Chasity Hampton
Founder and Illustrator, Whimsical Designs by CJ
Chasity Hampton, Founder and Illustrator, Whimsical Designs By CJ
Chasity Hampton is the founder of Whimsical Designs by CJ, a company dedicated to illustrating children’s books, their motto is “You write the story. We bring it to life!” Chasity has been illustrating professionally for eight years and her hopes for the company are to create art that make “people feel that inner child that exists within them.” In 2019, she was the recipient of the Liz Conrad Illustration Award.
How did you begin illustrating?
I’ve always been artistic and am a huge fan of animation. I dabbled in art in high school for fun and got serious about it in 2013 when I started freelance illustrating. My company got its start a few years later when my employer hired me to illustrate a book that she and her son had written. After I designed his character, she told me how much it meant to them both. I realised at that moment that illustration is my purpose.
Are you a self-taught artist?
Yes. I learned from artistic communities and some of my favourite artists on YouTube and Pinterest. There was a lot of trial and error. I am still learning.
Who inspires you?
My mother is my biggest inspiration. She was present for all my school projects, encouraging me to add some artistic flair. She showed me that I could make any idea more awesome. I still take that advice today; I’m always trying to figure out ways to make my illustrations better.
I’m also a big fan of animator Hayao Miyazaki and am in awe of his ability to make you feel through his characters, not to mention the beautiful background art in his films.
Why do you focus on children’s books?
My mother was an educator and always made sure I was reading as a child, but I never saw myself reflected in the books I read. I knew that I looked nothing like Cinderella or Snow White, so I would make up my own stories and fairy tales that featured a girl that looks like me. When I create diverse children’s books, I am doing it for my younger self and for the kids who want to be seen too.
Which project are you most proud of?
I had the honour of working on the book series Ced In The City that memorialises the legacy of my client’s son, Cedric Stuart Hutchison II who passed in 2019. The family trusted me to bring their loved one to life and through the series, I was able to learn about his love for travel. It’s an understatement to say I am proud of the project; it was truly a labour of love.
What pushed you to want to write your own children’s book?
I’ve always been a writer but had stopped for a few years. I didn’t have the time to both write and illustrate. One day, I just needed to get an idea out of my head, and before I knew it, the project was born. I am excited for its release, but I will nurture it until I feel like it’s ready to take on the world.
Where would you like your work to take you?
I’d love to have my own art studio dedicated to producing cartoons; some ideas I have deserve the chance on the big screen. Eventually, I’d like to do the same for the animation as I am doing for children’s books.
Interview by: Yasmina Silva
