Contributed
Mark Allan
Michael Robinson, Sunday Gleaner Writer
MARK ALLAN is a Jamaican designer currently living in Vietnam. After studying graphic design at Edna Manley College, he spent a few years working here before moving to Asia. Over the last ten years, he has lived and worked in several countries, including China, the home of this year's Olympic Games.
In his spare time, the designer is also a disc jockey and music producer. By his own admission, his journey has taught him a lot about the human experience. As a foreigner and an artist on that side of the world, his story gives a unique perspective on a side of the world that remains a mystery to many Jamaicans.
In what countries have you lived?
China, Hong Kong, Croatia, and Vietnam, respectively.
Which country is your favourite?
Jamaica is definitely my favourite place, nothing beats the humour and sheer vibe of the people. However, I can't say I have one favourite place, they are all special in their own respect. I love Guang Zhou, China, for its oriental charm. The music and culture are very traditional, also underground.
Hong Kong I like for its diver-sity and fast-paced lifestyle. It's a melting pot of sorts. Definitely a party city, which is always buzzing - 24 hours a day - and is never asleep. Creatively, it's also very inspirational.
In Croatia, Vukovar for its tranquility and Osijek for the magnificent architecture. Vukovar is a very inspirational place. I used to spend many hours walking along the banks of the Danube (the second longest river in Europe) at nights and in the morning time. It led me to finish writing a novel there. Also, in Croatia I like the capital, Zagreb, for its diverse culture, as well as the music scene and nightlife.
Vietnam for its tropical beauty outside of the city. It reminds me very much of Jamaica, the same vegetation and climate in some areas. Whenever I do get time off, I visit a province that's one hour by hydrofoil away, named Vung Tau, for its serenity and beaches.
I know every country is unique, what was the biggest adjustment you had to make coming from Jamaica?
Trying to fit in with the culture of each place I have been to. Trying to follow their customs and rules.
In Southeast Asia, people still keep to their cultural traditions. They are also very superstitious. Even a hand gesture of a wave, calling or signalling to someone, done wrongly is considered very rude.
What's the attitude towards Jamaica and Jamaicans there? Is anything different now since our Olympic performances?
Well, I am the only Jamaican living in Vietnam that I know of. The majority of the Vietnamese locals have no clue about Jamaica or where it is, and sometimes they will guess that it is in Africa. If you mention Cuba, however, they will have an idea of where Jamaica is. On a whole, though, Jamaicans do have a favourable reputation in the places I have visited in Asia. Also, I must say that the Olympics has indeed boosted Jamaica's reputation 100 per cent, and I've had the pleasurable experience of cheering along with the Vietnamese locals for the Jamaican team.
What languages do you know?
I know a little Spanish from my days at Jamaica College. I also picked up a bit of Mandarin in Hong Kong but I'm very rusty these days. A good friend of mine tried teaching me Croatian when I was there. I learnt enough to get around comfortably, but again I am rusty and only remember some of the swear words, which I still use in Vietnam in peak traffic. I know enough Vietnamese to get around, but I will never learn the language fully. It is one of the most difficult languages to grasp, as it is based on tones.
As an artist, how has your aesthetic evolved since living in the East?
I have come to appreciate simpler things, because of how some locals (the poor ones) live, it is contrasted with the technology and wealth. The underlying influence of the art/architecture is dominant in places, which gives an almost surreal feel. It has opened my eyes in many ways. I can find and appreciate the beauty in a blank piece of paper. I would not say I am a minimalist, but it has influenced my work. I am now more precise in everything and I'm always seeking perfection, or as close as I can come to it.
How has the Internet and other advances in telecommunications helped you personally and professionally?
Well, for one, it was the Internet that made me move to Asia because I was in the same field at the time and was offered a job in Hong Kong to work for an Internet solutions company there. Profess-ionally, it has helped to promote my skills. Personally, the Internet helped me to get into a lot of trouble that I should not have (laughs).
Telecommunications has helped me a lot professionally, especially with Wi-Fi, as I have been able to go to wireless hot spots and get work done for clients when I am outside the office.
Has communication ever been a problem for you in terms of language and/or cultural barriers?
Yes, many times the language barrier has been a hindrance. Being a foreigner, if you don't speak too much of the language it's a hassle to get around if you depend on taxis. Also, one might as well forget about shopping at markets for deals and go straight to the shopping centres.
Also, for some of my staff, it is also difficult to communicate clearly with them at times without another English-speaker to translate.
The cultural barriers haven't been a problem so much, as it's easy to adapt to cultural ways. Although things are slowly changing. Vietnamese are very strict with sticking to their cultural ways and routines. They seldom deviate, especially when it comes to their children's relationships. But I have seen dramatic changes over the last five years.
If there's one thing Jamaica could learn from Eastern cultures, what would you want it to be?
Don't party so much. Work hard and play hard. The lesson of balance.
If there's one gift you could give Jamaica from the East, what would it be?
The lack of major violence I experienced in Hong Kong and Vietnam would definitely be it. The two places are not crime free. Mostly, what takes place is white-collar crime and swindles. Any female could walk home or anywhere, at any hours, and know there is a 99 per cent chance she would be safe from any sort of robbery or violence. I would rather white-collar crime anytime, knowing that my mother and sister could be free to be anywhere, at any time, without the worry of some random act of violence or crime.
Ever miss home (I'm assuming you were born in Ja, were you)? What do you miss about it?
Definitely, my mother and sister - and the food! I wake up on Sunday mornings in Vietnam thinking of my mother's Sunday menu. I also miss the vibe and culture of the people, and some of the close friends that I managed to meet back at EMC, we are still in touch from time to time these days.
What's your favourite Asian food, and where did you first taste it?
Would have to say dim sum. I first had dim sum in Hong Kong.
What's the most interesting thing that's happened to you since living in Vietnam?
The most interesting thing that has happened to me would no doubt be owning and running a lounge bar for three years. It was an experience like no other. It allowed me to meet some of the most interesting people from every corner of the globe, and also form very close friendships that will last a lifetime. It gave me an insight into the human condition which I know will, in the future, influence any work of art or design I produce. It also allowed me another outlet for expression, as I got more involved with music as I was also the DJ there three nights per week.
Met any interesting people lately?
That is a tough question. I meet so many interesting people each day, some of whom have become very close friends. There are several that stand out. A photographer and documentary film-maker from Germany. He spent many years travelling throughout Africa, filming and taking photographs. But what is most interesting is that he lived in Jamaica, in Spanish Town, for one year with a family.
He described it as one of the most fascinating times in his life. I also met two Vietnam war veterans here who have become very close friends. One is from the USA and the other an Australian. They both live here now. They shared their stories about the days during the Vietnam-American war and enlightened me about the real politics behind it. It has helped me to understand the people and culture here from a different perspective.
They also gave me some perspectives on why so many expats live and retire in Asia.
How has living on that side of the world helped you professionally?
It has helped me because my work ethic has evolved to a level where my word is taken as is. Because I have to deal with many clients from different parts of the world. In that one learns to be able to understand each individual or culture, and this helps in delivering to clients from any sector or any area, and giving them just what they need. Understanding each client is key. In this my reputation for under-standing and delivering to the client at times precedes me.
Would you recommend it for other young designers?
Yes, I would recommend it definitely. Many designers actually do internships in Vietnam and Asia because of the culture and diversity to be found in these parts. Many find it such an interesting side of the world that after art school many of them move back to Asia and find jobs. I think also because of what is happening here with the economic growth and development in Asia, and specifically Southeast Asia, and foreign firms setting up offices, even in Vietnam itself. I think if one gets one's foot in early and is willing to do some work, then one can make a mark.
Any words for the young designers fresh out of art school seeking to make a mark (no pun intended) on the world?
Well, first, I would say try to make your mark before getting out of art school. It helps a lot to do pro bono work also. What I have noticed from many young designers from Southeast Asia is that they try to get involved with other designers early on. They collaborate with other designers who have already made a mark on the industry. However, most important, I would say, is to get involved in the design community wherever you are. That is one of the main ways you will be in touch with what is going on and be updated.
