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I was given a huge advantage in life: I was always encouraged to pursue art both as a hobby and as a career.
When I was young, I would recreate my favorite cartoon characters. I recall drawing the characters from the Flintstones in my sketchbook. I learned to draw Mickey and Goofy. I can still draw them from memory.
As I got older, my public high school had a magnet program. I joined that and learned to sculpt and paint.
While I wasn’t raised with any affluence, at every step in my creative journey, I was surrounded by adults and teachers who encouraged my passion for making stuff.
At one point, I thought I might pursue a career in ceramics. I remember my dad saying, “You can totally do this as a job, but you’ll make 25k a year.” It was encouragement and optimism, tempered by realism.
I don’t think the job I have now existed when I was young. There were high-fashion designers who had their own brands, e.g., Marc Jacobs. There have been illustrators who’ve had their own subject matter, aesthetic, and point of view.
Chomp is an apparel brand, exclusively owned and operated by a commercial artist.
This is an appeal to encourage your fellow artists. And let your kids make art!
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