Drawing Speed Between the Cracks of a City
IlloBoom! 2024 Illustration Summit – Best of the Best Winner Interview
Isaac Spellman｜Hong Kong
For illustrator Isaac Spellman, creating is never just about finishing an image. It is about reinterpreting a project—understanding how to translate its intended visual aesthetics and character into a compelling composition.
In 2024, his work “Vroom!” earned him the Best of the Best Grand Prize at the IlloBoom! Illustration Summit. Among numerous outstanding entries, his piece stood out for its clarity of narrative and a highly refined visual language.
Exploring New Perspectives Through International Competitions
When asked what motivated him to enter IlloBoom!, Isaac’s answer was simple:
“I had been following Yu-Ming Huang’s work for some time, which led me to discover this competition.”
Prior to this, he had already received recognition from prestigious international competitions such as Communications Arts and the Society of Illustrators. This time, however, his goal was not simply to add another accolade to his portfolio.
“I wanted to see how my work would be interpreted through different cultural contexts and judging perspectives. I was also curious about engaging with the Taiwanese creative scene—testing the waters and exploring a different artistic environment.”
For Isaac, this was ultimately a return to questioning the essence of creation itself.
An Unexpected Moment of Recognition
Winning the grand prize came as a surprise.
“I actually found out through a DM from someone else.”
Instead of refreshing the results page, he learned of his win only after the announcement.
This unexpected moment of recognition gave him a deeper sense of clarity about his creative direction.
“It reassured me that the direction I’m currently pursuing is the right one.”
More than the award itself, that sense of confirmation holds greater meaning for an artist.
“Vroom!” — Interpreting Speed Through Urban Landscape
The award-winning piece “Vroom!” was originally created as part of a commercial collaboration, inspired by the Macau Grand Prix. The client provided an open brief, using the race as a conceptual starting point.
Rather than focusing solely on the race cars, Isaac approached the project through the lens of Macau’s urban landscape. He conducted extensive visual research—collecting references of local architecture and streets, from historic residential buildings to vividly colored casino structures and luminous cultural landmarks.
These elements, densely layered within narrow streets, form the unique texture of Macau’s cityscape.
By placing racing cars within this environment, Isaac created a striking contrast between spatial density and high velocity—capturing the intensity and thrill of the race.
Within the composition, static architecture collides with motion-blurred vehicles. History and modern speed coexist, reflecting the layered cultural identity of Macau itself.
From Influence to Practice: The Formation of a Visual Language
Isaac’s style is the result of long-term accumulation and transformation.
He cites strong influences from 1920s Art Deco aesthetics and the linear elegance of French illustrator George Barbier. At the same time, he draws inspiration from the color sensibilities of contemporary artists such as Victo Ngai and James Jean.
Through continuous practice, these influences gradually evolved into his own visual vocabulary—characterized by geometric forms, structured parallel lines, and a restrained, Eastern-influenced color palette.
The result is a style that balances decorative richness with modern sophistication.
“It’s a natural process—from absorbing and experimenting to eventually forming your own system.”
Creativity as a Parallel Exploration
When discussing creativity, Isaac describes an ongoing dual approach:
On one hand, he conducts deep research into specific historical aesthetics—such as projects inspired by the 1930s. On the other, he actively engages with contemporary culture, including works like Wednesday or Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra.
“The former gives my work a distinct core, while the latter keeps me connected to the present.”
It is the interaction between these two parallel explorations that continues to drive his creative evolution.
The Next Step: Expanding Beyond the Flat Surface
Looking ahead, Isaac aims to further push both technical and creative boundaries.
He hopes to tackle larger and more complex compositions, while drawing inspiration from artists such as Ugo Gattoni and Ilya Milstein.
At the same time, he envisions transforming his digital illustrations into physical 3D sculptures:
“I want my work to move beyond the flat surface—into something spatial and tangible.”
Currently, he is also working on a puzzle and coloring book project scheduled for publication in the UK, Europe, and the United States in 2027. Such long-term collaborations allow his work to evolve beyond one-off outputs into a sustained creative journey.
