Josh Cochran

“Citizen of the world” is illustrator Josh Cochran’s self-proclaimed nationality. But maybe he should change that to “citizen of real and fantasy worlds” based on his recent Zombies Vs. Unicorn book cover, which won a Society of Illustrators award. This Taiwanese-turned-Brooklynite artist creates other worldly designs for editorial, advertising, broadcast and web clients like The New York Times, Nike, Wired, and Pentagram. Learn more about this out-of-this-world artist in Josh’s 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Layered, rough, impulsive.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Hokusai, Cy Twombly and Wong Kar Wai.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
I would probably make really time consuming meals involving spam.

4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
Taiwan. It’s chaotic, dirty, colorful and everything is squashed together in tiny spaces. I grew up there and have always felt like it was home in a way.

5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
Travel food television host. Mostly because I love Anthony Bourdain.

6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
A mix tape (ok mp3 play list) or a drawing.

7. What is your favorite object in your home?
An old well seasoned skillet that I found at a flea market in Woodstock.

8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“You can’t please everyone.”

9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
I love but does it float, , flickr and corbis.

10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
I’m still not entirely sure of the answer to this question. I’m constantly going back and refining almost to a fault.