We recently connected with Chris Stell and have shared our conversation below.
Chris, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I have had my work ethic for a very long time. Owning a graphics business make me become organized and realize how important it was to be on top of everything. From business to creating it all has to work together. Organization is key. Don’t get overwhelmed. If you have a plan it can change but you have a direction to start and it’s much easier. You need to remember there is more to art than creating.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I have been working in all forms of art since I was little. I was fortunate to have a family that was involved with all types of art. My grandpa would draw with me for hours and hours. I did everything from pen and ink drawings to copper enameling, macrame, and ceramics. Although it was treated as a hobby growing up – never a career choice. Then I discovered advertising art in college and found a great way to use my art abilities. I was a graphic designer way before computers – all art was done by hand. For the past 25 plus years, I have worked with dichroic glass, specializing in hand etching graphics into the colorful surface and creating whimsical robots. I also create designs for manufactured pattern glass/decals. Since 2009 I have been in Spanish Village Art Center, Studio #7. You can find me there hand etching and creating robots in glass.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Number one was my drawing ability. Beyond skill you need a great imagination and passion that will let you think beyond boundaries and evolve. There are plenty of talented artists out there that have no idea what else it takes beyond being creative. The business end is so important to know how you’re doing and what needs to adjust. My graphics background with PR, marketing, packaging, etc. helped tremendously in creating my unique business image. The one thing to always remember – you are selling a piece of you every time you part with one of your creations. Make it memorable.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
The number one problem for me is going way too many directions with personal and creative life. I have found that I make lists. And I make them realistic. I do have my one long list but I make one daily so I can get those items done and feel like I have accomplished something. It’s so easy to try and do too much. I have learned that breaking it down helps so much. And add “me time” to relax.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chrisstell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris_stell_creative_arts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.stell.1466
Image Credits
none needed
