Andre Leong

I am a graduate with a bachelor's degree and a background spanning both fields of art & graphic design (typography and illustration), and I am a first-time teacher currently preparing for part-time jobs teaching drawing/painting (especially with male life models) and considering setting up a small space/studio for me to teach a class once I earn a salary that is adequate for me. I currently reside in Chatswood, Sydney, NSW, Australia. When I attend some life drawing sessions, I notice that some models (whilst posing) like to giggle when they hear jokes and give little advice to some artists on building up their confidence in drawing and navigating their own style. Even though these aspects look small, I feel that they are a kind of precious inspiration to me. Apart from just teaching with the model about anatomy and poses, I would also highly encourage the models to take part in some hosting roles (in some sections of the sessions); possibly explaining what kind of style/theme/vibe complements them and how to apply it to their anatomy and poses to showcase their multitude of sides.I was highly motivated by how the changes in various graphical, typographical, and illustrative forms had great effects on public branding, such as signage, posters, installations, and renovations, etc. throughout my childhood. I am strongly passionate about my career expansion in art and graphic design because I feel like I am at a moment when I can truly resonate with myself, being comfortable in my own skin and unafraid to express my style and to make connections between things that hardly exist.One of the best experiences throughout my career is applying modern, unconventional graphic design styles to realistic art forms. I am particularly interested in drawing the male anatomy, especially the torso and some lower areas. Additionally, I am also deeply interested in colour theory and love to combine it with natural elements such as flowers, trees, and human values, etc.A fact that most people hardly know about me is that I can observe the differences between male models who come in robes and those who come in towels/drapes/blankets/sarongs when they enter/exit platforms or rest during breaks. Ideally, I would prefer to hire the ones who prefer towels/drapes/blankets/sarongs (I don't mind the ones in robes if it is highly urgent) as I feel they are bolder, more dynamic, open, and expressive, qualities that highly resonate with my enthusiastic and energetic personality. I would sometimes even require the models to include their props like that as part of their poses to elevate artistic emotions as well.I would love to apply for a part-time teaching job because it profoundly motivates me to spread happiness to other people and embrace growth and laughter when we make happy mistakes. In addition, I believe that teaching with life models would help me to expand my friendship zone and build confident relationships that create wonderful memories. Life drawing gave me the air to breathe, helped me to open my heart, and it is a core value that I cannot survive without as part of my creative journey.Even though this is my first time teaching, I am willing to learn from other people, and I think that the most important perspective for becoming an amazing teacher is to lead from my heart and my first impression, and surround myself with my identity and my experiences growing up. Additionally, I believe that happy mistakes can happen to both teachers and artists whilst drawing/painting, and they are treasures worth keeping because without them, I would hardly have paid attention to improvement, and this would strongly motivate me to explore detailed perspectives of appreciating art and design.My greatest ambition is to open my own studio filled with various art media, design platforms, and a space for guests or models to interact with each other. I want to create a project blending the beauty of male anatomy with human nature. Through that ambition, I also want to create an environment and workshops where we go beyond the relationships between me as an artist and the models by swapping roles to enhance inspiration and versatility in roles. I want the models to feel like they are not just posing for their job but also connecting with what they want to achieve and learning to be role models for the next generation.For your information, depending on my personal conditions, I am usually away from Australia between mid-December and February. I will inform your team by late November or early December at the latest. Even though this teaching period may be shorter, I will definitely return to Australia next year around February to continue my part-time teaching job for you, as I would also be pursuing my advanced academic degree and searching for other part-time jobs. Other than that, I will enjoy and treasure my time and hope to earn as much money and gain as much experience as I can.