CCB Magazine

What’s a Californian to do when he hates surfing but loves 3D design? He moves to Berlin! Our player of the week (Part 15) is Chris Hanson. Chris used to work in the clothing industry. Today he makes his living as a freelance digital artist. 

CCB Magazine: Chris, who are you and what do you do?

Chris Hanson: I am originally from the Los Angeles suburbs in California, now living in Berlin as a freelance digital artist. Being that I am from Los Angeles, I guess you might call me a “laid back” person, which I think I am. But I don’t surf! I hate surfing.

CCB Magazine: How did you get into being a digital artist?

Chris Hanson:Originally I started working in the clothing industry for streetwear/skate/surf brands doing graphics for t-shirts, jackets, shoes, accessories, etc. in the Los Angeles area. My introduction into the industry was somewhat accidental because it was a friend who kind of pushed me into it, at the time I was more interested in 3D design and animation but I took the opportunity to make some money in a full time job. After years working in Los Angeles and New York City in the clothing business and moving to Germany to be with my wife, I decided to take the opportunity and start over creatively. That’s when I picked up where I left off with the 3D design and that’s where I am today.

My introduction into the industry was somewhat accidental

CCB Magazine: Whom do you want to reach or what do you want to achieve through your work?

Chris Hanson:Hmmm, this is kind of a difficult question. I think most of my designs or images, I do for myself out of a bit of selfish curiosity. I don’t really think about a message or how to “reach” other people in particular but of course, I always hope it reaches the right people and maybe inspires someone. My main interest with my work is to make something aesthetically appealing, with just the right colors, composition and sometimes a little touch of humor.

"Food Porn" February 2016, created with Maxon Cinema 4D, V-Ray, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, © Chris Hanson.

CCB Magazine: How is your work going to sustainably influence the community?

Chris Hanson:Yikes! Tough question. Well, I have had ideas about designing a playground for children, I actually did some designs influenced by the idea of playgrounds. Berlin has great open spaces scattered around the city, maybe my work could inspire more places for children to play.

CCB Magazine: You are from Berlin: What does that mean to you?

Chris Hanson:Uh oh, ok I will give this a try. I can’t speak for lifelong Berliners or even Germans for that matter given I’ve only been in Berlin for three years but I will say this, Berlin still is a mystery to me. Berlin seems like a city living and breathing creative freedom but still has its veins tangled up in its old bureaucratic roots. Berlin is a contradiction and that’s what makes the city wonderfully unique. I just hope it stays that way.

I say keep Berlin green, creative, cheap and a little strange

CCB Magazine: If you were granted one free wish: How should Berlin develop in the future?

Chris Hanson:I have been in Berlin for around three years and I feel it’s changed so much in that time. For example, I have three Korean restaurants, that weren’t here when I arrived and all walking distance form my apartment! I was very happy about that. I don’t really have an opinion on how Berlin should develop, I think with the right people and right ideas in the city, Berlin will develop naturally and positively. I say keep Berlin green, creative, cheap and a little strange.         

CCB Magazine: What are your plans for your future?

Chris Hanson:Diapers, lots of diapers, I have a little girl on the way. No, but seriously, I look forward to creating more work, maybe seeing some of my work in the “real world” as actual objects, furniture, accessories or maybe as a playground. I am also looking to work with more people and to collaborate on larger scale projects.

CCB Magazine: Chris, thank you and stay in touch.

Profile of Chris Hanson on Creative City Berlin

Portfolios of Chris Hanson on Creative City Berlin