Welcome to the latest instalment of our 'Artist Talk' series where we interview artists and members from the AAP community. Today we are joined by Chris Owl, better known as just 'Owl' to those within our Discord server.
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The Creative Journey
How did your journey into creating TCG artwork first begin? Was it a lifelong dream or something that happened unexpectedly?
"When I was 24, I discovered my passion for art through Hollow Knight. I fell in love with the game’s art style,it felt simple yet incredibly inviting. Inspired, I started creating my own artwork in a similar style and would excitedly show it to my family. However, at the time, I didn’t have a job, and their response was often, “Cool! But can you make money from it?” That lack of support left me feeling empty, but it also fueled my determination.
For an entire year, I dedicated myself to art, working from morning until noon every single day. I know it wasn’t the healthiest routine, but I was driven to improve and prove myself. After a year of relentless practice, I felt confident enough to start looking for work. That’s when I discovered Fiverr, where I took on small jobs to build my portfolio.
Eventually, my work caught the attention of the team behind Back Alley Mages (BAM). They reached out to me, and that opportunity changed my life. Their passion for their TCG was infectious, and it inspired me to pour my creativity into the project. Working with them not only allowed me to grow as an artist but also helped me fall in love with the world of TCG art. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so grateful for how it all unfolded!"
What was something surprising you learned while working in the TCG industry, that you didn’t expect when you first started?
"I initially thought working on such projects would involve a very serious, business-focused environment. But I was surprised to find the community to be one of the most welcoming I’ve ever encountered. The love and care from everyone were palpable, it felt genuine, like a family. That sense of connection and support is something I’ll never forget, and I cherished every moment of it."
Behind the Scenes
Can you walk us through some of your steps to creating an illustration from concept to finished piece?
"I actually have a few demonstrations I could share to show my process. It usually starts with the idea, if it’s clear in my mind, I jump straight into a rough sketch and begin painting right away. However, if the piece is more complex and requires exploration, I take time to refine the sketch before moving forward. Once the sketch is finalized, I start building the illustration, layer by layer, until it’s complete."
Trading card games often have a wide range of unique characters. What are some of the more interesting ones you've had the pleasure of working on?
"Great question! While working on BAM, I wasn’t given specific characters to design, every single character, whether it was a monster, mage, or anything else, was created by me. I had the most fun working on the tarot card set, the portals set, and the Desert Conjurer. But honestly, almost every piece was enjoyable because of the creative freedom I was given. As long as it fit the project’s theme, I could let my imagination run wild. I felt like a creative machine, haha!"
Is there a specific tool, medium, or technique that has become your go-to for projects?
"Photoshop has been my go-to tool, as it’s the industry standard. However, I plan to switch to Clip Studio this year due to Photoshop’s recent push toward AI, which hasn’t been great for artists. I feel I shine the most when a project gives me creative freedom, that’s where I can really contribute fun designs and innovative ideas!"
Looking at your portfolio, is there a particular piece that you're most proud of, and why?
"I think the ones I've been proud recently are the world and characters I've been building, because they have my personal touch, and there is a lot of myself in them. But I also have pieces I am proud of doing for a video game called Rain World, where I had fun creating fan works for them while also studying, I love that game so it was nice to use it not only to study but to gift the community with more illustrations and even my own animated trailer of their upcoming DLC, The Watcher."
Challenge vs. Triumph
Deadlines and expectations can be tough to manage when working as a full-time artist. What strategies or habits have you developed to help perfect your creative process?
"I used to create around 12-15 paintings per month, so I had to stay disciplined. I worked from morning to noon, Monday through Friday, dedicating that time entirely to creating. On weekends, I made sure to take a break, no drawing, just relaxing, playing games, or going out. Since I had the freedom to design anything as long as it fit the project’s theme, I was able to work efficiently and stay productive."
It’s true that while limitations like time, materials or scope-of-work can feel overwhelming, they can actually spark surprising creativity. Have you ever faced constraints that led to an unexpected breakthrough?
"I have no doubt that working under pressure, creating so many paintings in such a short time, helped me grow as an artist. It pushed me to explore my art and myself in ways I might not have otherwise. Many breakthroughs came from this disciplined routine, and each piece served as both a creation and a learning experience."
As an artist, feedback can sometimes be difficult to take on board. Can you share a time when constructive criticism helped you improve or rethink a project?
"My mentor, who is also a great friend, has been instrumental in my growth, not just as an artist, but as a person. This year marks three years since I started my art journey, and for two of those years, he helped me improve tremendously. I’m incredibly grateful for his guidance and support, both as a mentor and as a friend."
Are there any practices you’ve found to be beneficial when you feel stuck or uninspired?
"Take a break. Go for a walk, watch a movie, or spend some time on yourself. Feeling stuck is often your body’s way of telling you to recharge. It’s important to listen to that and give yourself the rest you need. When you return, you’ll often find your creativity flowing again."
What advice would you give to an artist who may be struggling with self-doubt?
"Aaaaah, the classic impostor syndrome, it happens to the best of us. After all, we’re often our own worst critics. When I feel this way, I turn to my friends for their thoughts. Their amazement and encouragement give me the energy to keep going. But ultimately, true happiness has to come from within. When you finish a piece, look at it, and feel proud, that’s the real joy of being an artist. So be proud of your work, share it with the world, and celebrate the unique creations only you can bring to life!"
What’s Next?
You’re now open for commissions again. Can you share a bit about what it’s been like to transition from working for a company to freelancing? And, are there any specific themes or styles that you are interested in exploring?
"Great question! The transition felt like moving to another country and leaving your family behind, it was bittersweet, but life moves forward. Right now, I’m working on a variety of themes, including character designs and pieces inspired by Rain World. Its community has been incredibly welcoming, with many people eager to see their characters brought to life in my style. I’m also focusing on exploring more character designs and concepts in my personal projects. It feels like I’m finally discovering my own artistic voice, and that’s been an exciting journey."
If you could work on a dream project or collaboration, what would it be?
"I don’t mind following directions and creating what’s asked of me, but I’d love to have the freedom to design anything within a project’s theme. To collaborate, brainstorm ideas, and truly be part of the creative process, whether it’s a TCG, a video game, or anything else, would be a dream. No matter the project, I’d be incredibly grateful to contribute and be part of it!"
You've been a member of the AAP for just over 2 years now. How has being part of this community impacted your growth as an artist, and do you think it's important for artists to be part of a space where they can openly share their work and learn from others?
" From the moment I joined AAP and posted my first drawing, I was welcomed with open arms. The sense of appreciation and support was immediate and genuine. Over the past two years, I haven’t been able to post as much as I’d like due to my transition into freelancing and personal matters, but the warmth and encouragement from the community have never faded. It’s a safe haven, a place where artists can share their work, grow, and feel valued.
Being part of such a supportive space has been incredibly important for my growth, and I believe every artist deserves a community like this to thrive. I like to think of artists as little plants growing into trees. Each branch represents their skills, experiences, and personal growth. And the nutrients for that growth? Appreciation and encouragement. That’s where AAP truly shines. Just by observing, anyone can see how this community fosters creativity and helps artists flourish!"
and lastly, if you could tell the story of your journey as a future version of yourself, what would it entail?
"That question really touched me deeply. I would say that I’m proud of myself, proud to have kept going even when my family doubted me, proud to have achieved the things I wanted most, and proud to have proven that I was stronger than I ever thought. My journey wasn’t easy. I started with nothing but a dream and a love for art inspired by Hollow Knight. I worked tirelessly, often from morning to noon, honing my craft and pushing through self-doubt. I took on small jobs, built my portfolio, and eventually found my place with Back Alley Mages, where I poured my heart into creating characters, and entire worlds.
I learned that creativity thrives not just in freedom but also in discipline and collaboration. I faced challenges, deadlines, and moments of self-doubt, but I also discovered the joy of seeing my work come to life and the warmth of a community that felt like family. If I could tell my story as a future version of myself, I’d say: Be proud of how far you’ve come. Believe in yourself, even when others don’t. Keep fighting, keep creating, and show the world your unique voice. You will get there. (Art done by my mentor as a birthday gift. Artist name: W. James)"
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Thanks again for sharing your story with us. Be sure to keep an eye out for more features in our 'Artist Talk' series.
Social links -
https://www.deviantart.com/chris-owl
https://ko-fi.com/dreamyowl13
https://x.com/dreamyowl13