Visual Artist in the Firelight: Chris Costa
You may have noticed the recent design work involving a Sasquatch for the “Often Heard, Rarely Seen” brief, entrusted in the wonderfully capable hands of Melbourne freelancer, Chris Costa. I got to find out a bit more about his backstory and what’s coming up for this prolific designer.
I was initially introduced to your work through the follow/Luca Brasi connection. Looking at the musical artists you have worked with, what has drawn you to that genre?
My first love is and always will be music of all genres. Growing up music and my local music scene was everything to me and I only really got into art & design through music. From 13 - 18 I helped book and organise gigs in my home town and through that I was immersed in so many different genres of music and it gave me a crash course in music appreciation more than anything. Even though I haven't played in a band since I was 21 I still play drums everyday and consider myself a musician.
Working in different styles of illustration feels like playing in different genres. Each style has a specific set of principles to follow and break accordingly.
Of the types of commercial clients you have created for, is there anything that sets working with musicians/bands apart from other types of clients?
It's the fans for sure. I know exactly what it's like saving up all your money for a month just so you could buy a t-shirt from one of your favourite bands and the pride you had wearing that shirt at gigs to come. Apparel is something special as it's wearable art, an extension of your personality and is a statement to the world
I listened to "insert band name here" and I got to see them when they passed through my town.
What is the music of choice to listen to while creating art?
When working with musicians I listen to their music during the design process as much as possible to really help me get a sense for their vibe and style. As most of my work is inspired by lyrics, listening to the artist's music is also helpful to point out any crescendos or lyrics that stand out. As someone who works from home and by themselves I also find that podcasts help me feel more human contact throughout the day haha I'm a big stand up comedy nerd so Podcasts like "Working it out - Mike Birbiglia", "You made it weird - Pete Holmes" and "Your Moms House - Christina P and Tom Segura" are always on in the background.
Your work focuses a lot on bold lines and colour combinations. Where do you draw creative direction/inspiration from?
Inspiration is something that I have to work for so most weekends you can find me and my partner in an art gallery. I'm lucky that in Melbourne we have so many galleries strewn around the city and when we travel overseas a gallery is a perfect place to get a feel for the culture and history of a city. Immersing myself in art forms that are not digital helps me bring something new to the table when I put mouse to screen.
You’ve worked with some choice brewers - I love Garage Project and have spent a lot of time at Carwyn cellars. How did those connections come about?
Like almost all of my work it comes from word of mouth. In 2021 I was working with a number of smaller Australian breweries and I was lucky enough that
the team at GP saw it and reached out. 2+ years later and we've worked on 10 can illustrations together with another one set to release in February.
Do you have any pet peeves working commercially/advice for clients who want you to create for them?
For me it all comes down to kindness and manners, I can almost always tell how a project is going to go depending on how their first couple of emails look. I have a lot of fun at my job and I want to keep it fun for myself and the client so a positive attitude goes a long way.
Are you working on any exhibitions for 2024?
I'm currently exhibiting at Linden New Art (St. Kilda) and working on a 12x12 canvas for a group exhibition run by my dear friend @conradsquare to celebrate the opening of his new gallery and studio Square & Friends which will be held in Feb next year. I'm very lucky that I have so many incredibly driven and talented friends, they have helped fuel my fire when I've been close to burnt out.
Any instances of your pets (what are their names) accidentally tripping a cord or stepping on computer keys- leading to any disasters?
If you follow me on Instagram and check my stories you'd find that my cats are continuously jumping on and off my desk, walking over my keyboards and perpetually ruining time lapses haha. I really wouldn't have it any other way though and between Monty (cat), Bean (cat) and Amelia (dog) there's never a dull moment at my home office.
