Meet Crystian Hopper | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystian Hopper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystian, what’s your definition for success?
I feel like success is a tricky concept. It sounds very result-reliant in the sense that a lot of people would say success is based on how you or your business is performing. In an artist’s case, this might be how many pieces have they sold, or what galleries have they been a part of? For me, I feel like success is defined as doing what you love, regardless of the outcome. Having the opportunity to pursue something you enjoy doing from day-to-day is a blessing, and it is something that is not so result-reliant. When I first began creating official drawings for my business, it was very important to me that I sold each piece and made a name for myself. That is how I saw success, and for the first couple years, I was disappointed for a lot of the time. Having goals to sell pieces or grow your name are very logical and important aspirations, but they should not define your success or happiness. In that time that I was trying so hard to be “successful,” I was able to work on so many cool projects for both myself and others. I was getting to use a talent I’ve worked at since I was a kid and make people smile in the process. When I took notice to this, and started to just enjoy what I do, I saw more “success” than I had ever known before. I think the beauty is that everyone defines success differently, but for me, the everyday work I get to put into my craft feels like a win.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I specialize in colored pencil drawings, my favorite being photorealism. My work covers a broad range of themes, including portraits, famous characters, and common objects with a twist! What sets my artwork apart is the uniqueness of each piece. I try to draw things that I find beautiful but also subjects that you wouldn’t commonly see drawn. In one of my more recent collections, I took five pairs of sunglasses, dipped them in paint, and drew them. As odd as it sounds, they turned out really pretty! I think one of the things I’m most excited about is future collections and seeing where the creative choices take me. I would say one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on the journey is just to be open to anything. I have made the mistake too many times of thinking ‘I know what I’m supposed to do’, or ‘I’ve got it figured out.’ Now I think it’s okay to not have everything worked out and to just take life as it comes at you. When I first started my business, I had a strong vision of my art. I knew I wanted to just focus on commissioned portraits for people for like weddings and gifts. Over time, I adapted so many new ideas and ways I wanted to portray artwork. I will say that doing portraits for others still remains as one of my favorite things to do!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Goodness, there’s so much to do in Atlanta! Assuming we’re on a spend it all schedule, I’d say we’ve got to go to the Georgia Aquarium at some point. That place is so much fun and not to mention it’s basically right across the street from the World of Coke! That’s a day knocked out. I love Piedmont Park so we’d definitely need to check that out; and ride the electric scooters around the whole park. As a huge fan of golf, we would make our way to TopGolf at some point. That place is so relaxing and the food is amazing. If there’s a rain day, we have to go shopping at the mall. I’d have to say Lenox Square is my favorite, not to mention it’s got Cheesecake Factory which is a complete win. Across the street from Lenox is Phipps Plaza, my favorite place to go see movies. Their theater is super snazzy and complete with the reclining chairs! As far as dinner is concerned, some of my favorites are Maggiano’s, Melting Pot, and possibly Chipotle. My personal favorite place to eat in Atlanta is Houston’s. The live music is so nice and the food is amazing!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Well I definitely need to send a shoutout to God. I am truly thankful for all the doors He has opened and guidance I’ve been shown through everything. Also, my family has done nothing but support me in my creative decisions, even when they seem ridiculous! I met my girlfriend, Lauren, at college and she has been with me on this crazy ride, helping with photoshoots or with inspiration. My friends are also a huge motivator for me. Their love and support means the world to me, and there just would not be enough time to thank each and every one of them.

Website: crystianhopperart.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystianhopperart/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crystianhopper
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Art/Crystian-Hopper-Art-2502609466434784/

Image Credits
Lauren Anderson