Chris Yee on creative evolution, generative AI and fostering creativity

Sydney-based artist Chris Yee is an illustrator, designer and animator who channels his craft through traditional ‘pen and paper’ methodologies. Inspired by comics, wrestling, K-pop, punk and early 2000s rap, Chris thrives in the fusion of these worlds, creating works centred around character and storytelling.

As a proud member of the ever-evolving Asian-Australian community, Chris uses his storytelling skills to share his own experiences of multicultural identity and to help other Asian-Australians build a sense of connection.

Chris is always on the lookout for the latest innovations and technologies within the creative industry. We sat down with him to learn more about his creative journey to date and hear his thoughts on emerging tech like generative AI.

Tell us about your journey as an artist!

I started my formal creative journey studying textiles and web design at Uni, but always had an intense passion as a self-taught ink illustrator.

While working for a few years in commercial web design, I worked on my personal ink illustrations on the side and started finding my identity in the local art community and gallery setting.

I became a commercial digital illustrator working for fashion brands and the music industry. This evolved into an opportunity to dive into the world of animation and music videos, which then became my commercial career for seven years.

Currently, I produce videos and animations for commercial work. However, my personal art-making evolved to tapestries, illustrations and installations, constructing narratives around the Asian-Australian Identity.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by storytelling in all forms and mediums. Recently, I’ve been most inspired by the idea of community and the nuances in the Asian-Australian identity and defining what it means to be Australian in 2023!

How have new technologies shaped your work, and how do you see your work continuing to evolve with these changes?

When I first began illustration, it was such a taboo to draw with a tablet; it was almost frowned upon! Transitioning to a tablet and drawing within Photoshop was such a refreshing change and became a must as the commercial illustration industry evolved.

Technology and similarities between Photoshop and After Effects really allowed my career as a relative newbie to transform and for me to become someone who makes a living off animation and tells stories.

I try to keep an open mind to technological changes and am eagle-eyed to learn. To me, the most important part of creativity is the personal perspective and storytelling, regardless of medium.

How do you see generative AI fitting into your creative workflow? What are the different use cases?

As my greatest strength is in illustration, I see myself working with AI as opposed to simply relying on it as a creative outcome. I highly encourage study and reference as a way to refine line work and composition.

AI is great for quickly constructing specific motions, characters, and actions to use for illustration references, as well as making mood boards and communicating ideas - especially in the preliminary stages of a work.

Outside of your creative practice, you’re a speaker, teacher and mentor. Tell us about this.

After years of trying and experimenting in the creative field, I found my core issue was trying to find my sense of identity. Now that I’m a bit older, it feels really satisfying to pass on any advice I’ve learnt from my trials and errors as a young creative. There are still certain grey areas, like ‘how to survive as a freelancer’ or ‘tax’, that I would love more transparency in, so I’m constantly trying to shed light on my experience.

I’m also proud to identify myself and advocate for the Asian-Australian community. Culturally, growing up, I found it really hard to find anyone I could relate to or see myself in within the creative community. Hopefully, I can help advise and inspire people with similar experiences.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and how does this translate to the advice you would give to emerging creators?

Be true to your personality and experience, and don’t stress about how good or bad you are at a particular medium.

I truly think everyone has a unique perspective and life experience, no matter how little you may feel at times. I think the best creative storytelling comes from nuance and detail. Find yourself, and then let the creativity flow!

Find more creative inspiration or learn more about generative AI at Adobe MAX 2023.