Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Whalen.
Hi Chris, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
After getting a bachelor’s in film, I found a graphic design job for a luxury watch company. While there, I shot a product for fun with them. They hired me as their lead because I loved my work and needed a staff photographer. I quickly learned to place products for advertisements, use typography, and build their website. After a while, I became interested in fashion and contacted Campbell Agency to shoot with their talent. While shooting with models and campaigns, I got more comfortable with the direction and different aspects of the set. Right before the pandemic, I created my indie film for a personal goal. The movie is Glitter Tang, which is currently being put on Amazon. I work full-time as a senior graphic designer with TV shows, working on my YouTube channel and artwork on the side.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The roads need to be smoother, from finding the right job to the right pay for the environment. It’s great to learn to adapt to any challenge you come across. There will always be a problem; it’s how you handle it. I can’t get too upset with it. I learned that things can be a blessing or a lesson. I’ve been at rock bottom a few times, which has taught me many things. I took advice from my family, books, and YouTube. I took in every issue I had to solve as much as possible.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us more about your work.
I specialize in filmmaking, photography, drawing, and graphic design. They all have the same aspects, so it’s been easier to learn them. I’m known for thinking outside the box. With photography, I add surreal elements to the image of my indie film with havear cinematography. Mostly, my work is vibrant and surreal in short.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some changes you expect to see over the next five to ten years?
It’ll be innovative and exciting. More AI is helping the process of design and video editing. It’ll be more challenging for some people with freelancing in certain areas, but it also makes for other opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cmwhalen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmwhalenphoto/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmwhalen/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7A7ZJXHrtk8kAEv1GpYM8w
Image Credits
Sierra Loren, Sang Lee, Alexis Poarch, Saije Herrea
