Dion Chang started out as a make-up artist, switched to styling and then became a fashion editor. He worked on numerous publications before becoming a corporate trend analyst and design consultant, a freelance journalist and columnist and a social commentator. He is also the programme director and official spokesperson for South African Fashion Week. Chang’s Gloria cartoons have appeared in Elle magazine over the years and now grace the pages of his tongue-in-cheek book of tips, Gloria’s Guide to Fabulousness.
Describe yourself in a sentence.
The result of a cosmic administration malfunction — how else do you explain how a Chinese, fashion-loving, extrovert gets to grow up in a Calvinistic hot spot such as Pretoria — in the 1970s?
Describe your book in a sentence.
A high-camp, tongue-in-cheek guide to living a life less ordinary, peppered with solid tips and a Zen Buddhist finish.
Describe your ideal reader.
Anyone who needs a laugh or a reprieve from the mediocrity of the daily grind, or anyone looking for the perfect Christmas stocking filler.
What was the originating idea for the book?
My cartoon character, Gloria, has appeared in Elle magazine since the launch issue 10 years ago. In that time she has gathered a small but loyal following, so it was time for her to evolve into a book and to introduce her to a whole new audience.
Describe the process of writing and publishing the book. How long did it take?
The copy is broadly based on personal experiences, so it was easy (and enjoyable) to write, on and off for about three months. The illustrations came from a collection of previously published cartoons, so it was a matter of editing down the ones that were relevant to the copy, and then drawing and painting like mad to supplement the art director’s grand plan. The shortfall, of course, only became apparent on print deadline.
Name some writers who have inspired you and why or how.
One of my all-time favourite books is JM Coetzee’s The Life and Times of Michael K. The final paragraph is sublime. On the other end of the spectrum, I enjoy the madness of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams and, in terms of cartoon inspiration and technique, I have great respect for The Far Side and Madam & Eve.
What are you reading at the moment?
Sacred Country by Rose Tremain. I’m a big fan of hers, especially of Music and Silence. Next in line on the reading pile is The Number by Jonny Steinberg, then a new author I’ve just discovered, David Sedaris. So many books, so little time.
Anything you wish to add?
Roald Dahl once said, ‘A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.” Never underestimate the importance of ‘a little nonsense”.