IS MICHELANGELO'S Creation of Adam an illustration? 'I think it is,' says Chan Kai-yin, committee member of the Hong Kong Society of Illustrators (HKSI). 'The piece was a commissioned job with a clear brief. It had a patron, it had content and the work was meant for public display.'
And that's, more or less, how the illustration trade works today. For years, illustrators have been a passive, but unique, lot. Unlike commercial artists and designers - who are becoming increasingly independent and pro-active in looking for clients and moulding their services to their needs - illustrators still rely heavily on commission.
There are about 100 active professional illustrators in this city and most wouldn't change their unique style to please clients. Lack of training in some areas also hinders their commercial potential. A study conducted for the Central Policy Unit in 2003 found that those involved in creative workforces in Hong Kong - including illustrators - 'have less opportunity for exchange of creative ideas, skills and knowledge, cross-disciplinary interaction among industries. They also lack participation in internship, vocational and occupational training.'
But that's about to change, according to Chan, because the government is throwing its weight behind illustrators and others as part of a drive to develop Hong Kong's cultural and creative industries.
Early this year, it put $568,000 into a 10-month plan called i.mission, aimed at helping local design, illustration and related professionals, with a view to supporting Hong Kong brands and services.
Organised by the HKSI and the Productivity Training Council of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the programme - which included an eight-day trip to San Francisco last month - is intensive and ambitious. Its objectives include increasing the competitiveness of its participants by upgrading their skills though training, promoting their works overseas (including the mainland) and promoting the commercial use of visual arts and design in other businesses, such as the game and movie industries.
An industry forum and mini exhibition, also part of 'i.mission', will be held in October to share their study mission findings in the US with practitioners from other creative industries and generate more discussions on how to move forward. There will also be workshops and talks on more technical and practical topics, such as applications of computer software on design, illustration and photography. A glossy publication, i.love.money, will be distributed to all participants.
