We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Matthew Kam. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Matthew below.

Matthew, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I studied communication design and illustration and learned a lot from my teachers in school. The internet is also an amazing resource. I look at tutorials when I don’t know how to do something, and I listen to interviews when I need inspiration.

Things that I like find a way to show up in my work, so learning also happens naturally as I read comic books, watch movies, and just absorb things that I like. I think that creates an interesting mix of sensibilities.

I think the skill to quiet the mind enough is an essential skill. It’s very rewarding when I can stay in the moment and pay attention to the line I’m drawing, and then react to what I’ve put down. Most of the time our minds are so busy worrying, comparing, and criticizing, that it can feel impossible to sit still and create something. Since I believe learning happens the most when I do something, it’s an obstacle when my mind is too distracted to sit down and create something.

Matthew, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Matthew Kam, I am an LA-based illustrator and exhibiting artist from Hong Kong. I grew up loving grape-flavored Fanta, comic books, and playing soccer. I drink tea now.

In 2018, I found myself on a plane to Los Angeles after graduating from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University with a BFA in Communication Design, and receiving the DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award. I studied illustration at ArtCenter College of Design before working as an editorial illustrator. I have worked with clients such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, and Bloomberg Businessweek.

I am excited about inventing styles that fit the stories I am telling, I now do that at BUCK. While I never quite know what’s to come or if I am doing things right, I know I’ll be ok as long as I tell stories with exciting imagery.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

It’s very rewarding to be able to surprise yourself. I think we all have stories we tell ourselves, like we’re not creative or how we’re not good enough. But as a creative, there’s often the experience of looking back at something you made and feeling surprised. You almost think to yourself “Did I do that?” Also, the ability to create something that wasn’t there before, no matter how small it is, is delightful.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I told myself I couldn’t do a lot of things until I went and did them. From studying illustration abroad, to finding work when I graduated, to writing a little song, these are things that I didn’t believe were for me until I took steps to find out. I am adopting a growth mindset and cultivating a self-belief that I can dream a little bigger.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://matthewkam.work/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewkam/