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

Jason , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

This is a pretty loaded question. I’ve always been creative, I’ve always loved drawing and painting. But, life has it’s own path. I was regularly drawing and creating up until just about the time I turned 21.

Then, adult life took over… careers, marriage, and then finally a family of my own. Art was the one thing that went to the side.

As my daughters started growing up and developing their own interests, that’s when I got back into it. My oldest daughter, Gabryelle, had started taking an interest in art. She had found one of my high school sketchbooks in storage and was flipping through. Page after page of super heroes and villains. She had asked who drew them, and I replied that I did. She had never seen me draw anything, so it was a perfect opportunity to have it be a teaching moment. The fire was back. And, I just started creating again, then started posting my work on social media… and it was gaining attention. BIG attention.

This was in my later 30’s at this point. Here I am now at 45 year old and I’ve had the chance to work on Marvel and DC properties, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and more.

I really wish I didn’t have that gap of time, but who knows if I would have had the same fire to create that I do now.

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.

My name is Jason Christner, I’m your typical mid 40s married guy with 2 great daughters. My “normal” career is in the automotive field. But, in my off time.. I’m a professional artist.

I spend my off hours in my basement office/art studio drawing late into the night on most nights.

Currently I am a contracted artist for Upper Deck and Topps. I have draw over 600 unique sketch cards for Marvel Comics, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and more. I try to deliver as much character and personality into a canvas that is just 2.5×3.5 inches.

As well, I draw freelance work in a variety of sizes and media. I gained recognition for a blend of “comic book” styling with a blending of realism.

For me, I am thrilled every time I am offered a new artistic challenge. I am always trying to push myself to create the best pieces I possibly can.

If you’d like to see what I draw up, find me online:
Facebook.com/artofjasonchristner
Instagram: @artofjasonchristner

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

In all fairness, it’s the pursuit of the next challenge. You need to have a goal in mind to go after at all times, if not you may find yourself in a rut.

At first I was happy with just selling a couple pieces here and there. So I set a goal to set up at a comic convention as an artist. Did that for a while, grew my audience and moved onto the next challenge…

Next challenge was doing sketch art for Upper Deck. That’s an ongoing role, but gives me a desire for my next goal… and that is to draw comic book covers for a major publisher.

Whatever goals you have, figure out ways to check them off your list and on to the next. There is no set order or timeline. There is no age limit. You are NEVER too old to go after your goals and dreams.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

It’s difficult to speak for society at large.. but I can speak for how I approach other creatives. That is to build others up.

It’s scary to put yourself and your work out there. As creatives, we may struggle with the feeling of rejection or criticism. Someone may be sharing their work for the first time. Instead of making fun of them, compliment them. Tell them you want to see more from them.

Our world is built by creative people. Every movie, TV show or song is brought to you by someone creative.

Famous director, Kevin Smith sums this up far better than I ever could and I live my life by this…

“”Remember: it costs nothing to encourage an artist, and the potential benefits are staggering. A pat on the back to an artist now could one day result in your favorite film, or the cartoon you love to get stoned watching, or the song that saves your life. Discourage an artist, you get absolutely nothing in return, ever.”

As well as this amazing quote:

“In the face of such hopelessness as our eventual, unavoidable death, there is little sense in not at least trying to accomplish all of your wildest dreams in life.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: artofjasonchristner
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/artofjasonchristner

Image Credits
All me