Vu is an illustrator and graphic novelist full-time

We’re so pleased to introduce you to Vu Thanh, who was born in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. Vu is an illustrator and graphic novelist full-time. He loves Japanese culture and everything related to it, he has a personal project that designs Japanese people in stylised ancient traditional costumes. He is also very interested in classic book cover projects. 

Thanh has his own black and white graphic novel named "Sceadu" (consists of three volumes, spanning a total of 1,064 pages). He is also keen to illustrate articles and magazine stories, or other larger scale pieces for posters for movies, plays and music.

Vu believes that although drawing is wordless art, it can tell countless hidden stories and his job is to find the right way to tell those stories through strokes and colours.

Here’s were we find out more!

When did you start illustrating?

I have loved reading manga and comics since I was a boy. But I chose graphic design when I went to university. Then, I decided to illustrate my picture book as the graduate project. And be a part-time graphic designer after that. At that time, I met my first illustrator friends. They inspired me, encouraged me a lot and also introduced me to illustration jobs. So in the end, I quit my design job to become a freelance illustrator, just like the dream of that boy who loved comics back in the old day.

Who has been the most supportive in your illustration career, perhaps your teacher, family, friends?

My family and my partner at Lá Studio are the most supportive. They never doubted at what I has been doing, they are extremely patient with my “unsettled job”. Having their supports is probably the luckiest thing in my life.

Did you always think art was something that was going to be a major part of your life?

I'm not very good at communication, so I think art has helped me a lot in connecting with people, even who I've never met before.

What is your favourite subject matter to illustrate?

I love telling stories when drawing. So my most favourite part is always finding ways for the characters in the drawing telling their own stories, but not with words but with lines and shapes.

How would you describe your style?

It's the art from an illustrator who graduated in graphic design.

What is your favourite collaboration to date?

I love working with publishers on book cover design projects. Having the opportunity to draw and design for my favourite authors and books is a dream come true for someone who loves to read like me.

What interested you about being represented by Illo Agency?

I am very excited and honoured to be represented by Illo Agency. After 12 years working as a freelance illustrator, I always strive to find opportunities to be involved more in the creative and design process of the worldwide publishing industry. So that I can explore, broaden my vision and experience in the new topics of expansive fields in illustration. I'm aware that having an Illo Agency representative is is a huge step on the way to gain access to those challenges.

Do you have a favourite author, film director, or designer?

I love the book “The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand, the movie “12 angry men” directed by Sidney Lumet and the manga “Dorohedoro” by Q Hayashida.

Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?

I often create some personal projects to have fun and enjoy the freedom to do anything I like. Those are also opportunities for me to practice creating problems and finding solutions. Most recently I've been working on a personal painting collection called "my uniqueverse" and redesigning the book covers of one of my favourite series, Harry Potter.

Do you listen to podcasts? If so, do you have a favourite?

I don't listen to podcasts very often because it's difficult for me to work and listen at the same time. Especially when you have a story that you need to draw by hand and have to listen to another story by ear.

If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]

At illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.