In digital art, some visionaries push the boundaries of creativity, transforming pixels into immersive experiences. Max Mao is one such artist, a visual sorcerer who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. From his early struggles as an international student to his current collaborations with renowned artists, Max’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and self-expression.
Born in Shanghai, Max Mao’s journey took an unexpected turn when he moved to Yarmouth, a remote town in Nova Scotia, Canada. Adjusting to a new culture and language was no easy task, but Max’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges ignited a deep introspection. As he grappled with questions about his identity and future, Max found solace and self-expression in visual art, using photography, videography and CG animations as his medium of choice.
Determined to delve deeper into visual art, Max pursued media studies at the University of Western Ontario. However, he quickly realized that the university curriculum needed his desired technical training. Undeterred, Max took matters into his own hands, becoming a self-taught digital artist. During summer breaks, he supplemented his studies with advertising packaging training in China, honing his technical skills and expanding his creative repertoire.
Max embarked on a freelance career with his newfound knowledge and creative passion. His unique style and dedication caught the attention of influential figures in the music, tech, and gaming industries. Max began working with renowned artists in the North American EDM scene, where he found the creative freedom he had longed for. Collaborating with these artists allowed Max to express his creativity and establish his unique visual style.
Max’s passion for digital art is deeply intertwined with his love for anime and the fantastical worlds it presents. Drawing inspiration from the poem in the anime series “Fate/stay the Night,” Max sees parallels between the verse and his creative process. The metaphorical language of the poetry resonates with his core ideas, representing the hard work, passion, and limitless imagination that fuel his artistry. Through his digital creations, Max seeks to capture the essence of dreams and translate them into real works of art.
Driven by his fascination with dreams and creativity, Max embarked on an ambitious AI project called “DreamRender.” DreamRender aims to transform fleeting dreams into tangible works of art, utilizing advanced AI technology. Recognizing the potential of his accomplishment, Max won first place at the Tokyo Future Foundation Awards, securing the initial funding to bring DreamRender to life. While details about DreamRender remain shrouded in mystery, Max’s passion and dedication promise innovation in the realm of digital art.
As Max gears up for the tour with Illenium set to begin this week, he is eager to explore new visual technologies and push the boundaries of his craft. Trusted with creative direction, Max’s expertise will contribute to crafting captivating musical and visual experiences that transport audiences to new realms of imagination. The tour represents another milestone in Max’s artistic journey, offering a platform to highlight his talents and make a lasting impact on the world of digital artistry.
Max Mao isn’t just an artist; he is a trailblazer shaping the future of digital art. Max’s story inspires aspiring creatives worldwide, from his humble beginnings as an international student to his current contributions improving the ways renowned artists perform with visuals. Through his dedication, resilience, and relentless pursuit of artistic expression, Max has carved a path that blends technology, imagination, and emotion. As he continues pushing boundaries and pioneering new frontiers, Max’s impact on the digital art world will undoubtedly endure, leaving a legacy that inspires future generations of artists and visionaries.
What’s your background and how did that inspire you to create?
As a city boy from Shanghai, landing in remote Yarmouth, Nova Scotia as one of the five Chinese students was a cultural shock. The language and cultural gap was scary. But, these hurdles triggered self-reflection, leading me to discover my passion for visual art, initially through photography.
At the University of Western Ontario, I pursued media studies but found the curriculum lacking technical skills. So, I taught myself digital art and supplemented it with advertising training in China. However, the commercial industry’s penchant for repetitive content disappointed me post-graduation. I wanted to create unique visual styles, not cookie-cutter content.
So, I started freelancing, finding my niche at the music, tech, and gaming intersection. Collaborating with North American EDM artists, I found clients who valued my creativity and gave me the creative freedom I craved.
What AI tools are you working with for your creative process?
I’m developing two projects. “Worldbuilding” is a microsoftware translating brand identities into concept art, a for freelancers and artists. Built with Typeform and Zapier, it’s a no-code solution turning ideas into CG animation concepts. Currently, it’s my clients’ exclusive tool for enhanced creativity.
“DreamRender” is the second project, aiming to shape dreams into tangible art. It’s under wraps now, but once the MVP is ready, I’ll share more!
There’s a common perspective on AI that it would ruin lots of creative careers, with releases like open ai, or midjourney ai. Where do you think artists are heading in the future?
AI isn’t a threat but a tool like OpenAI or Midjourney AI, reshaping and democratizing creativity. Many digital artists are more concerned about copyright issues than replacement by AI. They worried about their art used in AI training without consent, creating seemingly new pieces. But, isn’t this similar to artists drawing inspiration from different sources? We went on Pinterest, Artstation and Instagram to gather references, and create something new. I see a future where artists and AI co-create, with AI amplifying our creativity and realizing ideas in unimaginable ways.
That being said, even though the surge in creative output facilitated by AI might seem exhilarating, there’s a risk – an art overload could potentially water down its overall value. In fact, this is not a new phenomenon, it’s a characteristic of postmodernism.
In postmodern society, the rapid reproduction and circulation of art, often devoid of context or original authorship, can lead to saturation. The result is a sea of art that’s highly replicable and short-lived, a hallmark of postmodernism. This can dilute the sense of originality and intrinsic value tied to art.
I learnt that in university by the way, I guess my 30k a year tuition is more useful than I thought.
What is the next step for you in the future? Do you plan to explore any new artistic directions or technologies?
Yes, recently I’ve been working on my O1 work visa in the US. And I have future projects lined up starting with being on tour with illenium. Super excited for that. I will be on tour for 2 months and working collaboratively. The best thing about this is that I’m trusted with the creative directions. So you will be seeing me experimenting with some new visual tech! I’d love to speak more about it once it happens.
How did you start working with illenium’s team?
I connected with Illenium and his manager Sean Flynn multiple times in Canada and Japan. I guess I showed my face across continents enough that they wanted me to join. But jokes aside, I believe that my connection with Illenium’s team comes from a deeper resonance on both professional and personal levels. Sounds cliche, but it’s true.
Professionally, our visions align seamlessly. We share a common understanding of the creative process and a desire to push boundaries. This synergy allows us to collaborate effectively. For lack of a better word, they are just so chill. We find common grounds to create meaningful music visual experiences so easily.
On a personal level, there’s a genuine connection that goes beyond the work itself. We have similar values, outlooks, and a shared passion for creating impactful experiences through music and visuals. This bond not only enhances our working relationship but also fosters a creative environment that allows us to thrive.
So, it’s a combination of building relationships, showcasing my skills, and finding that special connection that led to the exciting opportunity of joining Illenium on tour. I couldn’t be more thrilled to collaborate with such a talented team and contribute my expertise to their creative journey.
