Today we’d like to introduce you to Cole Clark
Hi Cole, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. As a kid, my mind was always running—chasing thoughts faster than I could catch them, spinning stories before I had the words to tell them. Art became my way of making sense of it all. Before I even realized it, my sketchbooks became a second language, a space where I could untangle my thoughts, slow down time, and say the things I couldn’t always put into words.
Having ADHD means my brain is a constant storm of ideas—some fleeting, some taking root and growing into something tangible. I’ve always seen the world through a lens of curiosity and wonder, drawn to the way light moves through leaves or how stories hide in the smallest details. Art isn’t just something I do; it’s how I process the world.
A huge part of that comes from my brother, Dustin. He passed away when I was 12, but he’s never been far from me. His presence is in the little things—a cardinal outside my window, a rabbit tucked into the corner of a drawing, the way I still reach for art as a way to feel connected. Losing him changed me, but it also shaped me. It made me even more aware of the importance of capturing fleeting moments, of creating something that lingers long after we’re gone.
I pursued a BFA in Illustration with a minor in Animation at Columbus College of Art & Design, refining my skills while holding onto that childlike sense of discovery. Now, as a freelance artist, I aim to create work that feels alive—full of movement, emotion, and a touch of the magic I see in everyday life. Whether I’m illustrating a story, designing a character, or capturing a fleeting moment in ink, my goal is always the same: to make people feel something. Because at the end of the day, that’s what art has always been for me—a way to connect, to communicate, and to leave a mark on the world in my own way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Art has always been my outlet, but the journey to pursuing it professionally has been anything but linear. I’ve struggled with ADHD, which makes consistency and structure difficult, especially in a career that relies on self-discipline. Some days, I feel unstoppable—my mind buzzing with ideas, my hands eager to create. Other days, even picking up a pen feels like trying to move mountains.
Financially, emotionally, and mentally, freelancing is a constant push and pull. I left a stable job to chase this dream, knowing full well that some months would be feast, others famine. It’s terrifying. But I’d rather fight for a life that feels mine than settle for one that feels safe but hollow.
The hardest part? Believing in myself. Imposter syndrome is a constant companion, whispering that I’m not good enough, that my art won’t carry me where I want to go. But every time I pick up my pen, every time I share my work and someone connects with it, I remind myself: I am already on the road. I am already doing it. And that’s worth everything.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a freelance illustrator specializing in digital illustration, though I also have a deep love for traditional ink work. My art is often inspired by nature, mythology, and storytelling, weaving together intricate details and emotions that invite the viewer into a world beyond the surface. I strive to create pieces that feel both deeply personal and universally resonant—art that carries a sense of wonder, nostalgia, and magic.
One of the things that sets me apart is my ability to infuse storytelling into every piece. Whether it’s a portrait commission, a children’s book illustration, or a personal project, I approach each with the intention of capturing something meaningful—an emotion, a memory, or a quiet moment of connection.
I’m most proud of how my art has evolved alongside me. I’ve spent years refining my style, experimenting with different techniques, and learning how to translate feelings into visuals. Every piece I create feels like a small piece of myself, and I’m honored that people resonate with it enough to invite it into their own lives.
Beyond that, my work isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, connection, and making people feel seen. That’s what keeps me creating, and that’s what I hope continues to set my work apart.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First and foremost, my love for drawing started with my brother. Some of my earliest and fondest memories are of us sitting together, sketching rabbits—especially this little cartoon bunny he used to draw over and over again. We’d have drawing competitions, playfully challenging each other, but really, it was never about who was better. It was about sharing something special, a love for creating that stayed with me long after those childhood moments.
My mom has been my biggest constant. She’s kept every single drawing I’ve ever made—since I could first hold a pencil. She never questioned my decision to pursue art, never doubted my ability to turn creativity into a career. When I chose to go to art school, she was right there beside me, supporting every step, every snap decision, and every challenge that came with it.
My sister has been my best friend and biggest cheerleader. She’s always seen my potential, even on the days when I couldn’t. Having someone in my corner who reminds me why I’m doing this, who hypes me up when I start to doubt myself, has made all the difference.
I also owe so much to my middle school art teacher, Mrs. Lisa Fish. She saw something in me at a young age, a creative spark she refused to let dim. She urged my mom to send me to art school, setting me on the path that would lead me to where I am today.
And finally, my professors at CCAD played an enormous role in my growth—not just as an artist, but as a person. Art school wasn’t easy; it pushed me beyond my limits, forced me to dig deeper into my craft and my confidence. But even when it felt like too much for me to handle alone, they were there, challenging me, encouraging me, reminding me of what I was capable of.
Every one of these people shaped my journey in a unique way. Without them, I wouldn’t be the artist—or the person—I am today.
Pricing:
- Custom Portraits: $200+
- Pet Portraits: $150+
- Book Illustration: $250+
- Character Design: $300+
- Concept Artwork: $300+
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleclarkart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coleclarkart
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coleclarkart/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/coleclarkart
