JUNE 27 SALE PREVIEW!

Tomorrow, June 27th at 3PM EST my shop will be fully stocked again with new drawings and new mini figures! Here is a preview of what you can expect.

APRIL 29th SHOPIFY SALE!

Tomorrow, April 29th at 2PM EST my shop will be fully stocked again with new drawings and new mini figures!  Here is a preview of what you can expect.

THANK YOU!!!

Thank you everyone who made my first sale such a huge success!

I have to apologize for something that is not anyone's fault but just the nature of the beast.  I have the fortunate "problem " of my supply not being able to meet the demand for it, which results in bottlenecking during sales. SO many people trying to check out at once unfortunately will always make people miss out.  I'm doing my best to combat this by having more regular sales at least every month.  I really would love to make sure that everyone can eventually get something, so hang in there and keep trying!

Thanks to everyone for being patient and continuing to support me.

WHAT'S IN STORE?

Next  Tuesday, March 25th at 2PM EST will the my grand opening sale at my new online store, chris-ryniak.myshopify.com    Since the store is password protected until it opens, I thought I would put up a preview of what will be available!

Online store: Coming Soon!

If you're looking for an official online shop to purchase my drawings, toys, and more, it's coming soon! I'm hard at work behind the curtain getting everything ready. While I won't have a huge offering for the grand opening, I will be having many sales throughout the year. Follow me here, or on one of my social media profiles for announcements before the sales happen - I'll always announce a shop event well ahead of time.  More information (and a link) soon!

COAL DUST GOURDWORT

This little dude was just sold at the Circus Posterus group show "Traveling Circus" at Rotofugi Gallery.

HEARTTHROB

Happy candy hearts and flowers day from Me and Fuzzlethump!  Be sure to spread the love all year round, not just today!

COMING SOON!

Blind-bagged assortment of mini Bugbites coming soon. Stay tuned!

A LEG UP

A couple of weeks ago I got a really sweet email from a fan who loved my Sparkle Pony Magic image so much that she asked if she could get it laminated to her new prosthetic leg! 
She picked it up today, and walked unassisted for the first time in at least seven months!
Its things like this that help ME to keep motivated and doing what I do. Not just for my own love of creating, but the knowledge that my art brings a little joy in another person's life.
Have an awesome Day!

WINTER BLOOM FREYJA

Winter Bloom Freyja (edition of 10) for Stranger Factory's third annual Winter Salon, opening tonight!

SCRIBBLE SALE!

For those who can’t make it to Designer Con, I decided to have a scribble sale THIS thursday @3pm est.  Set your clocks!! 

http://stevebrowngallery.myshopify.com

ALL THE ANSWERS!!!!

I recently received really great email from a fan recently that had a bunch of great questions that I thought would be worth sharing with everyone. 

How do you start/begin as a solo artist?

Kind of by accident.   I was working as a freelance Illustrator for magazines when I saw a call for submissions at a local gallery.   I had a little bit of free time between jobs and decided to just paint what I wanted to paint.   The show was kind of a disaster, but I had the experience under my belt, and the desire to continue to show more.  I Kept doing more and more paintings and looked for more galleries that were showing the type of work that I was doing and just bugged them, a lot.  I sent books of my work, showed up at opening…I even flew to NYC just to go to an opening to MEET other artists and gallery directors.  That trip alone landed me a two person show in NYC, which would have never happened if I hadn’t taken the initiative to be there.   From there I did a lot of group shows at a LOT of galleries all over the US and some in Europe.  I was working very hard and not selling very much. I felt like I was always just behind my own success, like I was chasing something that had always just left beforeI got there…it became very taxing and I was getting close to giving up.   It was then that I made the decision to stop taking my art so seriously and start having fun with it again, that’s when I started with the toys.  I met Tristan Eaton, and he invited me to do a custom Dunny for a group show in Detroit.  From that one tiny little 3 inch tall toy that I painted, I got more invitations to shows and commissions than I did doing lowbrow art in 5 years. I really pushed my customs, where most people were just painting on the toys, I was taking them apart, sculpting on them and turning them into something totally new.   a few companies gave me the chance to sculpt my OWN toys and resin figures, and the rest is history, I haven’t stopped.   I love this scene, I love the collectors, artists and fans.  It feels honest an open and not investment based… people buy this stuff because they love it.

Are there any courses you had to study for licenses you need?

I have a BFA in Illustration, but I didn’t NEED it.  I could be doing the same work without a degree, but I would not have the experiences that I garnered while I was there.  Art school is ONLY what you make it.  It really is as cliche’ as only getting out what you put in.  If you want to smoke a lot of weed, play video games and sleep tip 2pm all through college, then you can’t complain that you can;t find a job afterward.  If you want to work your tail off and make some sacrifices fro your future and try to get your money’s worth out of your education, you’ll be in a much better position to succeed .

Besides my artistic license (har har) I just have to pay taxes and this is all legal and legit.   If I were to become a vendor, that would all change…but that’s a whole other can of worms.  Always check with your regional government on business guidelines for this before getting started so you don’t burn yourself later though.

How do you get connected with people in the same field if you’re brand new and they’re more experienced? 

Email them, that’s how you got a hold of me right?   NONE of us have the time to respond to emails, but some WILL take the time, just be gracious and patient.  

Show up at events, conventions, art openings, portfolio reviews.  Ask questions that are NOT EASILY SEARCHABLE ON GOOGLE ! There is a LOT of information out there already…I personally get annoyed at people not taking ANY effort to do their own research before barraging people with questions. 

Follow your favorite artists on Instagram and twitter, join forums, make a presence.

Did you have a mentor?

Besides college professors, not really.

Other artists who became my friends through doing shows together were a big support, but everyone has their own path, no two careers are the same because everyone was doing their own thing.   Some people are just painters and sell prints…and some people , like me, are painters, draftsmen, sculptors, designers, commercial artists, marketers, salesmen, promoters etc.  I talk to a lot of people in a lot of different fields and learn as much as I can from them.

How do you financially support yourself when getting design/art jobs are scarce (i.e. do you have a part-time job to financially tie you over to support yourself and your family?)

  I’m the crazy guy who has a full time job on TOP of doing my own personal work.   It’s tough, I don’t sleep enough, but it’s worth it.  At this point in my career, I can;t support myself on my own art alone, I’m close, but it’s too risky a venture for me to take the leap right now.  I have too many people who depend on me to bring home the bacon.

How long   did it take for you from starting to get your first pay-check?

90 days…because even though they SAY they will pay you in 30, they will pay you in 90…or more.   I actually started working as an illustrator during my last year of college.   Art Directors don’t care if you went to a fancy art school, they just need someone who can accomplish what they need done.  I had a website and had been sending out mailers for months before my first job came in though.   In a way, it’s easier to share your work with the world now than it was back then, social networking was barley a thing…BUT it’s harder to get recognized now because EVERYONE is able to compete.  It’s even more important to concentrate on doing REALLY GOOD WORK now as well as constant self promotion, because there is someone that ay not be as good as you, but they are better at selling themselves standing right in front of you.

How long till you got recognition from Dreamworks (massive congratulations btw!)?

I think you’re asking how long was I in this business before I got a job from them?   well, about 14 years, ha!  It wasn’t recognition so much as  they had a job that they needed done and they found someone who could do it in me. Which came about through ANOTHER chance encounter that would have never happened had I not been in the right place at the right time.   GET OUT TO WHERE ART IS HAPPENING if you want opportunities…they won’t come to you.

In closing, don’t give up…work hard, play hard, REST HARD.  Be humble, be polite, love your family and friends, make changes when things don’t work, be willing to admit when you’re wrong,be nice to cats and dogs and frogs and spiders, smile at old ladies and don’t eat too many donuts.

Love,

Chris

ALL THE THINGS

This is something that has been addressed many times by creative professionals and entrepreneurs, but it never hurts to repeat.

MOST of my day as an artist is not spent in an absinthe fueled rampage of feverishly tossing paint onto a canvas ...sorry.  MOST of my day IS filled with drudgery: writing emails, planning projects, fielding phone calls, brand management, event planning, researching and gathering materials, design work, social media promotion, prep-work, varnishing, sanding, packing, shipping...etc....and somewhere in there is drawing, painting and sculpting.

For the audience, my job is to make it look like all I do is my artwork, but the truth is that I fill every position from CEO to janitor of Chris Ryniak industries.

I have the added role of a single father, oh and I ALSO have a full-time job on top of all of this, not to mention owning a house that needs tending as well as all of the minutia that goes along with being a functioning human.

So what is the point?   well, I get a lot of comments like " I wish I was where you are in your career" from young artists.  And the simple fact is, that much like losing weight,  becoming a functioning and mildly successful ANYTHING takes work, not wishing.   Of course, this all depends what you want to accomplish, and how far you want to take it.  

The point is that next time you see your favorite artist doing really well, know that they doing a lot of work that you will never see.  



high fives and have an awesome day!

MOving forward

Progression is a funny thing....

This past year has marked a substantial shift in how I do business as an artist...most notably in the form of LESS SHOWS.
I spent a lot of years taking on every single group show that I was invited to, for a lot of reasons.  Mostly, it was to gain exposure, and it worked...so now that I have my foundation set into place, I'm focusing more on the projects that mean something to me.  That is not to diminish the importance of SOME group shows here and there, but if they are not the right fit for where I am in my career, I'm just not going to do it...this is where progression comes in.

After SO many years of nonstop grinding out work, it's funny to finally be in a place where I feel like a grownup and my work is worth something, not just monetarily, but in a philosophical sense as well.

Now that I have everyone's attention, what am I going to do with it?  My pursuit of creative endeavors have never been about money, although money IS a fortunate byproduct of successful products that I will never complain about.  What I have learned is that I want to create work that brings a positive reaction to people, if only for a second, every single day.

I've been through tough times and deal with my own demons on a regular basis, but I am always thankful for those catalysts that can mark a moment in time where everything is good.  A laugh, a smile,  an "awww"...these are all things that are human instincts that make us feel ok.   If I can provide that to total strangers with what I do, then I truly have a gift...and I want to share it.

I've gone much further than I ever expected I would with my art, and I keep paving the road ahead of me without any sign of stopping.   I'm in a fun place in my career, one where I can start to make the rules and start to become what I always wanted to be, Myself.

UPCOMING STUFF N JUNK

FIRST UP, is the Beast Brothers LUCHA LIBRE show at Rotofugi in Chicago on October 5th  where THIS guy will be!

------------

 I will be attending New York Comic con October 12-14th.  I'll be at the MYPLASTICHEART booth signing the Exclusive Ivory Misfortune Cat from Playge & Myself.  Hope to see you there!

------------

ALSO, I will be attending Designer Con, November 3rd at the Pasadena Convention Center at the Circus Posterus booth.  I will have a big exclusive that has yet to be announce, but I will ALSO have a bunch of new drawings and watercolors for sale...here is a sample of what you can expect at the table...

------------

AS ALWAYS, follow me on TUMBLR, Facebook, Twitter and now INSTAGRAM (chrisryniak) for the most up to date news and workings!

keeping up

oh boy have I let this place go!

So, to keep up with me more efficiently, you can follow me on

Instagram :chrisryniak
Twitter: @ChrisRyniak
Facebook: Chris Ryniak http://tinyurl.com/8d3xutm
Tumblr: http://chrisryniak.tumblr.com/

MONSTERS & MISFITS II

After what seems like an eternity of updates and preparation, tomorrow finally marks the day which I embark for my first trip to Japan accompanied by my good friends and collaborators, Amanda Louise Spayd, Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters.
We will all be in attendance for the opening of our second major exhibition collaboration with Tomenosuke for  Monsters and Misfits II ,April 13th at the Kusakabe Folk Museum in Takayama, Japan.

The show poster outside of the Museum!

Many updates photos and stories upon my return!  wish us luck.

GOING BIG IN JAPAN

Less than a month to go for Monsters & Misfits II at Kusakabe Folk Museum Takayama, Japan, April 13th 2012.

Putting the final touches on some bigger pieces then it's off to break the bank in shipping costs!

For those of you who don;t already follow me on Tumblr...go check it out over there...I update my feed almost daily.  http://chrisryniak.tumblr.com/

Year of the Dragon Snybora

2012 might be the year that it all comes to an end if you ask your conspiracy-minded friends (hey, those Mayans had to have a good reason to end their calendar, right?)…but on the Chinese calendar it’s the Year of the Dragon!
The Year of the Dragon Snybora is black vinyl painted in tasteful red, gold and black with a slightly matte finish and glossy black eyes.
This release will be available at online at rotofugi.com on Friday, March 2nd at 11am central time for $35.
Figure design and sculpt by Chris Ryniak with paint by Joe Somers (Squibbles Ink) and Kirby Kerr (Rotofugi). Please note, each figure is handpainted and will vary slightly from the image shown above.

2011: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

It's probably common knowledge by now that 2011 was pretty terrible for me.  I've never in my life wanted a year to go away more that last year.  I LIKE time...it's an awesome commodity...except last year...2011 can eat it.

Most notably, 2011 brought an end of my 13 year marriage, a relationship that began some 19 years ago.  In the immortal words of a very wise Louis C.K. "No GOOD marriage ever ended in divorce, only the bad ones do." I'm going to leave it at that.

Along with becoming a statistic, I found myself having to find a new place to live.  So I bought a new house,  with a studio 10 times the size of my last one.  I'll mark this as the high point of the process.

I could go on and on about all the things I've had to adjust to, how sad I am, how difficult all of it has been, but I won't.  It sucks, it's the worst thing I've ever had to endure, period

Aside from that insanity, I managed to get work done...like a lot of work...and I have no idea how, seeing as my brain was mush for the better part of the year.

What will follow is a list of shows and events that I attended or participated in as well as images of work that I completed, toys that I released etc...in a total random order.  Because I'm brain lazy, forgive me.

Monsters & Misfits:3-person show Takayama Japan
Imaginary Menagerie : 4 person show, OhNO!doom Chicago
Late Season: 2-person show, Stranger Factory ABQ NM
SDCC2011
Dragon Con 2011
Designer Con 2011
and probably a WHOLE bunch of other things I forgot...again, brain mush.

Posting my drawings was new for me last year. I managed to post well over 100 original new drawings.

2102...well, it's going better than last year already.  Lots of new toys and merch coming out, less shows, but more accessible stuff in bigger editions!  Stay tuned