Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Archie.
Hi Chris, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My path to pursuing art has been anything but linear, and I’ve been fortunate to learn from every unexpected turn along the way. It’s been shaped by personal challenges, shifting aspirations, and what began as a simple love for storytelling. Growing up, I found myself drawn to children’s media that trusted young audiences with complex ideas — books like Where the Wild Things Are, Bud, Not Buddy, and Last Stop on Market Street. These stories showed me how literature could guide young readers through difficult emotions, and I’m grateful they helped spark what would become my passion for creating meaningful narratives.
Currently, I am a Junior Illustration major at SCAD with a concentration in Publication Design. Through roles such as Associate Creative Director and Visual Asset Co-Lead for a SCADpro project with the Mayo Clinic, I’ve gained hands-on experience working collaboratively and embracing the challenges of creative leadership. These experiences have reinforced my belief that successful creative work requires curiosity, collaboration, and resilience.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing and learning as I work to tell stories that resonate with people and foster connection across experiences.
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?
There were definitely struggles along the way. I often felt out of place and experienced overwhelming imposter syndrome. Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t take formal art classes in middle or high school. Art was a personal hobby, something I explored on the side – which, looking back, allowed me to develop my own perspective outside the traditional framework.
Being immersed in the creative environment at SCAD has been both exciting and intimidating. While I have had to work hard to catch up to my peers, these challenges pushed me to grow. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system – my family, friends, and professors – who helped me find my footing and embrace the learning curve. Their presence reminded me that it’s okay to evolve at my own pace and that everyone’s journey looks different.
Through persistence and the support of others, I’ve found joy in the progress. Each step, even the uncomfortable ones, has contributed to making me the artist I am today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an illustrator and designer focusing on media for younger audiences. My creative perspective has been shaped by an unconventional journey – without formal art education early on, I had the chance to develop my approach organically. The people in my life have been an endless source of inspiration, and I often find myself weaving elements of friends and family into my work.
Looking back at my time at SCAD, I’m grateful for how each challenge has contributed to my growth as an artist. The journey has taught me to embrace being a self-starter, and I try to channel that energy into pushing my creative boundaries. It’s been rewarding to see how persistence can shape not just the work itself, but the artist behind it.
How do you define success?
Success, I think, looks different for everyone. In my experience, it’s less about specific achievements and more about staying committed to growth, even when faced with obstacles. I’ve learned that maintaining perspective and being open to feedback creates opportunities for meaningful progress. While challenges are inevitable, I believe it’s how we learn from them that matters most.
Contact Info:
- Website: ChristopherArchie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stormintheroom/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-archie-6529a0271/
