Artist Interview: Chris -Graphic Designer/Musician

What is your work about?
My work is about capturing the imagination of people, whether they are a client or an audience member. I try to bring something fresh to the table whether its the music or graphic design.

How did you get into this work?
Well the music has been in my blood my whole life but I did study Music Technology in school. Graphic design was something i picked up along the way and realized I was pretty good at and realized I could make money at it to support what I wanted to do musically.

What are your favorite things about your work?
Hmmm. I would have to go with the freedom it allows me.

Alright, now how about the artwork?
Wow even tougher. Well I guess its the ability to change someone with pure creativity. I like to think that I am pretty original with both music and design. One thing i love is the boundlessness of what I, we, do as artists. (laugh) Am I going to get to ask you these questions because I would be more interested in that conversation.(laugh)

Maybe next time. So how do you feel when work is going well?
Well shit, I feel like I'm doing what I should be doing, I feel like I'm tapped into something greater than me or the art. Maybe God.

So are you religious?
No.

What is your favorite tool and why?
Well I love my G5 and I really love my Korg workstation, but my piano is my best friend because it is so immediate. I can just step up to it and lay down an idea with immediate gratification.

What do you do differently than the way you were taught and explain why?
Virtually everything. Its no fun to play by the rules. I mean you always have what you are taught as foundations but I believe as artists we are here to constantly redefine the rules or else art gets stagnant. I say break them shits.

How do you begin a piece, what is your process?
Well with music, ideas seem to form out of thin air, and these ideas are like building blocks. They inspire new ideas that build and build into something that turns me on. I like to start with a simple bass line or melody and build a simple beat around that and then just let it manifest into something of its own. With graphics I usually try to get some idea of what the client is looking for or get a sense of what they are like, then its trail and error.

What would you like people to experience from your work?
I want people to feel an inner excitement when they experience my work. If people feel good after experiencing my work then I feel I am doing the right thing.

Who are your favorite artists?
Well I love Chris Robinson from The Black Crows. Lets see, Thelonius, Miles, Trane of course. Really there are too many to list and they are all favorites in their own special way. G love, Amon Tobin, ummm next question.

What resources do you find help you the most in your work?
Other folks work.(laughter) No really with graphics you can really jump start a project if you can get some inspiration and insight from what someone else has done. I mean the Internet is the greatest resource. Talking to people in the same line of work, networking I guess. I network at the local bar, I mean shit that's how we met right? Right here. Cheers!(laughter followed by shots of tequila) Have you heard enough yet?

Alright man, last question for now. What advice do you have for new and emerging artists?
You mean I'm not one?(laughter) I don't know man. Eat your Wheaties? Don't believe in whores who say they don't want your money.
Seriously one thing.
Work, work, work.

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