We were lucky to catch up with Chris Ross recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chris, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

Tricky question, because I have been drawing and painting for most of my life. I used to get commissioned to do portraits for people as far back as 16 years old. Usually it was around holidays and I remember telling them a price and being so insecure if it was good or not that at the last minute before giving it to them I would drop the price drastically not thinking it was good and they would love it and I walked away disappointed about doing that.
Now at the age of 55 I KNOW my talent and the value of my work. If someone says it’s too much, it’s okay and I let them know I am grateful for the inquiry because they can see the quality of my work, but I will not change my price. They know where to find me if they change their minds
People can pay less for less quality but ultimately they realize where the money goes when they display the artwork and it looks so great in their collection. I’m glad my art is starting to get noticed now at this age because I handle it more mature and professional.

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

I have been drawing and painting as far back as I can remember. It even started with sports players back then. As far as painting on the baseballs in 1999 my friends father asked if I thought i could paint portraits on a baseball, I thought, why not? It was difficult at first because of it being on a round object instead of board or canvas. It took some getting used to but after trial and era.. I am where I am now. I have painted for collectors on autographed and non autographed baseballs. I have also painted on footballs, basketballs, jerseys, home plates, and even a bowling pin.
My specialty without a doubt is portraiture and I also offer them in acrylic paint on traditional canvas as well.
I think that my attention to detail and the likeness that I achieve is what sets me apart from most artists out there who paint on baseballs.
I pride myself on it. And the customers know WHY they buy from me when they receive the finished baseball. They truly are beautiful and can become a centerpiece to anyone’s collection.
I have been involved in baseball my entire life as a player, coach, manager, and even high level umpire. To combine my love of this sport and the talent that God gave me together is truly special.
I have recently been pushing my art out there again and the response has been amazing. I hooked up with another artist Mike Floyd, who does amazing lettering and graphics on baseballs to collaborate with and we are starting to create what I think are some of the most beautiful, high end career / stat balls for players that are getting noticed. I was also recently contacted by a card complete to do original art insert cards for their packs.

Most people can find me on social media,
Instagram, Facebook and TikTok under:
Chris Ross Artworks
I can also be contacted at (845) 596-1225

Commissions are always accepted and the current wait time is about 5-8 weeks.
If you’re looking for a special custom gift for someone you can get their favorite player or even their son or daughter commissioned.
Call me let’s talk about what you want!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is simple. Just being able to paint what I love and have customers that share the love of what I do, see their reactions and then hear what they think about my efforts to fulfill their vision of what they wanted from me. When that happens I know I am using the talent that God gave me to make others happy, and smile for the moment that we interact. That is satisfying in so many ways.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Sure…the accessibility of all thats on the internet. I WISH we had that when I started illustrating for some magazines in the early 90’s while working in advertising. You had to actually make an appointment to drop off and then go pick up your portfolio at agencies. Some places wouldn’t even look at your stuff. It was a test of character. One that easily led to feeling less than secure in what you were doing. Now with internet and social media there are so many opportunities to have your work seen and actually publish it yourself without needing any company. That’s refreshing!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.chrisrossartworks.com/
• Instagram: Chris Ross Artworks
• Facebook: Chris Ross Artworks
• Other: TikTok: Chris Ross Artworks

Image Credits
Chris Ross