Interview with Artist Chris House

Read more about Chris and see his work here!

With Global Genius Society, we have been very fortunate to work and speak with many talented people all over the world. We feel our gifts and talents make us all creative geniuses. With that being said, please introduce yourself to the world and tell us what is your "genius."

Hey my name is Chris House, (Rikyo) and my genius is illustration. 

How long have you been creating art?

I have been drawing as far back as I can remember. I still have some of my old scribbles and doodles from when I was about 4 years old! 

What sparked your interest in painting and drawing?

Definitely growing up watching 80's cartoons all the time got me into trying draw them. Then came comics where I'd try and trace the characters from series like Archie and Calvin and Hobbes. Finally playing video games really solidified my love of drawing characters.

Read more about Chris and see his work here!

​Who would you say are some of your influences?
I feel like I have a myriad of influences which makes it hard to pinpoint. But if I had to pick the a top one, it'd be video games which is my passion. My next influence would be from the many Japanese creators of various manga and anime. Because I eventually got into drawing in a more anime style as I got older, since I initially wanted to be a comic artist. 

Along those lines, if you could work with anyone, who would it be?

I don't have any one in particular that I can think of in terms of some one famous! However, I know a lot of artist personally that I would work with in a heart beat.I have many talented friends in the art game. 

Recently, you posted some artwork featuring the characters from the new show, Atlanta. As a fan of that show, it made me happy to not only see the art, but to see how popular it was on social media. Even the actor Brian Tyree Henry, who plays "Paper Boi" re-posted it. When you saw that, how did that make you feel?


Yes I did draw those characters! I was a huge fan of the show and I noticed a lack of any original fan art for out there for it. As for it being well received not only by my peers but by the actors themselves was especially exciting. Initially Keith Stanfield who plays Darius reposted it on his instagram page (before he took all his pics down) and then Bryan Tyree Henry, Paper Boi, posted the drawing of him. I was really glad to know my work reached them and they actually appreciated it. It's things like that which sometimes let you know, you're on the right track with your work.

It seems you've already accomplished a lot with your art, but what are some goals you still have?


Despite having published work such as children's books and illustrations in a couple of anthologies, I'd still have to say being a character designer or concept artist for a video game would be my next biggest goal. I've done a little bit of art for a few indie games, but to do my own game or just be apart of a team of developers would really be a great personal achievement.  

If you met another artist who was struggling with the idea of continuing with their art, what words of wisdom would you give them?

I suppose it would depend on their age and their skill level. I have run into this before and one of the things I've always told some one who does art of any kind is to determine what the end game is for your work? What would they ultimately plan on doing with their art. For instance, I started off wanting to be an animator, then I realized how painstaking of an occupation that would be. I knew it wasn't for me, as much as I love animation of any kind and decided to move on. Same with comics, I decided it wasn't for me either. So I ended up doing illustrations and graphic design. I guess my point is, there are many viable ways to make money with your art but if you are just a hobbyist then I'd say never give up and always practice, especially if you love doing it.

We certainly appreciate you taking the time to speak with us. Before you go, please let your supporters know what upcoming projects you have.

I am currently in the middle of my 4th children's book for a client and should be completed by the end of the year! In the mean time people can follow me on my various social media outlets.

Read more about Chris and see his work here!