Illustrators are one cool breed of artists, just like Kevin Tong.

Kevin Tong is a freelance illustrator from Los Angeles, USA, shares his work on his website Tragic Sunshine.

Kevin has a Bachelor in Fine Arts from the California State University and has been freelancing since 2005. By the time he was done with his bachelors he was working for different clients.

Kevin's art work is amazing, a right combination of digital and traditional techniques. He uses everything from pencils to Photoshop, till he achieves what he wants.

Kevin has worked with some biggies of the music/movies, apparel and print industries. His work ranges from cartoons to dark art work, he's not bound to any particular style and has a 'no compromise' policy when it comes to creativity. Read on to know more about Kevin and his work in our exclusive interview with him.

1. Hi Kevin, please introduce yourself to our readers. 

Kevin Tong, I'm an illustrator, in LA, DONE.

2. What is Tragic Sunshine all about and why this name? What all mediums do you use for your artwork? How do you decide what medium to use for each of your artwork?

Tragic sunshine reflects how I like to vary the content and style of my work and I thought it sounded compelling.

I use mixed mediums, which means anything. The medium depends on the look I want to achieve. Everything goes through the computer at some point in order to set it up for screen printing. I most commonly use Photoshop, Illustrator, pencils, blue pencils, pens, and brushes.

Circa Survive

I started as a freelance illustrator in 2005, when I was still in school.

The first thing I ever did was write and illustrate a published children's book called "The Earth Machine".(http://www.flickr.com/photos/emo_force/sets/72157603822067321/) I submitted the manuscript for the story and was told that it was too intense for children and it should all just be a dream at the end. They also wanted to use their own designer to add text and do layout despite me offering to do it.

In reviews, the book was praised for the creative story and art, but the dream part was seen as weak and compromising. I was told by children that the dream part was a let down. Personally, I felt like the layout and titles weren't done well. From that point on, I decided to never compromise on creativity.

4. I love your movie poster series, you got some excellent artwork there. Love your ‘The Lord of the Rings, LEGO style’; what inspired you to come up with them? How do you get commissioned work? 

There's that word again "inspired". Thanks for the kind words. I really liked the way it came out.  I was asked to do it by Mondo (mondotees.com) who was asked by Lego.

Are you asking me how I get commissioned work in general? Are we moving off "Lego LOTR" now? That's one question I hate getting asked. "How do you get work?" It feels like the person is reaching for my wallet. I don't mind helping people, but such a broad question feels like they didn't try and just want some easy answers.  Fuck it, here goes: THE BEST WAY TO GET WORK IS TO DO GOOD WORK.

LEGO Lord of the Rings

I feel under qualified to speak about the future of e/mCommerce, like when actors are asked about politics. All I can speak to is how it's affected me, which is greatly. The internet in general has been a massive adrenaline shot to the heart for small businesses. There's no longer a need to purchase expense commercials and have brick and mortar stores. The playing field is level.

6. Lets have a rapid fire round: 

Are you a tea or coffee person?
Both. Baby I'm twice the man most men are.
     
Your favorite genre of music? I couldn't say. Too many genres, it's the whole twice the man thing all over again. . .  baby.
     
The biggest compliment that you have received for your work? A girl offered to buy me lunch once. That was a good day. (We didn't hook up, I just really liked the sandwich) 

Which of your creations is your absolute favourite?(This could be a hard one to answer) Not as hard as you might think. When I finish something, I immediately begin to see where I could have improved it. The latest thing is what I always seem to dislike the least. There are some images that I am generally really happy with. I think "Binary Heartbeat" is one of my favorite images. (tragicsunshine.com/art_prints/binary-heartbreat)

Binary Heartbeat

This is another question I don't feel like answering. It's not something I think about and if I did, I wouldn't have any details on it unless I was actually planning to do it. Daydreaming about imaginary collaborations is creepy.

8. What sort of activities do you like to pursue in your free time? Which of these do you find to be most de-stressing?

I love cooking. I cook all the time and I find it to be relaxing and almost meditative. Also, it's delicious.

9. What are your future plans as an artist? Any dream project that you would absolutely love to work on?

I have some shows planned over the next few years. I don't have any dream projects in mind.

10. What advice would you like to give to a budding and aspiring artists?

This is another question that comes up all the time. I don't like it either, because it involves condensing a wealth of knowledge into a few sentences. It assumes there's some general path to follow when every situation and person is different. Also, it falls into the whole "easy button" category. When it comes to creativity, specific questions are better. Asking is it this way or that way is another upsetting question. It's ALWAYS all of the above.

Here's my advice: Keep an open mind and accept criticisms. Find your own way and fight for yourself. You'll have to take risks, you won't always know the outcome, and you will make mistakes.