A man of extraordinary artistic talent, Christopher Sassman uses brushstrokes and vibrant colours to weave captivating stories that transport viewers into realms of wonder and imagination.
This 27-year-old Firgrove resident is an illustrator and the meaning in his works have limitless interpretations.
Sassman’s journey into the world of art began in his childhood, where he was drawn to the expressive power of drawing and painting.
He honed his skills through years of dedicated practice, exploring various styles and techniques. Today, his work is characterised by a unique blend of realism and whimsy, capturing the essence of both the tangible and the intangible.
He studied something totally unrelated at Tianjin University in China, namely chemical engineering, and recalled that those four years were a transformative period in his life – it taught him much more than just chemical engineering, but he also discovered a love for teaching, immersed himself in a new language, made lifelong friends, hosted a talent show on TV, fell in love, and wore everything from lab coats to hard hats.
“Breaking into the illustration industry wasn’t easy – the competition was fierce, and demand wasn’t what it used to be. Still, I decided to start with something familiar: comic books. I built a makeshift portfolio, knowing I had to be deliberate about my style. I modelled my early work after artists I admired, like Jim Lee and Greg Capullo, and when I felt ready, I sent my portfolio to every online community I could find.
“My first break came when a writer named Trey Belisario reached out to me on Reddit. Together, we developed the first iteration of The Five Fingers. Looking back, we definitely aimed too high – we submitted to publishers like Image Comics and Dark Horse.
“The rejection letters were humbling, but the feedback we received from those publishers was some of the most valuable I’d ever received. It set me on my current path, kick–starting a years-long career in illustration. I drew like my life depended on it – because, in many ways, it did.”
He believes art is a powerful tool for communication and expression, and that “it allows us to connect with our emotions and experiences in a profound way”.
Sassman’s artistic versatility is evident in his diverse portfolio, which encompasses a wide range of subjects, from portraits and landscapes to fantastical creatures and whimsical scenes. His works have been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications, garnering critical acclaim and captivating audiences worldwide.
One of Sassman’s most notable works is a series of illustrations depicting the lives of South African children. Through vibrant colours and his expressive characters, Sassman captures the innocence and joy of childhood, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
“I am passionate about telling stories that celebrate the human spirit and the beauty of the world around us,” says Sassman. “I believe that art has the power to inspire and uplift.”
Navigating the artistic landscape and discovering opportunities is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges for young artists, he explains.
“When you’re just starting out, you’re often filled with uncertainty. You might not know what your style is, where you fit in artistically, how to connect with others, or even what to create – the list is extensive.
“The art world lacks a clear infrastructure, leaving you to chart your own course. This can either be a burden of uncertainty or an overwhelming abundance of possibilities.”
He advises that when faced with indecision, the best approach is to simply start. “Creation is an innate ability, and by beginning, you’ll gain experiences that will guide your next steps and shape your artistic direction.
“I chose to initially focus on comic book illustration. Through my years in that field, I learned so much about myself as an artist: I discovered my style, what I wanted to draw, what I didn’t, who my target audience was and I expanded my artistic network. This foundation ultimately informed my decision to pursue editorial illustration.”
Asked what’s next for Sassman, he replied: “Ultimately, my goal is to keep drawing and creating until the wheels fall off. As it stands right now, though, I aim to dive deeper into the publishing space, aspiring to become an established editorial illustrator and publishing designer, while also taking on the role of a commissioning editor.
“Looking further into the future, I envision myself in a position to pay forward the gifts and kindness of life by publishing a book that guides younger, aspiring illustrators. A book on navigating the artistic landscape as an emerging creative, to help them better understand the industry and make informed decisions to achieve their creative goals.”
Sassman’s work can be viewed on Instagram @sassman.tiff or get in touch with by sending an email to sassmandraws@gmail.com.
