10 Questions: Chris Piascik

What do you do and where do you do it?
I am freelance graphic designer and illustrator. I work from my office (living room) in Cromwell.

What inspired you to choose this profession, and what makes you stay in it?
I have been drawing constantly all of my life. As a young child I would disassemble the music albums around me and recreate my own. When I realized that it was someone’s job to design these packages it blew my little mind. I love what I do and that is what keeps me going.

What is your single favorite piece in your portfolio?
I would have to say my tribute zine to Major Taylor (I am aware that picking a self-authored piece may be cheating). Major Taylor was an American cyclist who won the world one-mile track cycling championship in 1899 after setting numerous world records and overcoming racial discrimination. Renowned as The Fastest Bicycle Rider In The World in the early 1900s, he accredits his success as a world champion to the value of good habits and clean living. He has a list of 12 guidelines to live by — some are very quirky, I illustrated each of these for the zine.

What/Where do you want to be in 10 years?
I’d love to be a little more financially secure and able to be a bit more selective with the projects I take on. Aside from that I can’t complain — it’s fantastic to be able to do my own thing. I would however like to be doing more gallery shows and possibly teaching again (on the side). In terms of location, I am not quite sure. I spent the last 4 years in Boston, and now I am back in Connecticut (my home state). Boston was great, but it’s also nice to be back in CT.

Who/What are your biggest influences?
I really admire artists like Steve Powers (Espo) and Parra. I look up to people like Rich Stevens (Diesel Sweeties) and Kate Bingaman-Burt (Obsessive Consumption) for their incredible consistency.

What do you wish you did better?
Just getting things done without over-thinking each detail.

Why Connecticut?
I was born here, my girlfriend is going to grad school here, many of my friends are here, and New Haven has the best pizza (anywhere).

Who are the best creatives you’ve worked with?
Vaughn Fender, Will Bryant, Ryan Frease, Ira Cummings, Troy Monroe, Aaron Belyea, Chad Kouri, Peter Stockmal… I could go on and on…

What are your loves/passions outside of this field?
Music, bicycles, skating.

What do you know now that you didn’t know then?
Everything. Hah, well that hard work really does pay off. That I am capable of making a living without a studio’s support.