Meet Jonathan Corrigan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Corrigan.

Hi Jonathan, 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 just about the same way most kids did in the late 90s. By watching Sunday afternoon cartoons and spending my evenings doodling.

My art journey started at a somewhat reluctant place in my high school years. It was the first time I ever took an art class, but my teacher saw in me a spark I didn’t see myself. I attribute my artsy senses to the teachers who taught me how to see the world differently.

Despite this newfound interest, I still didn’t quite consider myself an artist, nor did I consider it a possible career choice. Despite this reluctance, I couldn’t step away from it, and by the time I hit college, my quiet little hobby turned into a pursuit when I showcased my art at comic con in 2019. After that, I felt like I belonged in this world of art, stories, and business.

To this day, I have enjoyed every minute spent creating illustrations with a narrative twist. Deep down, I know the young kid in me would have been happy too.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Personally, the biggest struggle to my art career has been finding the balance of financial stability. It’s not glamorous being an artist at times. It’s hard work, dedication, and a willingness to do what you can with what you have to make sure you can take care of yourself, your family, and those who depend on you. I’m fortunate to have friends and family who have supported me throughout the years.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’d like to describe what I do as magically crafted narrative illustrations.

In more simple terms, I use pictures to convey feelings, emotions, ideas, people, places, both real and unreal.

My chosen format to achieve this is through children’s books, comics, and art prints. I personally specialize in creating artwork with stories that draw the viewer in to read the deeper context of a piece. I love watercolor and ink, which contributes well to a sense of storybook wonder.

Out of all the work I have made this far, my proudest project to date was a self-published children’s book called Youke. It’s about a Pillbug who undergoes tragedy that sends him in a journey to find a new home, meeting all kinds of different bugs along the way.

I have been told my art is very whimsical, nostalgic, and studio Ghibli styled in the way I handle color and content. I have often been inspired by both Japanese and French illustrators whose work exudes endless adventures of a grand degree. I think it’s this well of inspiration that makes my work stand out.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe the most helpful trait that has helped me find success is being fairly comfortable socializing with others. It’s easy to get lost in the stereotypical introverted artist mode (because seriously who really wants to talk to people?) but it has afforded me many opportunities to work alongside cool people making cool stuff. Honestly, community is the most important aspect as an artist making a living.

Contact Info:

• Website: Outkorr.com
• Instagram: Outkorr