Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chamisa Kellogg. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Chamisa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

When I think about how I’ve learned to be an illustrator over the last 15 years, there’s not much I would change if I were to do it all over again. Yes, I went to art school, and I continue to take classes. Keeping the practice fresh by learning from lots of different teachers has been so important for my growth. Having some consistency and creating art regularly, especially with parameters i.e. making art for the children’s book market, has helped me develop a voice. But more importantly, everything in life, even the times when I got sidetracked and forgot about art for a while (though never for long), contributed to how I think and make things as an artist. I suppose that’s the advice I would give my past self: don’t feel guilty if you don’t feel as dedicated or serious as you think you ought to be. Notice what interests you, what you pay attention to. What’s worth making art about? It took me many years to trust myself and my taste in order to make art that felt really me.

Chamisa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi! I’m Chamisa. I’m an illustrator, art director and surface pattern designer based in Portland, Oregon. I illustrate children’s books, create pattern-base art for textiles, design and paint murals, and have worked as both an artist and art director on video games and educational tech. I’ve worked with clients like Random House, Nickelodeon, Old Navy and Nasa to bring projects to life.

My personal illustration style is lush and textural with notes of nostalgia, dreaminess and play. I often draw surreal or magical worlds, faeries, gnomes and plants, no doubt influenced by my hippy nature-child upbringing and Waldorf school experience. I enjoy making work that celebrates compassion, hope and connection. I love illustration not only because I love to draw, but also because it is often the first way we humans interface with art. Illustration is everywhere, and easily accessible to everyone, no matter who they are.

Being an illustrator is generally pretty solitary, which I don’t mind most of the time. However, I also feel strongly that part of my job is to connect with my local art and design community. I volunteer with my local chapter of CreativeMornings, a monthly breakfast lecture series that features local creatives telling their stories. They happen all around the world so go check if there’s a chapter near you! I also volunteer with an amazing program called Artist Mentorship Program (AMP) that provides unhoused youth a safe space to hang out in the afternoons, with music and art resources as well as meals.

When I’m not making art you might find me gardening, baking, or buying too many books. Really, my book collection is getting out of control.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Artists play such an important role in our society; it’s how we tell the story of who we are as a culture! Most people are creative but don’t have the time, space or financial means to pursue a creative life. The ones that do choose to pursue a creative career, often struggle — I have, and so have most of the artists I know. There are some key ways that society can reorient itself to better serve artists. Top of the list for me would be socialized healthcare and a universal basic income. Imagine the painters, poets, musicians and sculptures we would have if people weren’t worried about being able to afford staying healthy and safe! Art should not be a privilege — it’s a cultural necessity.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Time and time again, I’m reminded that creativity is a vehicle for connecting. When I’m lonely, joyful, sad or angry, art is the thing that’s allowed me to fully communicate my feelings and have a meaningful connection with others as a result. It’s also been a way to be a part of something bigger than myself, to make things I couldn’t have made on my own. In 2019 I founded a little art collective with some friends in Portland, and over the years (only slightly deterred by the pandemic) we’ve put on group art shows, working our way up to a big interactive holiday installation we’re creating this season! I love the process of planning and scheming a thing that ends up being totally different and way more cool than I could’ve ever imagined. That’s what happens when you make something with a big group of people. It’s a blast.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chamisakellogg.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio.chamisa/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chamisakellogg/

Image Credits

All images copyright Chamisa Kellogg