On the come up Interview: Edward Christian | Graphic Artist

By Silent_Ron

 

Everyone knows that there is a science behind the creation of Hip Hop songs, well so is the process of visual moving images known as music videos and films. Edward Christian, the animation director of the Cormega-"Fresh" video (above) and a graphic artist on-the-come-up is making his way into the Hip Hop scene through your computer screens. Mr. Christian is showcasing how the computer tech field can be beneficial to the African-American youth and at the same time giving the graphic world some flava. Learn about his roots and how he turned his dreams into a reality.

 

What was your childhood like in Queens?

I was extremely energetic growing up in Far Rockaway as a child, I was always around talented kids, in school and out. I was a young gymnasts at 6-14, learning off the streets, also picking up different graffiti styles from the local hip hop crews and friends, over all .. I would definitely say that i enjoyed growing up in Queens, i wouldn't change a thing.
 

What made you want to become a graphic animator/designer?

I remember having a tall kindergarten art teacher back in queens who demonstrated to a bunch of whiny 4 year old kids how to do cartoons, as simple as the cartoons were, I couldn't get the lesson out of my head, ever since then I never put down the pen and pencil.

What steps did you take to become a graphic animator?

Besides having the natural ability, I knew I would need to master the art of video editing, digital painting, etc. So I combined my self disciplines with colleges course in office systems technology, electronics , and some basic classes in computer technology, I attended NYC tech for a year, and spent another two years taking college classes in N.C. in 2001.

What is your motivation and/or influences to want to do graphic designs?

I was in a few hip hop videos with Biz Markie, and got to see first hand the real nature of the hip hop experience up close, and I loved it.  I knew I wanted to offer something to the Hip Hop community. I have many influences, but to name a few, John Singleton, Spike Lee, and Steven Spielberg.

As a graphic artist, do you have a main expertise that you prefer like animation or web design?

Yes I mainly build, model, paint, and do a lot of intense animation production and special effects. I don't release clips online much, I usually like to stay professional and save my best work for my fans when it's done.

Do you have a target audience when you design something? Are you only focusing on Hip Hop?

I target my work towards the Hip Hop audience.

How did you get into the Music Industry?

I guess I just followed my passion of wanting to show people my creative imagination. I was confident enough in myself to dance in front of legends like Kool G Rap and Big Daddy Kane then I soon started being asked to do small club performances with them in the 80's. It was very short lived, but I still owe them a stem of gratitude. Now today I am an graphic artist.

What is your relationship with rapper Cormega?

Cormega and I came up together, that's my true homeboy. I owe him the stars, he believed in me, and he gave me a chance, big up to Mega --all day! 

How did you get to do the animation for Cormega's "Fresh" video?

Mega was aware of my skills years back when he was with the firm, when I sent him some samples of my graphics, he was feeling my style, it was 1-2-3 he ask me to get on the video right away and the rest was history.

Can you explain what, "TagBoy Productions" is?

Tagboy productions is the name of my animation studio/office.

Now CNN released a new installment of'Black In America' about the lack of African-Americans in the technical field. Why do you think there are not more African-Americans entering the computer tech field? 

I do agree that we could always use more of our African-American brothers in the computer field, but I truly couldn't give a meaningful answer to why there is a lack there of.

How do you feel about Hip Hop today?

I think that Hip Hop today is dope, I just think that the radios need to mix it a lot more, there is too much repeated plays of the same groups.

Who are your favorite Hip Hop artists ever?

CORMEGA , EPMD, GANGSTARR ,BIG DADDY KANE, MOBB DEEP, WU TANG. Just to name a few.

Do you have any future projects that you are working on?

I’m currently working on a short animated feature (no released date yet, early stages of production).

What advice would you give other aspiring graphic animator's?

I would advise aspiring animator’s to READ, PRACTICE, READ, more PRACTICE, and NEVER JUST SETTLE. Master all techniques because the competition out there is strong.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

In 10 years I would like to have made my fair share of art film features in the Hip Hop community and teach kids how to draw and animate so they can become little artists.


Contact:
Facebook: Edward Christian
Twitter: @Edward_Tag