Based in Tokyo, Hoan Phan is a Vietnamese illustrator whose images combine the traditional and the modern in a unique and daring way. There is a folk art feel to his work that reflects the history of his homeland, with touches here and there that draw on Japanese culture, alongside elements from contemporary urban life. He’s an artist who is never afraid to explore.
Hoan’s creative journey has included painting in watercolor, drawing the world around him and adapting to digital tools that have opened new doors in terms of creativity. Clients are attracted to his strong use of color, and the unique feel of his imagery has led to opportunities in wide variety of industries including travel and tourism, food and drink, and consumer brands.
Some of Hoan’s influences include Sam Rodriguez, Victo Ngai, Deb JJ Lee, Yuko Shimizu and Yohey Horishita. Every day he sees something new and starts drawing, constantly seeking fresh ideas and ways of representing the world around him.
Approach
Bold line work is at the root of Hoan’s imagery, paired with bold, saturated colors. He gives his work a traditional look by creating textures using inks and acrylics, then combining them with his digital process.Key software
Adobe Photoshop and Procreate.Style
“More is more,” declares Hoan. “More color, more detail, I want to create a hotpot of visual interest, with some random stuff in there too.”Languages
English and Vietnamese.