Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristopher Collins.

Hi Kristopher, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started out life as a young creative, and took Art classes at Heritage Highschool, and eventually enrolled in the Communication Design program (Art Department) at Central Virginia Community College at age seventeen. After two years in Community College I was put on Academic Probation and was almost forced to leave the college. I was able to get a second chance which I took full advantage of, and received my Associates in Communication Design (Art). I quit painting when I was twenty-three and focused on Graphic Design, screen-printing and Video production. For years I worked specifically on Graphic Design, and worked for a couple different screen-printing/ad specialties companies in Lynchburg, Va.
At age thirty I quit my job and returned to Community College, and transferred to Randolph College where I earned my Bachelors in English/Creative Writing.
In 2016 I began painting again, but with Watercolors. This is when some things really started to click in my creative mind, and I began drawing and painting again. Since then I have focused on building a career as a part-time Artist.
At this point in my life I have become The Creative Archetype. I enjoy drawing pen and ink pieces, painting watercolor florals and portraits, creating mixed-media cardboard Art, drawing/painting Digital Art pieces, creating graphic Art for stickers, posters and apparel, using Acrylic paint to re-direct paintings I buy at Goodwill, and capturing it all with my talents in Audio/Video.
Where my story goes from here is unknown, but my goal is to invest in myself and my talents, build my catalog, and collaborate with my children so I can eventually pass down my legacy in hopes they take it much further.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life has never really been that smooth. Art has honestly been the easiest part about life though. Creating Art is just a part of my life and I feel like it will always be that way. My struggles with Divorce and other relationships, alcoholism, and a somewhat traumatic past have plagued me basically my entire life. But at this point in my life I co-parent really well with my ex-wife, I quit drinking three years ago, I have a beautiful fiancé, and I’ve been steadily attending therapy. Things are looking pretty good for me now, but I still have goals I want to achieve that don’t include Art. I would love to accomplish those life goals along with my Art goals before I perish.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in pen and ink drawings, Watercolor florals and portraits, mixed-media cardboard Art, Digital and Graphic Art, re-directing other people’s paintings I purchase from Goodwill, developing merch and apparel, and creating video which captures my Art process. I’m most proud of the legacy I’ve started and being the best father I can possibly be. I would love to be as good of a husband too.
What sets me apart from others is the passion I have for everything I love in this life. I don’t care what kind of curve balls come at me, I NEVER QUIT anymore. I don’t really know too many people who are this passionate about the things they love the most. I also possess a silver tongue, which can either annoy or light a fire under people’s asses. Yes, I am The Creative Archetype, but my talent has only taken me so far. My heart and will to achieve greatness are what will make me live forever.

What makes you happy?
My children being healthy and happy; watching them grow into themselves. When things are going well in my relationship and all of the times we come together as a family.
I’m happy when I feel loved, respected and valued; not just for my Art, but for my heart and mind.
All of these things make me happy because I’ve been trying to change for the better, in hopes that everything is the best it can be for the people I love and myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.otwoartistry.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otwoartistry
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oktober9
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/getstrucktuesdays