Your Guide to Creative China
Freelancer: Christopher Tomoya James
Published September 7, 2009
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"Freelancer" casts the spotlight on individuals working as freelance artists and designers in Shanghai. CreativeHunt talks to them about the creative and commercial climate for their work in the city, the challenged they face in their field, and upcoming projects.
Christopher Tomoya James moved to Shanghai to be the Creative Director for an international exhibition design firm. During his time as creative director, he was in charge of a number of large scale projects including the design of a pavilion for the Shanghai Expo in 2010 and multiple exhibition identity designs for international brands. He began Arachnocampa in 2009 as a light and concept design studio.
Maybe you could start with a personal background. Where are you from? What sort of training have you done?
I am half Australian and half Japanese. I studied for a Bachelor of Design (Interior Design) at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia.
What kind of work do you specialize in?
I don't like to limit myself to any area of design, but most of my projects relate in some way or form to lighting and / or graphic design.
My passion lies in coming up with ideas and developing concepts. I often spend a lot of time writing down ideas in my notebook for a project until a few days just before the deadline; when I start to actually "design".
Currently, I am also developing a line of products with a close friend of mine; we are developing a line of bicycle accessories and limited edition lighting products.
How long have you been a freelancer? What lead you into freelance work rather than working with an agency?
I have been freelancing on and off for around five years. My most recent job with a firm was for an exhibition design agency, where I felt every aspect of work was way too sales driven. Freelancing gives me the freedom of choice with the projects I work on and allows me to put more into each of my projects.
What sort of jobs/clients have you had in Shanghai?
For lighting projects I work a lot in collaboration with Studio 1:1. I've been working as a lighting consultant to them on a few projects over the last few months.
For graphic design projects I take on logo and corporate identity work. I am also a big fan of music and I often design posters and flyers for events held at The Shelter.
How do you promote yourself and your services in Shanghai?
I try to convince architects, designers and entrepreneurs to collaborate with me!
Can you elaborate on a specific job that you were hired to do that you’re proud of?
The most interesting project I've worked on in Shanghai is for the overall lighting plan for a new development in Pudong. As this project is currently underway I cannot name specifics but it involves two office towers and a mall. I was invited to design lighting for the exterior facades and outdoor areas. The result will hopefully be an interactive lighting installation at a large scale never before seen in Shanghai!
What are your working conditions like? Do you have your own studio?
I currently work from home, coffee shops, and any other places with stable surfaces.
What are the biggest challenges about freelancing in Shanghai?
I find not having a team to work with or simply having like-minded people around on a daily basis to be very lonely. Until I find a firm that I really like, I’m afraid this is a sacrifice I'll have to make.
What advice would you have to someone entering the field?
Have other passions besides work, ride a bicycle!
Check Arachnocampa on the web here.
Christopher Tomoya James moved to Shanghai to be the Creative Director for an international exhibition design firm. During his time as creative director, he was in charge of a number of large scale projects including the design of a pavilion for the Shanghai Expo in 2010 and multiple exhibition identity designs for international brands. He began Arachnocampa in 2009 as a light and concept design studio.
Maybe you could start with a personal background. Where are you from? What sort of training have you done?
I am half Australian and half Japanese. I studied for a Bachelor of Design (Interior Design) at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia.
What kind of work do you specialize in?
I don't like to limit myself to any area of design, but most of my projects relate in some way or form to lighting and / or graphic design.
My passion lies in coming up with ideas and developing concepts. I often spend a lot of time writing down ideas in my notebook for a project until a few days just before the deadline; when I start to actually "design".
Currently, I am also developing a line of products with a close friend of mine; we are developing a line of bicycle accessories and limited edition lighting products.
How long have you been a freelancer? What lead you into freelance work rather than working with an agency?
I have been freelancing on and off for around five years. My most recent job with a firm was for an exhibition design agency, where I felt every aspect of work was way too sales driven. Freelancing gives me the freedom of choice with the projects I work on and allows me to put more into each of my projects.
What sort of jobs/clients have you had in Shanghai?
For lighting projects I work a lot in collaboration with Studio 1:1. I've been working as a lighting consultant to them on a few projects over the last few months.
For graphic design projects I take on logo and corporate identity work. I am also a big fan of music and I often design posters and flyers for events held at The Shelter.
How do you promote yourself and your services in Shanghai?
I try to convince architects, designers and entrepreneurs to collaborate with me!
Can you elaborate on a specific job that you were hired to do that you’re proud of?
The most interesting project I've worked on in Shanghai is for the overall lighting plan for a new development in Pudong. As this project is currently underway I cannot name specifics but it involves two office towers and a mall. I was invited to design lighting for the exterior facades and outdoor areas. The result will hopefully be an interactive lighting installation at a large scale never before seen in Shanghai!
What are your working conditions like? Do you have your own studio?
I currently work from home, coffee shops, and any other places with stable surfaces.
What are the biggest challenges about freelancing in Shanghai?
I find not having a team to work with or simply having like-minded people around on a daily basis to be very lonely. Until I find a firm that I really like, I’m afraid this is a sacrifice I'll have to make.
What advice would you have to someone entering the field?
Have other passions besides work, ride a bicycle!
Check Arachnocampa on the web here.
