Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
My style in this book is playful realism.
What items are an essential part of your creative space?
My adjustable laptop stand is essential for holding my iPad pro (what I use to illustrate) in a comfortable position.
Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Digital. This book is a vector illustration, but I really like digital watercolor.
Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Morgan Bissant @morg_city, @crumsart, and Allison Black @allisonblackillustration
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
I like the present. I'm about living in the moment and moving forward.
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
I was going to pay someone to illustrate my book and my friend asked me why not do it myself. Skill was my only barrier, so I got to learning.
Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often?
It's nothing too crazy. It's just a laptop stand with my iPad on a coffee table in front of my TV. The tv has a htpc connected to it and plays chillhop while I draw. I don't know if you can tell from the photo, but I love to play board games.
When the details start to bring a flat piece to life.
What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
When you feel analysis paralysis kicking in, pick something at random and keep moving.
Chinua is a native of Lithonia, Georgia. Both of his parents were artistic. He is self-taught and also an educator of 15 years. He mostly taught science but in the last 5 years moved into teaching design. Chinua loves to draw digitally and create functional pieces out of cardboard.
For more information, please follow Chinua on instagram.
