We were lucky to catch up with George Kocar recently and have shared our conversation below.

George, 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 knew I was going to be an artist since before I started elementary school. I always drew stuff, and I knew from a young age I was better than most kids. Drawing and painting kept me happy, and after I got out of the army I went to college to study art. After I graduated I always made money drawing and painting stuff. I have been doing this for almost fifty years, and I never regretted it. I paint or draw every day.

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

I paint colorful humorous art. Humor has always been the thread that my art runs through. I’ve done thousands of magazine illustrations, greeting cards, and paintings in my long career. I am most proud of my political art. I have done dozens of New York Times Op-Ed illustrations, and hundreds of Opinion art pieces for The Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. I have over one hundred drawings and paintings at the Billy Ireland Cartoon library and museum at the Ohio State University.

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

Seeing the smiles on the faces of potential and current customers.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Always wanted to be an art star. Came close in the 80’s. Showing at galleries in New York, Getting published in big time magazines like PLAYBOY, ESQUIRE, PSYCHOLOGY TODAY. I am publishing a book this fall with Amazon Kindle Press, titled “To Be An Art Star.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gkocar.com
• Instagram: gkocar
• Facebook: flying banana studio

Image Credits

Paintings photographed by Allison Kocar