We were lucky to catch up with Bob Hord recently and have shared our conversation below.
Bob, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
My biggest problem has always been the fact that I’m color blind. I always had to have my work checked by a friend before I submitted it to make sure I didn’t have a green dog or something.
Live ain’t easy for a color blind artist.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I was born in 1942 in Miami, Florida. I became interested in art at a very early age and knew that.s what I wanted to do.
In my early twenties I was working in a silk screen sign company when I decided to enroll in the Rnigling School of Art in Sarasota Florida.
In my senior year I was offered a job at Hallmark Greeting Cards as a cartoonist.
While there I developed a paper sculpture process to be photographed and used on cards.
After Hallmark I relocated to Huntington Beach, California where I worked for another card company, Buzza Cordova and then on to Mattel Toys where I designed the Barbie Friendship airplane.
Then in the mid seventies I decided to try freelancing and never looked back.
I incorporated my paper sculpting style for advertising, book covers, posters., etc.
I also did a lot of cartoon projects.
I also did my own pieces and have shown in galleries throughout the southern United States.
These days, as an old man; I’m thankful to still have the desire to create.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I consider it problem solving. As a commercial illustrator, how best can I portray the product.
As a fine artist, how best can I portray my thoughts.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
There’s nothing like being able to make a living doing what you love. Even if I couldn’t , I would still create in my leisure time.
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