Illustrator and Photoshop are the tools of choice for Johnny Cheuk, but how does he keep on top of all of those ideas?

Hong Kong-based illustrator and graphic designer Johnny Cheuk says his main problems has always been finding the best way of keeping on top of all of the ideas he produces when approaching work for his diverse portfolio of clients. “Every time I design and illustrate for the people I work for, different concepts and executions spin out of my head non-stop and keeping on top of them can be a nightmare,” he says.

With a client list comprising magazines such as Computer Arts, Katalogue, scene 360, advertising agencies and experimental electronic band Fischerspooner, 24 year old Cheuk has gradually built up a reputation via his acidbird company and won plaudits for his highly individual and stunning vector art style which is as fresh as the amazingly detailed flowers and butterflies he often features in his work.

Naming Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator as his key creative tools, Cheuk says his first approach to a commission is usually to examine what the client wants and tackle the work in an analytic fashion.

“First, I'll try to understand the topic as thoroughly as possible to set the stage for conceptualization. In case I'm unfamiliar with the topic, I'll study and research until I feel comfortable with it,” he says. “Then it's time for me to sit down in my own place, have a brainstorm and outline the draft. I tackle this last step using Illustrator to develop the visuals based on the sketch,” he says.

Like many contemporary illustrators working at the cutting edge of design today, Cheuk says he’s been using Illustrator and Photoshop for “years” and finds both software packages invaluable in terms of helping him through the crucial process of turning ideas into tangible designs.

“I use Illustrator to freely illustrate what’s in my mind and then move what I have developed over into Photoshop to detail and fine tune a piece of work,” he says.

In terms of the kind of problems Cheuk typically encounters with most design jobs, he says he’s really his own worst enemy.

“I always wonder if there is room for improvement as I always strive for perfection. This can sometimes dilute my effort on the project I’m working on. I really need to set myself a cut-off point and ;learn to know when to stop,” he says.

Claiming that he “couldn’t live without” either Photoshop of Illustrator, Cheuk’s distinctive style is likely to keep the new commissions flooding in.