Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Arnold

Hi Chris, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

As an artist, there isn’t a single definable starting point to my journey. Instead, there have been many pivotal moments that have allowed new chapters of my story to be written. One of the earliest and most influential moments was when my dad introduced me to comics as a small boy. This was my first real introduction to art, and I fell in love with the way stories filled the pages. The intricate line work, bold colors, and dynamic movement sparked my interest in recreating what I saw.

My formal education played a crucial role in my development. I earned a BFA in Fine Art from Mizzou, where my art professors, Bede Clarke and William Hawk, challenged the way I made art. They pushed me to explore new processed, techniques and perspectives, while art history professor John Klein encouraged me to reconsider what art actually was. These experiences broadened my conceptual understanding and artistic approach.

Continuing my education, I pursued an MFA in Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Graduate school was an inspiring period where I was surrounded by talented faculty and an amazing cohort of peers who stimulated my growth. This mastery education allowed me the time to develop my style and mature as a thinking artist and person. A particularly enriching experience was studying abroad in France, where I immersed myself in a different cultural and artistic environment.

For nearly twenty years since grad school, I have worked as an artist and illustrator, gaining a wealth of professional experiences. This success, coupled with my lifelong love of learning, naturally led me to become a teacher. Given how integral education has been to my journey, it feels fitting to now provide insights based on my experiences to others. As a professional artist and professor, I strive to inspire and challenge my students, peers and colleagues just as my mentors did for me, helping them discover their unique artistic voices.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

I wouldn’t say my journey as an artist has been either easy or hard. It’s had its unique blend of challenges and triumphs. Like many people, I’ve had to navigate the delicate balance between work and life. Significant personal situations, such as a divorce and the loss of my father, have deeply impacted me along the way. My life has been an adventure, and I live it without regrets.

That said, if I had to pinpoint the biggest challenge in my creative career, it would be myself. It’s not strictly an issue of mental health, but rather the constant mental ebb and flow of loving and hating my work. This is complicated notion because the art an artist makes is personal, so it walks the line of loving and hating who I am and what I make. This internal struggle is a pressure I impose on myself to create meaningful artwork that resonates both with me and with those who witness it. This self-imposed pressure can be both a motivator and a hurdle, bring joy and pain. For me, it’s about finding that balance of the sour and sweet while learning to appreciate the process of the journey as much as the outcome.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I’m an artist—it’s the simplest and most encompassing answer. Over nearly three decades, I’ve worked across a broad spectrum of two-dimensional media. I’ve developed characters, designed tattoos, created comics and zines, illustrated books, and produced murals. My work has been published, advertised, exhibited, and collected.

Recently, I’ve shifted away from the commercial side of my career a bit to focus more on painting and drawing for galleries, design firms, and private clients. This style dates back to some of the earliest work I did during my BFA at the University of Missouri, Columbia, but today, my art is more refined and infused with a wealth of life experience.

I’m most proud of the versatility and breadth of my work. I’ve been able to explore various mediums and themes, allowing my creativity to evolve continuously. What sets me apart is my deep commitment to living what I make. While many artists draw inspiration from a variety of sources, I strive to incorporate all five of my senses into my art. I love immersing myself into my subject matter, usually through traveling and/or the environment, to bring it vividly to life on the canvas. This immersive approach, combined with a rich diversity of experiences, gives my work a unique depth and authenticity.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

As a Professor of Illustration at Columbia College Chicago I am often giving those starting out in their career’s various advice and words of encouragement. The following are three ideas I think about daily in my life and would invite all creatives to consider them in their journey as well.

Attitude is everything. This is arguably the most important quality. It shapes how individuals approach life’s challenges and opportunities. A positive attitude fosters resilience in the face of adversity, enhances problem-solving skills, and sparks creativity, leading to a more constructive and fulfilling life. Moreover, a positive attitude is contagious, influencing those around us and fostering a more optimistic and collaborative environment.

Be curious. Curiosity is essential as it drives a continuous thirst for knowledge and understanding, fueling both personal and professional growth. It encourages individuals to explore new ideas, perspectives, and experiences, fostering adaptability in an ever-changing world. Curiosity stimulates creativity and innovation and promotes a lifelong learning mindset, enabling individuals to remain intellectually engaged and open-minded throughout their lives.

Generosity. Generosity cultivates a positive and compassionate community by fostering a sense of interconnectedness and empathy. It not only benefits the recipients but also brings immense satisfaction and fulfillment to the giver. Generosity enhances social bonds, builds trust, and contributes to a more harmonious and supportive environment, ultimately enriching the overall quality of life for both individuals and communities.

Pricing:

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Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.chrisarnoldart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisarnoldart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisarnoldart