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

Blake, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

In my personal journey I have experienced many conflicting thoughts on being an artist. I have worked several different jobs in pursuit of the “full time artist” gig. Starting in retail, bar staff, Paint and sip instructor, to full time graphic designer and illustrator.

Just a couple weeks ago I had received an email from a few clients all at once, and it was a bit overwhelming. My first thought wasn’t ” Sweet, more work to pay my bills.” it was “Maybe it would be easier to go back and work a retail job like I have done many times before. Those thoughts are pretty easy to combat once I take a break, reflect on how lucky I am for the opportunities I have gotten, and draw something else for a while.

I still have many goals that I want to achieve, and the first thing in that goal is to work entirely for myself. I do find passion in client illustrations because at the end of the day I still get to draw for a living. However, I have the most joy in life when I have creative freedoms to pursue work that I want to make.

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

My name is Blake Coker,

I graduated from the University of Idaho studyin a BFA in Art and design.
I have always been an artist and I really can’t imagine another career path for myself!

Currently I work full time doing graphic design work for an independent toy company called Suddy Buddy. I create packaging, toy concepts, comic books, websites and more. It’s a job where I wear many hats. After hours I create weekly illustrations for Semperis; a cyber security company. They hire me to create illustrations of their mascots and characters centered around cyber security. Semperis hires me as a contractor, yet they treat me well, fly me to their events, and send me all the merch that I design for them. This is the job that truly makes me feel lucky to do what I do.
If i am not too busy working, I am investing in myself as a comic artist and illustrator. I attend Comic Conventions in Idaho and Spokane from time to time and have a great time doing it.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Personally, the most rewarding part for me is the outcome. To have that finished piece of work in your hands. Many people say that it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. For the most part, I can agree with that sentiment. However, I have always enjoyed receiving the product I designed, or the finished drawing hanging on my wall, or that smile on someone’s face when I give them the artwork. That feeling validates all of my hard work, and let’s me know that I can feel proud of what I have finished.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

This big thing I want people to understand about art is that it is very difficult to make. With social media, it is easy to see the best artwork every three seconds. We can lose appreciation or enjoyment of seeing art because we consume so much of it now. Take your time to appreciate the work your are viewing. Give that feedback because it is important for artists to feel seen. Art is more than what we see on social media.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blakecokerart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakecokerart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blaketcokerart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-coker-078b1215b
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_WOqfqERYQcxQHZZq6MlJA