Stanley ‘Artgerm’ Lau Defines His Style
Stanley ‘Artgerm’ Lau, co-founder of Imaginary Friends Studios, is a renowned illustrator who has worked with major brands such as DC and Marvel, as well as Capcom and Square Enix. His unique style blends Eastern and Western influences, captivating fans and industry professionals alike. His journey from a young anime enthusiast to a globally recognized artist is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and passion for the craft.
Stanley ‘Artgerm’ Lau’s Inspiration
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Stanley was exposed to anime and manga, which sparked his interest in drawing. As he grew up and moved to Singapore, he was introduced to Western superhero comics, which further influenced his art style.
Finding His Identity as an Artist
Stanley likens the process of developing a unique artistic style to cooking. "Art style is like a recipe, just like cooking. You can’t just figure out a style just by meditating. You really have to find some target – something you want to get inspired by. The cool thing is that you can never replicate someone else’s style, so it becomes just an extra ingredient for you to give a try and see if you can find your own taste in it."
Evolution of His Style
Stanley’s style has evolved from anime-influenced characters with "big sparkly eyes and cute-looking faces" to a more refined blend of realism and stylization.
Digital Art Software
Stanley’s workflow has changed with technology. He started with Adobe Photoshop 5 and later transitioned to Corel Painter, a software known for its ability to mimic traditional painting techniques.
Challenges and Advice to Aspiring Artists
Stanley points out that social media can be both a blessing and a curse for young artists. "Fortunately, I grew up in a world without social media or the internet. So, when I was young, I just stayed at home and drew without concern. Now it’s not so easy. Young artists always try to find inspiration on social media, but the more they look at other people’s work, instead of inspiring them, it cripples them. You’re no longer comparing yourself to one or two artists – you’re comparing yourself to hundreds every day. Instead of feeling inspired, you feel discouraged."
His advice to aspiring artists is to fall in love with the process: "Learn to enjoy art first. Many young artists focus a lot on technique and software, but they don’t think about the craft itself. Art is not easy – it’s really challenging. You have to suffer in joy."
Career and Collaborations
Stanley’s career took off due to his passion for drawing characters he loved. He never set out to work with major publishers like DC and Marvel; instead, he gained recognition through fan art and painting heroes and designs he had a passion for, giving them his own twist.
MCM Comic Con and Upcoming Projects
Stanley will be attending MCM Comic Con in London in May, where he will engage with fans, share insights, and experience the broader community of artists and collectors. "The main objective of going to a Comic Con is to engage with the audience – mainly my friends, fans, or sometimes business partners that I don’t get the chance to interact with because I’m from Singapore. So MCM Comic Con is a good time for me to interact and just build relationships."
Conclusion
Stanley ‘Artgerm’ Lau’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences has captivated fans and industry professionals alike. His dedication to his craft, passion for storytelling, and willingness to take on new challenges have led to a successful career in the world of comic art and digital art.
FAQs
Q: What is your favorite comic book character to draw?
A: Supergirl
Q: What software do you use for your art?
A: Corel Painter and Adobe Photoshop
Q: What is your advice to aspiring artists?
A: Learn to enjoy art first. Many young artists focus a lot on technique and software, but they don’t think about the craft itself. Art is not easy – it’s really challenging. You have to suffer in joy.
Q: What can we expect from your upcoming projects?
A: New designs, new characters, and new stories to tell.
Q: Will you be attending MCM Comic Con in London?
A: Yes, I will be attending MCM Comic Con in London in May. I’m excited to engage with fans and share my work.
