Duration: Part-time for the past five years, but full-time now. I took a break from illustration for most of 2007 and 2008. During that time, I had a few illustration jobs , but primarily worked Printed Matter, a nonprofit artist organization, that provided me with plenty of inspiration and an unorthodox contemporary arts history education. Now, I am back to work in illustration and design with renewed focus.
Staff: Just me.
Education: BA communications design Pratt Institute 2004.
Cultural Influences: I am currently inspired by artists Sherrie Levine, Olle Eskell, Keiichi Nurie, Tauba Auerbach, Leanne Shapton and vintage craft books, macramé and knit, artist books, letterpress and silk-screen.
Environment: I have a studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, that I share with two designers and a photographer.
Philosophy: After you have tried a million times, try a million more—until you get what you want. If you have decided you don't want something, starting over is OK. Approach making art like a job and maintain a schedule and balance. Chuck Close says it best: "Inspiration is for amateurs, the rest of us just go to work." I also find I am the most productive when I am mentally and physically fit.
There is no spoon for Sei Rey Ho of the North Carolina-based design firm Us & Them.