Learn by experimenting and exploring: Interview with Tim Tsui, legendary urban vinyl designer & artist
Tim Tsui in front of Bling canvas
Interview by Angel Greenham:
Tim Tsui is one of the top players in the designer toy industry (a term used to describe toys and other collectibles that are produced in limited editions), his figures decked out in cool street wear and influenced by Hip-Hop, are extremely popular with collectors all around the world.
Tim has worked with huge clients like Coca Cola, Adidas, Nike and Royal Elastics and is a prominent attraction at all the leading toy fairs. Read on to find out how his experimental attitude has led to his success and what helps him boost his energy.
Bling by Tim Tsui
You’re always traveling around the world to different exhibitions and trade shows, tell me how do you cope with the fast paced lifestyle of being a high profile artist?
I really enjoy meeting my fans during events, Like SDCC (San Diego Comic Con), TTF (Taipei Toy Festival), and at some of my own exhibitions. Every time I go to these events, I have fun and take time to relax. I enjoy going swimming and when the sun is shining, I chill out at the pool side. Its great having drinks with my artist friends and meeting all my fans, all these things allow me to re-charge my energy and bring me great joy and happiness.
After having a few days holiday I get back to my base, then I start again creating my characters and sorting out some paper work. So, friends and fans are my energy, please don’t be shy when you see me at an event, just come and try to talk with me, I would really enjoy it so much.
Photo of Tim Tsui and Alice Chan by Ramond Kan
What other big toy fairs or events have you shown your work?
I had been invited to show my work at events around the world like, in the USA, France, UK, Japan and Taiwan for several years, and I’ve had a touring exhibition in LA, London and Paris. Apart from that, I’ve participated in live paintings at famous dept stores and Galleries like Lafayette in Paris.
Now I know you have a huge fan base yourself, but who are your hero’s?
No, I don’t have anyone special, I liked to explore things by myself, just like what the Salvador Dali said.” An artist is not one who is inspired, but one who can inspire others”
Da Minci GID by Tim Tsui photo by Lin Ping Kuang/Amon
Tell me when you first set out on this creative path, did you have a strategy of how you were going to achieve success?
I don’t think becoming an artist is an easy path, I think mostly artists have a very hard life or have worked hard before they gain success, many people see others being successful and think its easy but they never hear how hard it is behind the scenes.
For me, I learned all the stuff myself by reading books or by experimenting, since I think you can only learn the best things by exploring them yourself, rather then just asking people how to make it or how to do it. I was lucky that, finally I did succeed, but I did spend a lot of time testing different things instead of enjoying myself, like going to the movies or to a concert or hanging out with friends.
I didn’t set any goals for myself, I just worked on the things which I liked to create or on expressing myself through my thoughts. I enjoy creating things which are surreal with a mix of lifestyle thrown in, that’s why I created an ape wearing hip hop clothes, which make him look almost human. I like to make things crazy but meaningful, that’s why I came up with the series Da Fighter, to tell people fight for your dreams, with respect and love.
Da Fighter by Tim Tsui
How do you think people view designer toys?
I hope people look at other artist’s characters and study the background of the figure instead of just looking at the price. Sometimes I see people get annoyed with artist’s work and they don’t seem to get their point of view, they don’t know the story behind it or understand the meaning the artist intended. I hope Art Toys can be respected and appreciated as a piece of art.
Click here for Part 2 Of This Interview where Tim describes what he was like as a child and how he did at school. He also shares his advice for problem solving and how he handles negative criticism. Plus don’t miss hearing about guns, giant wrestlers, and working with multi billion dollar brands.
