Chris Black - Pt.2
Welcome back, Chris!
Apparently, less than 2% of the population are redheads! We know you are fellow ginger along with Ian (FLICK Creator) how special do you feel!? Did you know there is National Redhead Day? Who is your favourite redhead?
- Feel pity for redheads, my dentist said numbing meds don't work as well so redheads often need more injections. I needed 4 on my last trip. We also skulk between shadows like Nosferatu during summer when everyone else enjoys the sun. I do wonder what it's like to sunbathe! ☀️ 🧛
As masters of disguise, the Crumplefunks can pretty much go where they please, including all-you-can-eat buffets! Are you a fan of these belly blowouts? What food would you go for?
- I am pretty sure I have seen the Crumplefunks in an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet once. I don't think there's an upper limit on how many salt and pepper wings I can eat, maybe I'm a Crumplefunk? 🧂
You’re doing alright for yourself Chris, Art Director at Sumo Digital! But, how cool do your children think you are?
- They think it's totally normal that dad gets free toys, games and sweets all the time or that my house is full of games and consoles. They think all dads are having fun like me! 👨👦👦
What does a normal weekend look like for you?
- Being in nature, there's nowhere more calming, beautiful and enriching. When I'm not in nature I'm drawing. 🦋
We’d love a Crumplefunks teddy to snuggle up to! Any further plans for these pastry fondlers?
- It's my dream to have a plush one day. I want accessories like a disguise and joggers leg.
Exercise - love it or hate it?
- Love it. I do 3 hours of gym 4x a week and climb mountains. It's a meditation for me. 🏋️
What video game have you played more than once?
- I love retro games Golden axe, final fight, Super Mario World and Mario Kart are firm favourites.
If you could change your surname to any other colour what would you be called? (You cannot choose chartreuse! ;)
- Porange. It's a colour I invented when I worked on overcooked. It's the blend of purple and orange you get in a sunset.
With your Art Director head firmly on, how excited are you about where the game industry is and the latest-gen consoles? I have to ask if you prefer the PlayStation or Xbox? Are you allowed to have a favourite!?
- I play Switch the most! I love the portability as I sit at a computer all day. I like playing out and about so I can enjoy gaming at the park under a tree. I do think games are now more beautiful and amazing than I could have ever imagined as a kid. I don't think there's an upper limit to how amazing they will get.
Name a legend you love the most.
- Miyazaki.
Who is your biggest fan?
- My boys. 🥰
What has changed the most over your many exciting years in the gaming industry?
- Seeing gaming transform into a real art form. We used to battle the hardware but now there's a real space for creative exploration. We see wonderful indie games now. 🎮
Following a zombie apocalypse, you lose all your art supplies and tools - (argh) what art something do you go looting for first?
- Shotgun chainsaw and fountain pens. There's nothing more lovely than drawing with an expensive fountain pen.
What advice do you think the Crumplefunks would offer to aspiring artists and illustrators?
- Accept well-considered feedback from those who have experience. Ignore detractors and critics. Never sell out and stay true to your art even if you get ignored and struggle - stay authentic and true.
What was your favourite book as a child and why? 📚
- Fungus the bogeyman, when the wind blows.
It is clear that you are inspired by the beautiful English countryside? Which part of England offers the best views? Yes, you might offend a high percentage of the population but hey!
- The wonderful thing about the UK is you are only a 20 min drive from a beautiful overgrown natural place. Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Cornwall get a special mention. Scotland and Wales are also magical places.
Do you have any projects that will eternally be a WIP? 🎨
- Yes I have many many unfinished paintings. It's why I switched to speed painting and set myself a time limit.
I am a HUGE fan of most things macabre! Your gothic art seen on Instagram would be a CERTAIN DREAM addition to my woman cave walls! How did you get into drawing dark art?
- I am drawn to darkness, I love old haunted places, weird churches, and cursed corners. TBH overly happy colourful things make me kind of ill. I hate fake enthusiasm I would rather people were honest and grumpy 🤣
Ink pens are one of my favourite things - this might not go in the interview but I am dying to know what ink pens you use? :)
- Muji fountain pen, 20 bucks on amazon is a design masterpiece. Reliable, simple and amazing to use. ✒️
What is next for Chris Black?
- My next book will be here soon. I love robots and the new book still has a dark element to it! 🤖