Q: Originally from Taiwan, what is your favorite thing about living and working in Paris?

A: I am currently doing an Institute Français artist-in-residence program at Cité internationale des Arts, in Paris. I like walking around and observing people in this lovely city.

Q: Do you keep a sketchbook? What is the balance between the art you create on paper versus in the computer?

A: Yes, I do keep a sketchbook. I like to draw the fine line on paper and collage images in computer. I basically create artwork by hand and make them look better through my computer process.

Q: What is the most important item in your studio?

The old train station clock I bought in London. It makes studio looks nicer and keeps time. 

Q: What do you like best about your workspace?

A: The atmosphere.

Q: Do you think it needs improvement, if so, what would you change?

It’s located in a commercial district. If I could move to a more cultural area that would be better.

Q: How do you know when the art is finished?

A: I normally put it away for few days, and don’t look at it. When I come back to look at it, if I feel alright, then it's finished.

Q: What makes you happy?

A: When I make an artwork I really like, which also meets what the client wanted. When I lose some weight, this really makes me happy.

Q: What was your favorite book as a child?

The Little Prince.

Q: What is the best book you’ve recently read?

I just came to Paris last week, so I’m looking at Paris, the guidebook published by DK, it's useful and classical :)

Q: If you had to choose one medium to work in for an entire year, eliminating all others, what medium would you choose?

A: Pencil. I wish I could live without computer and Internet.

Q: If you could time travel to any era, any place, where would you go?

A: I would like to experience the vivid swinging London in the 60s.

Q: What is preoccupying you at the moment?

A: An upcoming picture book project.

Q: What are some of your favorite places/books/blogs/websites for inspiration?

A: Any kind of museum; FFFFOUND!; Creative Review blog.

Q: What was the [Thunderbolt] painting or drawing or film or otherwise that most affected your approach to art?

A: Traditional Chinese ink painting; Ukiyo-e; vintage comics; Modernist graphic design,.

Q: What advice would you give a young artist about applying to an art school or college?

A: Dream on! Work hard, play hard!

Q: What would be your last supper?

A: Taiwanese beef noodle.

Page Tsou was born in Taiwan. He majored in art education and traditional Chinese ink painting during undergraduate study, and later graduated from Royal College of Art in the UK. Since then he has moved back to Taiwan and started his own studio, mainly working on picture books and visual arts. His artistic styles are inspired by traditional Chinese painting and contemporary graphic design. He is interested in reflecting antiquity in his painting. He has been being named Best of Show at the 2011 3x3 Professional Show and the winner of international award for illustration in Bologna Children’s Book Fair.