Los Angeles, CA
I urge parents today to be more open for their children to discover their own roles and careers. I make a concerted effort to include Asian ethnic characters in my projects. After all, is it not our own culture that preaches a balance of all things for happy and fortuitous life?
Who are you?
Ever since I can remember as a kid, I’ve always had a pencil in one hand, and trouble in the other. Haha. Well, not really about the “trouble” part, it just sounded cool. At one point in my teen years, I had to make a decision between pursuing music (I played the violin and performed in Carnegie hall once) or art, and I chose the latter. I would attend Pratt institute in Brooklyn, NY, on a full scholarship and earn a bachelors in architecture with honors. I was also the captain of the men’s basketball team at Pratt. While in school, I began working professionally as a comic book artist and was able to buy my mother a house in Miami by my senior year.
What do you do?
I am an artist/designer best known for my work in the comic book and entertainment design industry. Currently, I am illustrating SUPERMAN for DC Comics and was recently the artist on WONDER WOMAN (also for DC Comics). During the turn of the century, I spent over four years as a Walt Disney “imagineer” designing rides for their theme parks and attractions. I’ve also provided illustrations for several NY Times best-selling books, including THE GAME, EMERGENCY, and HOW TO MAKE LOVE LIKE A PORN STAR. I also have a children’s book series published through Scholastic called THE BLACK BELT CLUB.
Why are you proud to be of Taiwanese heritage?
As a first (point-five) generation Taiwanese American –and I say that only because even though I was born in Canada, I basically grew up in Taiwan until the age of six. I am extremely proud of my heritage and cultural roots and just recently visited family back on the island late last year. I am proud of both my Taiwanese and Chinese heritage. It is a source of debate and struggle at times, mostly because of the divide in nationalistic efforts. I hold an undying allegiance to the Republic of China and feel it should remain independent of communist Chinese rule, but at the root of our human existence, we are still of the same blood.
What does the future of Taiwanese America look like to you?
The future lies in the next generation, our children, but we need to understand that the foundation for that path is rooted in what we do today. I encourage all Asian Americans to expand and take chances. Seek opportunities in the arts, athletics, entertainment, as well as those that have been well traveled. I urge parents today to be more open for their children to discover their own roles and careers. I make a concerted effort to include Asian ethnic characters in my projects. After all, is it not our own culture that preaches a balance of all things for happy and fortuitous life? Now, I just need to find a wife and start a family!
Any additional information you would like to share?
Ding Tai Fung is still better in Taiwan. Sorry, had to say it.
Here’s a link to my website: http://www.bernardchang.com
And if you need a new friend: http://www.facebook.com/bernard.chang
What a great life to be doing something that you love. I was pleasantly surprised to find that you illustrated for “how to make love like a porn star”!