Today we’d like to introduce you to CJ Rooney.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve known from an early age that I wanted to be an artist. My family didn’t have a lot of money when I was growing up, so we didn’t have too many toys, but we always had crayons and paper. I drew every day of my childhood, every day of my adolescence, and I continue to draw every day as an adult! I had several interests in the art field, including gaming design and interior design, because I love creating in all sorts of different media. Eventually, I decided to pursue a field where I could make use of as many different types of art as possible, so I attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design.
I work as both a Graphic Designer and an Illustrator. I illustrate with both traditional and digital media, designing magazine advertisements, business cards, brochures, flyers, logos and more with a flexible and diverse set of styles. I have an insatiable thirst for knowledge and strive to continue learning and growing creatively, evolving my techniques and revisiting old ones, because I believe there’s always room for growth and one should never stop growing.
Please tell us about your art.
I feel that most artists have a singular style – something that sets them apart and is easily recognizable as being theirs – but I don’t really have a singular style and I like that my work is sort of eclectic. I create everything from logos and advertisements to web and children’s book illustrations. I always start with a sketch in ballpoint pen, but may either execute the project in digital media, like Adobe Illustrator, or traditional media, like watercolor paint, depending on what I want the final illustration to look like. Why do I switch it up? Because I like to explore and navigate through different techniques. I truly enjoy the experiences of creating in so many different ways.
My most recent projects include Bilingual baby books for families that speak both English and Korean languages in the home. The first title will be available for purchase August 1 of this year and I’m really excited for it, because it’s been a dream of mine to illustrate children’s books! These bilingual books are so special to me, because my mom is Korean and, as a kid, I always wanted to learn to speak in Korean, but bilingual children’s books that teach Korean are very difficult to find. With around 1.2 million Americans speaking Korean, there really ought to be more resources for their families. It’s a very special project for me! (For more information: www.aerilynbooks.com)
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
I think persistence is really important, when trying to be a successful artist. There is a lot of competition out there and a lot of really talented artists and sometimes it can feel like you get lost in it, but if you truly love what you’re doing and believe in what you’re doing you will find your success. Keeping an active public presence is also really important, because no one can seek you out if they don’t even know you’re there. I get a large portion of my contract work through Instagram messages. Someone will come across my account, see something they like, and inquire with a project proposal. It can be as simple as staying active on social media with accounts dedicated to your work. What I wish I had figured out sooner is that you can MAKE your dreams happen yourself if you’re willing to do what it takes – find something you are passionate about and run with it and that passion will keep you moving forward.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I try to keep an updated website with some of my work. The website is www.cjrooneyillustrations.com and includes some of my favorite projects in both design and illustration. I even try to include snapshots from my sketchbook and doodles, because I draw ALL the time, no matter where I am and I like to share my unfinished/unpolished work with anyone who might be interested. The children’s books I have been illustrating can be viewed/purchased at www.aerilynbooks.com and will also be available on Amazon. Of course, my work can be supported through book purchases and through contract work, as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cjrooneyillustrations.com
- Email: cj@cjrooneyillustrations.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cjrooney_illustrations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CJRooneyIllustrations
- Other: www.aerilynbooks.com
Image Credit:
All my own images.
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