Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Schneyman.
Hi Christy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey as a creative has waxed and waned in transition throughout each season of life. I’ve spent most of my career as an illustrator and art teacher. The inclination to create has always been an inherent part of me. Being an only child, I dove into the joys of the creative process (drawing, painting, writing, weaving, whatever I could get my hands on) during my formative years and since then never stopped. I was fortunate enough to attend Savannah College of Art and Design to study illustration. There, I learned from some of the most dedicated professors. This program was incredibly rigorous in that the standard of professionalism expected was nothing short of excellent. I learned to develop a thick skin when it came to art critiques and having confidence in my personal stylistic choices. I also learned how to take this work seriously, as the principle of “reaping what you sow” applies to all facets of life and work. Shortly after graduating in 2016, I was very interested in children’s book illustration and teaching. I found myself in the years after studying and practicing Art education in the Philadelphia area. There is where I first started my first teaching jobs, and even working with writers and musicians to help their words and art come to life through digital and traditional watercolor illustrations.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wish I could say I never looked back, but unfortunately, that is not the case. I firmly believe that if everything is going okay and easy in life, then you should question whether or not you are on the right path. After studying in Philadelphia, I uprooted to attend a ministry school here in Orlando. After that, it was difficult to find a creative community. There were many times I took rejection and the fear of being misunderstood a bit too seriously. Over time, I’ve learned to embrace this and even find out the deep value of creativity through a biblical perspective. Developing connections with like-minded artists along the way also had a huge positive impact with overcoming these insecurities. As far as illustration, it can be hard to properly capture the writer’s vision. Working with watercolors is satisfying, however, if there are changes to be made it can be extremely time-consuming. Once it’s painted, it’s almost impossible to erase and go back. This is why I think many designers prefer to work digitally. Personally, I’ve always had the conviction to stick mostly with my trusty paints and brushes! There’s nothing like slowly building upon layers and layers of paint.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
A common theme among my work is to inspire and enlighten the hearts of the viewers. My work is youthful, vibrant, and whimsical. My last illustration project was created during the lengthy quiet days of covid. Since it’s not quite published yet, I can’t give too many details away, however, countless hours went into many spot illustrations to be used for a bilingual dictionary. (Well over 100!)
Currently, I’m deeply grateful to be an art teacher for children’s grades (K-5) in a private Christian school, serving families in the community. Some of the most rewarding moments are when I see children learning and applying advanced techniques and building their skillset. When these skills are mastered at an early age, studies show they take these with them well into adulthood!
I also look forward to working on more illustration projects in the future summer months.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
First and foremost, have some grace for yourself when go through seasons of artist block, just don’t stay there. Pick up the paintbrush (or whatever you use) even when you don’t feel like it. There are people in the world that need to see the beauty and ideas you have in your spirit. As easy as it can be for creatives to isolate and develop technical skills, it is equally as important to know your worth as an artist and educate yourself on business and marketing skills. You never know who is going to see that post from Instagram and want to collaborate with you. A great book to own is the Graphic Artist Guild Handbook, which is a bible so to speak on the current pricing on industry standards. Get yourself the most recent edition!
If you are just starting out, I’m sure there are many sacrifices you’ve made to develop your skills. Remember all those times you stayed home or paid a price honing on your craft when you could’ve been doing anything else? That’s worth something!
Always read the fine print when it comes to signing contracts for projects and jobs and don’t be afraid to negotiate! If they walk away, that’s okay. There will be more opportunities in the future.
My other piece of advice would be to join organizations and attend networking events for the avenues of art you’re interested in. I learned SO MUCH from attending professional events after college.
Pricing:
- Painting Commission on canvas 8×15… $150-175
- Painting Commission on canvas 12×18… $$175-200
- Painting Commission on canvas 16×24… $200-225
- Painting Commission on canvas 20×30… $250-300
- Painting Commission on canvas 24×36 – $300-350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.violetskyart.com/
- Instagram: violet_sky_art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/violetskyart
Image Credits
Savy Leiser
