We were lucky to catch up with Chanel Harwick recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Chanel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
As an artist and creative, there’s no denying that expressing myself through my work and connecting with others through my art brings me immense joy and satisfaction. Although I’ve had moments where I questioned whether a traditional job might provide more stability and security, ultimately I realized that it wasn’t the right path for me.
As a freelancer, I’ve faced my fair share of struggles, particularly when it comes to financial stability and the inconsistency of work. However, I’ve learned to refocus on my passion for illustration, and those hard moments have only reinforced my desire to continue in this field. Specializing in areas such as editorial illustration, children’s book illustration, and science fiction themes has allowed me to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of my creativity.
Despite the challenges, I remain confident in my abilities to succeed as an artist and creative. The satisfaction of seeing my work come to life and making a difference in the world through my art is what truly drives me, and I know deep down that this is where I belong.
Chanel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’ve always loved art and drawing, and in 2019, I started pursuing it professionally to earn some extra income. That’s when I realized that illustration could be a viable career option. I specialize in creating illustrations for children’s books, editorial pieces (including covers and spots), business graphics, and website artwork. My focus is on sci-fi and botanical themes, but I’m always up to experiment with fresh ideas. In the future, I hope to develop a graphic novel, and a bucket-list project of mine is to illustrate a tour poster.
I’m proud of my quick turnaround times, flexibility, and skill in bringing clients’ visions to life. Some of my notable projects include the cover of VolumeOne Magazine, a full-page illustration for Nudge Magazine, and ongoing work with Psych2Go Magazine. As an illustrator, I’m eager for new opportunities and connections in the industry.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My creative journey is fueled by a desire to showcase the beauty of the natural world and provide a unique perspective on the possibilities of the future. I specialize in creating high-quality sci-fi art that ignites the imagination and inspires hope and my goal is to create work that encourages people to think outside the box and envision a better world. Whether through illustrations, designs, or other forms of art, I am always striving to push boundaries and showcase the endless possibilities of human creativity
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
When it comes to supporting artists and creatives, there are many ways society can help. One great way is to simply employ artists and share their work with others. Have a favorite artist? Spread the word to your friends and colleagues, and engage with the art community, whether online or in person. And don’t forget to let your favorite artists know how much you appreciate their work – it can make a huge difference!
But supporting art isn’t just about famous artists or big exhibitions. It’s also about acknowledging and appreciating the art in our everyday lives, from the architecture in our cities to the murals outside our favorite coffee shops, to the shows we watch on television. Art is everywhere, and by taking notice and valuing it, we can help create a thriving creative ecosystem.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @nonfatmelk
- Other: Email: [email protected]