Bored Panda reached out to Ben Heine to find out more about his work. First, we wanted the artist to describe the process of creating a "Pencil Vs Camera" artwork. We asked what steps are involved from conceptualization to the final composition. We found out that everything starts with finding an idea and the right location. Then it is followed by some test photos and sketches. When everything is thought through, the artist takes the next steps: “I take a photo in that location with my hand holding the drawing and doing all the necessary adjustments on site (make the connections and lines match between the drawing and the photo). I sometimes do many trials and errors because I need to adjust the distance between the drawing and the main background, between the drawing and the camera lens, change the depth of field so that both layers are sharp, not blurred, etc.” Finally, the last part is editing and enhancing the final photo.

Next, we wanted to know what Ben considers the most challenging while working on the new piece. The artist shares with us: “Both drawing and photography require technical skills and specific material and tools. Editing the photo requires knowledge in using complex and modern digital cameras and lenses, in editing software, drawing requires knowledge in live sketching, shadowing, perspective, anatomy, architecture, light... Each image is different and I face different challenges on each new project. I enjoy both drawing and photography and I have the skills and experience, so it's not hard but it is time-consuming. Time is the key to everything.”

Asked how he selects the locations or subjects for his photographs, Ben told us: “I choose the location either in advance or on site when an idea comes, it can be near where I live or during a travel abroad (for work, holidays...).”

Asked about some funny anecdotes related to his creations, Heine mentioned the time when he was working on his Buddha illustration: My first idea was to make Buddha do a ‘peace and love’ sign with his other hand shown on the paper, but my local partner in Hong Kong told me it was totally forbidden to show Buddha do such a sign, which I didn't know, so I found something else, softer…” Ben also remembered another memorable experience he had in Russia: “I had the pleasure and honor to sleep in the same room where Michael Jackson slept at Hotel Metropol in Moscow, it felt special and I prepared some sketches for my project in that room, that's why I wanted the angel to hold a big heart.”

We were wondering which one of Ben’s works is his personal favorite. Heine revealed: “St Basil Cathedral - Russia. Because it was a live challenge I almost improvised on site. I made it before the war in Ukraine.”

We also asked how the artist approaches the balance between realism and imagination in his artwork. Heine said: “I try to inject a lot of fantasy and surrealism in the drawing and the photo reflects the reality, I try to balance these 2 universes. I always try to convey emotions like friendship and love.”

Lastly, Ben shared with us how his work inspires people around the world: “My concept is now taught by many art teachers around the world and in school books in South America, so it travels even more. I do many school projects, workshops, and lessons for 5 years in many schools in France and Belgium and I do regular online sessions with schools in Canada, Asia, and South America. The concept is taught by teachers everywhere in the world, they contact me to get information about the concept, and I send them teaching material (art theory, exercises about creativity, drawing, and step-by-step process to do Pencil Vs Camera images). There have been thousands of Pencil Vs Camera works by students following my methods.”