Respect the Artist Interview with Chrissy Manzione @chrissymanzione
Amanda Giordano
What is your artist name?
Chrissy Manzione!
How did you get your Artist name?
My name is Christine, but my family always just calls me Chrissy. Whenever somebody asks if I have a nickname, I always go to that. I decided on using Chrissy over Christine because it feels more personable and fun, which are two qualities I always try to convey when meeting somebody.
How did you get into art?
My mom actually launched her design company, AM Design, when I was born, and she ran it from our garage. I was always in and out of the office as a kid, and she taught me so much about illustration, graphic design and print media. She is still my biggest influence and a mentor I'm grateful
to have.
What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?
I studied a couple years at the High School of Art and Design and computer art and animation at the School of Visual Arts. I studied with the intent of becoming a video game character artist and animator, and during the summer I traveled to Los Angeles every year to give business cards out at E3 (the gaming industry's biggest event). After a few years, I realized I was way more into creating the illustration, concept and graphic design side of things, and less into 3D animation. I've just been drawing consistently every day and studying illustrations to improve my own work.
Who inspires you?
There are so many talented people I admire! Without a doubt, my mom is number one. She's my proof that you can successfully run your own design business for over thirty years and my inspiration to further my own aspirations. Her drive is something both my brother and I have inherited. There are a few accounts on Instagram that I really enjoy, like @mohsqi, @hans.o1o, @babsdraws and @stalkingsensei. And then there's my boyfriend, who can render excellent muscular systems on characters with nearly no reference. I'm just really lucky to be surrounded by great, supportive friends.
What is your goal when you make art?
My goal is honestly just to make someone smile. I used to be frustrated that I had trouble illustrating serious characters, or creating very stoic designs, but I have to accept that it's kind of not my thing. I love to evoke happiness and laughter in the things I create and I'm genuinely energized when I see I've done that.
What's your go to song right now?
My playlist is all over the place. I'd say anything Glass Animals, Jadu Heart or Tora would probably be the first jam. Maybe 'Season 2 Episode 3' by Glass Animals, haha.
What is your dream as an artist?
It's lofty! But I want to be able to expand my mom's design studio. I feel like it's doable given the different areas of expertise I can contribute to, and I ultimately want to be able to support myself from being a
full-time freelance artist. Nothing makes me happier than being able to wake up and just draw or design fun things all day.
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to become an artist?
Just keep at it every day. Even if I don't publicly share something I'm working on, I still try to get a little bit of drawing done every night. And don't psyche yourself out! I'm guilty of this, but seriously– believe in yourself and be confident in what you are doing.
Where can people find you? (social media, website, etc)
My website is... under construction! But you can find all of my weirdness and a lot of my art on instagram, @chrissymanzione. I'm also on Behance at https://www.behance.net/christinece21.