We recently connected with Curtis Ghoul and have shared our conversation below.
Curtis, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?
I actually DO have a regular job! After freelancing and barely keeping my head above water for 5 years, I started a full time job and have been working full time in addition to illustrating and designing for the last year or so.
Overall, the experience of maintaining a schedule, having a daily place to go to get out of the house, building relationships with coworkers, and a lot of other things that come with a non-artistic job have actually filled me with more creative energy than I’ve had prior. I’m a firm believer that balance in our life equates to health and happiness, which might not be for everyone, but it certainly has for me!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’ve been illustrating and designing my whole life. I’m sure that the earliest examples of that are in drawings of movie monsters and tv characters I loved when I was a child, but I started pursuing art increasingly more seriously in high school, college, and then eventually grad school, where I got my MFA in Illustration. Over the years, I’ve worked with a number of clients for graphic design, illustration, concept art, and logo design projects. Some of my favorite clients have been Mattel, Belkin, and anyone who’s ever commissioned me to do custom artwork for them.
My most proud moments in my work have come from helping someone with a vision for their brand or particular piece of art imagine, craft, and refine it into a visual they love.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Neil Gaiman’s “Make Good Art” speech is the single most impactful take from an artist that I’ve ever read. You can find it online, or there’s a beautifully designed transcript available in print.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Society can best support artists by best supporting itself. Universally free and accessible healthcare (including mental healthcare and addiction support) , affordable housing, food, and adequate education are a baseline we have yet to achieve as a society. Humans do some incredible things despite negative circumstances, but when humans are taken care of, supported, and nurtured, I believe we can change the whole world for the better.
Contact Info:
- Website: curtisghoul.com
- Instagram: curtisghoul
Image Credits
All illustrations and images are my own, Curtis Ghoul