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

Hi Austin, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always felt a sense of fulfillment whenever I do creative type work. I’ve always drawn growing up and I seemed to have always gravitated to many different types of visual artforms.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
So I started working as a character designer, storyboard artist and concept artist back in 2019. I usually just took commissions here and there, but as of late I’ve been doing it more and more. I also picked up 3D modeling and sculpting props for cosplayers early last year. The thing that sets me apart from others is my willingness to pick up new skills and styles to make sure I can make people’s dreams be a reality. To be honest, it wasn’t easy, I had to find somewhat of a work-life balance that is still somewhat challenging to maintain. A key lesson I learned a long the way is “You don’t know what you can truly do until you take that leap of faith”. It was honestly by chance that I met my friends who got me into doing more of the work I loved. Who knows what I’d be doing now if I didn’t? I want the world to know that there’s ALWAYS going to be someone who is looking for someone with particular skills like yours. The more you hone your craft, the more people will naturally gravitate towards you over time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oooh, a weeklong trip? So I’d certainly show them many different food spots around Houston. Everything I could think of from Tex Mex, Vietnamese, Indo-Pak, West African. I’d also take them to cool spots like Cidercade since its variety is massive. I’d even take them to a con if there’s one in town at the time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my shoutout to all my friends that I’ve made along the way who’ve helped me come out of my shell as a creative. Cheers!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio_fl4sh/

Image Credits
The full picture of me with the greatsword was taken by Minh Do

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