts are just parts of the initial effort in helping me learning human computer interaction. It has helped me creating user interfaces that are causable and effective. With the knowledge of computer graphics and image processing, I am hoping to create something that will eventually change how people visualize an image. It is a whole new experience and dimension.

7. Throughout your experiences in graphic design, and other studies, what is the most important lesson you have learned? Why do you find it so important? And how do you apply it now to your art?

Be resourceful, be informative, and be in love with what you are doing. You have to always participate actively in the international art scene, while keeping a close watch on the market leading inspiring creatives. Every single day, I will take a bit of my time reading through articles and visiting design news portals.

Designing has definitely taken up a substantial amount of time from my life. To remain showing high level of interests and vigorous excitement for arts all you need is a "passionate in what you love." It is the most powerful tool in everything and all aspects of life.

8. Thanks again for providing Psdtuts+ with this opportunity to interview you. Any final thoughts for our readers?

Stay in love in with what you believe. Hold on to your ineffable feeling of affection towards arts. Stay hungry for knowledge. Thanks.

Where to find Ee Venn Soh on the Web

• Ee Venn Soh's DeviantArt
• Ee Venn Soh's Behance

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