Stanley Artgerm Lau - Assignment Example

Stanley Artgerm Lau Finding true talent that can transform the world of media and entertainment is difficult to find. In our recent interview1 with Stanley “Artgerm” Lau, from Imaginary Friends Studios (I.F.S), new and truly defined talent was found. Our interview took place in the studios in Singapore, a place that is now growing into the arts center of the world and is providing new and innovative support for artists and creative individuals alike. Lau is one of the most well – known cartoonists and comic drawers for Imaginary Friends Studios. His exposure from this company is one that is based on the growing trends in Asia that the community continues to support. Lau prides himself with his artistic approach to comics as well as his interest in creativity that is able to give a message to others who are interested in the up and coming entertainment of the next generation. . Mr. Lau autographing his art piece Lau pointed out that regional artists are community oriented, available to help and are interested in the comics and cartoon field. It is this mentality that allowed him to change from being an artist as a passion to turning it into a career field. This is one option that most would have not recognized 20 years ago, but with young innovators such as Lau, there is a new set of opportunities available to grow into an artist that becomes more than a hobby. Lau stated that the community and opportunity to develop into a career is what has helped to inspire him to move forward with drawing and to feel pushed into bettering his art. He also noted that his creativity is one that he has linked to his desire to make his own discoveries of the outer world and the ability to create symbolism and creativity, while defining innovation through his ideas. This is one of the ways in which the cartoons are able to present new ideas that create trends and new ideals with creativity. Even though Lau has noted that there is continuous support from the community, there is also recognition that comics and cartoons create a diverse set of responses from individuals as well as growing competition in the field. The continuing competition is one that makes the critics stronger, specifically in areas such as Singapore. However, there isn’t a negative or positive response from his fans. Instead, the basic focus is to remain innovative, curious and elite in nature. It is this attitude that is taking away the international competition and causing young and aspiring artists, such as Lau, to become recognized internationally while building a strong fan base. The positive attitude toward creativity and the innovation that is widely accepted is one that Lau defined as a quality of Asian artists and which allows each artist to withhold the international competition that is continuing to transcend in society. The future of Imaginary Friends Studios, with artists such as Stanley Lau, is one that holds promise, innovation and creativity that will continue to expand. Lau’s wish for his future is to work toward promoting art, not as one that is secondary in an individual’s life, but instead which can build into a promising career filled with innovation and talent. His encouraging words were based on introducing regional artists into an international arena while continuing to support a community of artists, similar to what he was introduced to when building his career as a renowned comics artist and cartoonist. . Mr. Stanley showing off his art work The passion that Lau shows through his work at Imaginary Friends Studios is one that he prides himself on as an artist that has slowly developed into. He has now become one of the most recognized cartoon and comic artists. His pride is on the artistic creativity that he is able to delve in on a daily basis, as well as a genuine interest in drawing that allows him to research and find more originality with. The productions that he comes away with are pushing the envelope in the field of cartoon and comic characters. The evaluation of the artistic creativity is then one that not only builds into an appreciation with fine arts, but is also developing into a career field that all can admire. ii) “On-Air” Report Stanley “Artgerm”Lau, the Ultramodern Artist Good morning, I am Vandiappan Thevar. Today we are discovering the specialized and innovative features with of comic and cartoon specialists. Recently, we have spoken with Stanley Lau, who calls himself Artgerm. Lau works at Imaginary Friends Studios, also known as IFS, one of the leading companies of cartoons and comics in Singapore. The growth of this company, as well as the opportunities available for comic artists such as Stanley Lau is one that we found to be inspired by a world that is carving out a new space for innovative comics, drawings and cartoons. The inspiration and fan base is coming from both the newer generations that want innovation, as well as older generations that appreciate and are optimistic toward the comics now available. Lau’s obsession with comics and cartoons began when he was a child. He noted that from an early age he was innate about drawing, specifically with cartoons. His passion continued to grow as he developed this craft in his early ages. He believed that this strong foundation and passion that developed earlier on is what has allowed him to develop as one of the most prestigious cartoonists working for IFS and that is widely recognized throughout Singapore. Lau is one that shows the optimism and the new construction for artists of the future. Throughout the interview, we noted that there was a high level of job satisfaction, specifically because of his ability to be an artist working as a career. He stated that the ability to have creativity and innovation as his career field opened opportunities that he would have never dreamed could have happened. His job satisfaction is one that is found among several regional artists in Asia and throughout Singapore. As this area grows into an artistic center for comic specialists and artists that are looking for new chances and opportunities to grow with their talents. Lau Artgerm is an individual that becomes a reflection of how the world is changing and structuring into a new world of entertainment. Lau is one of several artists working in this region of Asia that are learning how to balance professionalism with the artistic and creative side, while moving into his own superhero role with the thousands of followers of his comics and cartoon strips. More important, He is a true example of how artists can build a career out of their talent and work into a future that is promising. Lau serves as an individual that is helping to create a new world of creativity, innovation and an appreciation for the future of the arts. The example of Lau as an artist as well as the company of IFS is one more example of how the globe is shrinking into a single village that can appreciate individuals from all walks of life. From the University of South Australia, this is Vandiappan Thevar letting you know how the world changes. Thanks for listening. Part B: Discussion Paper My Experience for this report When I was told to select a news story for this assignment, the first thing which came to my mind was to write a news story about any individual in the field of cartoons/animation. I researched a lot and came to know about the achievements of Stanley Artgerm. Most of us like cartoons/comics, irrespective of our age, caste, sex or creed. To be specific, the field of cartoon is not confined to children only. Instead, grown up people secretly enjoy cartoons and comics. I have even heard grown-ups opening their mind with much enthusiasm about Stanley’s work. My research work led me to know more about Stanley ‘Artgerm’ and his Imaginary Friends Studios. I had a rare chance to meet Mr Stanley in person at Singapore Toy, Games & Comic Convention (STGCC) on 06.01.2011. I had heard of him in the past, which made me eager to speak to him. When I requested, he was ready to be interviewed at 2pm, on the same day. Stanley’s answers were brief but with full of energy, enthusiasm and optimism. This helped me to convert the interview to a News Story and On Air Report with much more ease. During the interview, Stanley also showed me some of his drawings such as Pepper project Art work, DC comics, Mirrors edge etc. At the end of the interview, he also made some quick sketches for me. Although he spent only a few minutes with me, he shared valuable information on how he did develop his interest in drawing and about his experiences at IFM. Usage of Ws and H in the Project I have used the 5Ws and 1 H in the ‘‘On air’ report so that the readers would easily understand Who, What, When, Where, Why and How the interview was conducted. The language used in the ‘News Story’ and ‘On air’ is so much simple. Also the interview questions were framed in such a manner that Stanley’s professionalism was given much importance. Also, personal questions, other than Stanley’s background, were avoided. News Criteria and Writing Techniques The assignment consists of two parts namely an Interview Report and Air Broadcast. In the News Story, I have given a brief idea about how the interview was conducted, and also a precise form of the questions and answers. The complete interview with the original questions and answer is given as an appendix so that the reader can go through the complete work and track how Stanley has reacted to some questions. In the air broadcast, I have used ‘Good morning, I am Vandiappan Thevar, a greeting, mainly to project it as a real ‘on air broadcast’. At the end of the report, I have also mentioned that Stanley is a down to earth person and he is an individual with futuristic mindset. This will help the readers be enthusiastic about Stanley’s future works. Last but not the least, from both the works (say News Story and ‘On Air Report’); I came to know more about the world of cartoons/comics and the life of Stanley ‘Artgerm’. Appendices Appendix-1 The interview with Stanley “Artgerm” (from Imaginary Friends Studios (I.F.S)) was conducted on 06.01.2011 in Singapore. 1. Mr Vandiappan Thevar: First of all, are you satisfied as an artist who is able to provide employment opportunity and exposure for the regional artists from Asia to the global arena? Mr Stanley: Yes, of course I do keep myself as a busy illustrator, Designer and Art Director. As an artist, I do believe that I have contributed many talented young artists to Imaginary Friends Studio from all the parts of the world. These artists are best talent in their specialized field too. And as far as am concerned, I feel that combinations of the creative juices from these artists have brought more and more creative skills to the Comic world. 2. Mr Vandiappan Thevar: Will you please disclose the source of inspiration behind your characters? Mr Stanley: I had an interest towards drawing from childhood. But later came to realize that I should be confined to drawing. 3. Mr Vandiappan Thevar: Stanley, apart from the status of an artist, how do you evaluate your works/ characters? Mr Stanley: Hmm..apart from being an artist, I would always think maybe I could have done more better each time. 4. Mr Vandiappan Thevar: If one of your fans considers one of your works as wastrel or inappropriate, what will be your reaction? Mr Stanley: Ha ha, nice question. I will consider the negative reply from my fan and try to apply it in the next work. My response will always be positive. 5. Mr Vandiappan Thevar: Mr Stanley, are you of the opinion that the Asian artists/cartoonists/studios are well equipped to withstand the competition from the global players in this field? Mr Stanley: Of course I do feel that the Asian artists have the ability and skill to withstand global competition because the Asians are the cream of the crop in the world of artistic creation. 6. Mr Vandiappan Thevar: Can I have a brief description on the core idea behind starting Imaginary Friends Studios? Mr Stanley: My main aim was to show the world the wonders of Creative formations. 7. Mr Vandiappan Thevar: what are your future plans? I mean future plans of Edmund T. Shern and you (Imaginary Friends Studios). Mr Stanley: Future is to be decided by our critics, fans and well-wishers. 8. Mr Vandiappan Thevar: Mr Stanley, thanks for allowing me to be with you for the last couple of hours because I very well know that you are in tight schedule and rarely allow yourself to be interviewed. Mr Stanley: Mr Vandia, I consider this interview as a rare opportunity to communicate with the readers, especially my fans and critics. Thanks for allowing me to share my ideas on comics. 9. Mr Vandiappan Thevar: Your welcome. My blessings for your success in this industry. Read More