From Sketch to Cafe: West Chester University Artist Chuck Scott
Chuck created the last panel in our triptych series at our new West Chester cafe
For Chuck Scott, art was an escape. He grew up in a rough section of West Philadelphia facing poverty, bullies and a difficult childhood. He even went to the same high school Will Smith sings about escaping in the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song.
The straight-A student thought he’d become a lawyer but instead found comic books — forever changing his career path. Art was his new love and he dove deep into it — even installing a drafting table by his bedside so he could hone his craft during every free minute. Now a senior at West Chester University, he’s one of three artists being recognized by Saxbys and included in the triptych art at the new Experiential Learning cafe.
We sat down with Chuck to talk about his upbringing, art and inspirations. You can check out his illustrations here and his graphic design work here. And definitely follow him on Instagram. You won’t be sorry.
How did you find your love of art?
Childhood. I grew up in really rough neighborhood and art was my refuge. It was an area with high poverty, high violence, absentee parents, drug-addicted parents. When I was a child, I really didn’t know any better, then I got older and things rushed in all at once and I realized this situation not very good. I was looking for an alternate route to avoid bullies and I tripped over a small newsstand that sold comic books. That was pretty much it for me. There was a comic book called Rom — a silver android thing that fought in space. That took me on a completely different track. I was a straight A student and figured I’d be a lawyer or something. But art helped me escape from a lot of the bad stuff around me.
What was it like working in the comic book world?
For years and years, I pursued comic books. The problem was with comic books, it was a lot of labor. And if you don’t enjoy that labor, it can be torturous after a while. I worked 40-plus hours a week as a supervisor in retail. I had my drafting table next to my bed. I would roll out of bed before I even brushed my teeth and I would draw. Then I would work eight hours, and as soon as I walked through the door, I was right back at the drafting table getting maybe four or five hours of sleep a night. I did that for years.
Now you’re a senior at West Chester. What are your career aspirations?
My fiance is a graphic designer. Watching her through her career path, I realized this is an amazing tool. I can still contribute creatively while still being gainfully employed.
How do you describe your aesthetic?
Child-like without being childish. Upbeat and happy but sometimes dark and appealing because of that comic book background. I still have a pretty aggressive hand, but I have a child-like nature. When I hit the page, I like to play. I like to be expressive and outlandish when I can.
“Ajalaa and Keechad” by Chuck
What art and artist do you look up to?
It’s a big range. The Powerpuff Girls, Steven Universe, The Muppets, The Amazing World of Gumball. Then I’m over in Art Deco and Art Nouveau with people like Paula Scher. Then back to comic books with Jim Lee and Skottie Young. Here are some more: Genndy Tartakovsky, Craig Mccracken, Arthur De Pins, Creature Box, Joe Pitt, Lydia Nichols, Jim Henson.
What attracted you to the Saxbys triptych project?
With West Chester it’s not the first place a lot of people look when people think art, and they have a phenomenal program. There are more famous places like University of the Arts and Tyler but I was attracted to West Chester because of the intimacy there. I realized how strong the program was. I took the Saxbys opportunity because I wanted to make sure program is represented and people realize how strong it is.
What kind of exposure do you hope to achieve?
Just to offer a smile. It’s a coffee place. Somebody is waking up in the morning, walking in and I want to offer them a little bit of fun. We’re missing a lot of fun, happiness and smiles today.
“Parrot” by Chuck