We were lucky to catch up with Chanel Hunt recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chanel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My most meaningful project was one I finished back in 2020. I did a series of over 30 illustrations based on the tale of Sleepy Hollow for my client to use in a Youtube video where he narrated the story. At the time I had no work, and the pandemic had thrown me into a funk that was hard to shake. I was also between jobs, with no projects on the horizon, and was growing increasingly concerned if I would be able to get hired. Considering what was happening I admittedly felt guilty about that, but it had been months since I had worked on anything so I was starting to get antsy. Out of the blue, my best friend contacted me telling me she knew someone who needed some work done and if I was up for the job. I jumped at the opportunity and immediately got in contact with the client who tasked me to read the story and then we could talk about the next steps. Each part of the process went smoothly and not only helped provide me with the money I needed but also helped to get me out of my funk. This project was good for me not only because it drew on my love of art, folklore, and literature, but also because it served as a lifeline to me when I needed it most.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

From a very young age, I began to draw. Starting out I would simply copy my favorite artists, like Bill Watterson and Schultz. I would craft my own stories about things that had happened to me or toys that I had, writing out elaborate scenarios that I would illustrate in a little college-ruled notebook I kept. For years I continued to tell my own stories, eventually moving into large graphic novels that I kept stashed in my desk, and eventually, I decided to truly pursue my passion and went to California College of the Arts to study illustration. Once I graduated I traveled to Ireland to do an artist residency and came back to host my first solo show. I offer illustration and creative consultations for my clients, and I think what sets me apart is my empathy and patience as well as my ability to try to find solutions for projects outside of the norm. I’m always striving to try to deliver a new perspective on things we’ve seen done before.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth has honestly really helped bring in new clients for me. Many of the people I’ve worked with have name-dropped me to their coworkers or friends and have endorsed me as a friendly and trustworthy person to work with.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Getting to do what I love every day. To see the vision in my head made real on the page, and to have the ability to improve my craft so that that vision becomes closer to what I imagined. I love having the chance to explore every aspect of the creative process and thinking up new concepts to explore.

Contact Info:

• Website: chanelhunt.com
• Instagram: chanelhuntno.5