Duckie The Duck - Fantasy & Conceptual Illustrator, Australia

Duckie is a Vietnamese illustrator based in Australia whose artwork bridges the traditional and the contemporary, and brings together generations young and old. Rooted in his Asian creative sensibility, and in particular his Vietnamese background, Duckie’s illustrations are rich in visual storytelling, blending folklore with modern art elements to form the next chapter in his cultural heritage.

At an early age, Duckie was captivated by the performers of the Vietnamese operas he attended with his grandmother, and the lavish costumes they wore. Elements of these are recreated in his work – colourful, organic, graphic forms to create fictional worlds replete with dragons, tigers and peacocks where adventurers tread in bright silk robes and maidens wear the traditional áo dài. Clients praise the authenticity and cultural depth of his work. One of Duckie’s favourite influences is James Jean, an artist who also incorporates Asian culture into his work, and he also admires JC Leyendecker for his figurative work. Duckie has a Bachelor of Visual Art from the Australian Catholic University.

Approach

Working digitally, Duckie incorporates pieces that are hand-drawn on traditional paper with captured imagery and digital line and brush work, using Procreate and Photoshop.

Key software

Procreate and Adobe Photoshop.

Style

Throughout Duckie’s portfolio, stylised characters and icons of Vietnamese culture come together with vibrant colours and contemporary elements to form something new and unique.

Languages

English and Vietnamese.

Client list

Duckie’s clients include the Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care, Cultural Perspective Group, Tired City, Piaggio, M Village Hotel, Linh Lan Books and Threads: The Art Exchange.