Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Christy.
Zach, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
When I was a child, my mother worked as a writer and introduced me to commercial sets and advertising. She taught me the importance of story and how that could be seen in plays, books, films and other visual arts. My father was interested in antiques and exposed me to things that were tangible and well-crafted. Between them, I grew to love all kinds of mediums and ultimately ended up falling into the arts as a career.
I went to college for film and started working in advertising shortly after. I worked primarily as an editor and learned some motion graphics/animation in the process. This path ultimately leads me to get more interested in design and all but leave live-action behind. I realized that as an illustrator/animator the possibilities were endless. If I could imagine it, I could figure out a way to tell that story. No one was holding me back besides myself.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
As I have progressed as a designer, I have often sought the playful side of things– adding character and dimension wherever possible. I have really tried to be as observant of the world as possible. There is value in noticing details of construction, how light hits objects and expressions people make when they are put in different situations.
Whether if it is for an animation I created for a brand or an illustration I draw on my own time, I always try and bring a moment of cleverness to my work. Ideally, I want the viewer to smirk while viewing it. There is a lot of darkness in our world today and I guess I am trying to create moments that brighten someone’s day, even if it is just for a moment or two.
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
I am not necessarily sure it is easier to make art in 2018 than it was before. But, I do believe it is easier for your work to be seen by more people than any other time in history.
It’s an amazing time to work in design because it is more relevant than ever. We are infiltrated with design everywhere we look. And, as a designer, there is more of an opportunity to cut through the noise and actually create lasting works. You never know what is going to connect with people once it is out there in the world. You never know who might see it and who may want you to help them with a project in the future.
I actually think the location is becoming less relevant with design than it was even 10 years ago. You can be living in the middle of nowhere and create something that gets seen by hundreds of millions like no other time in history. And, there is something really exciting about that.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My website is a great way to keep up with what I am doing professionally. My Instagram page is more for personal work.
I am finishing an independently-produced, editorial animation project soon that will be on my website, so please look forward to that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zachchristy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachinpublic/
Image Credit:
Lisa Christy
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