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

Cheryl, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Always stay open to an opportunity to use your skills to try new things and learn more of your craft.

Cheryl, 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?

Three days after graduating from art school I was moved by Hallmark to Kansas City to work in their gift wrap and party goods department. Great training ground for a young artist. Once I moved to Chicago, luckily landed in the ad biz to draw storyboards and draw comps for clients. Thanks to word of mouth (pre-computer age), I started my freelance career drawing packaging, storyboards, animatics and much more. Even the courtroom artwork , which I still work on from time to time covering the largest high profile cases in Chicago and beyond. *Advice to young artists….seize every opportunity that comes your way to learn more and discover your new love. Currently, I take commissions, teach, paint in oils, (my own work). courtroom art for the networks, design silk scarves, work with a magician to bring an illusion to fruition on stage. These divergent paths keep it all interesting and feed each other creatively.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Throughout my career big changes occur such as going from the hands on and faxes to the computer revolution. Each time the artist has to navigate using the format that is current to stay relevant and working.
The skill sets to do everything by hand which is much less forgiving doesn’t seem to be valued . I have seen that
with computers, people that can’t draw or paint can create art. Redefining what it is to be an artist. Your ability to
do both for your clients is a huge advantage and creates better work that also stands the test of time.

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

We are privileged to do something we love and make a living at it. What could be more rewarding than that.
It also gives joy and understanding to the viewer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cherylcookartist.com
• Instagram: cookiedrawscourt
• Facebook: cheryl cook
• Linkedin: cheryl cook
• Other: word of mouth….very powerful

Image Credits

Cheryl Cook / Artist all rights reserved.