Today we’d like to introduce you to Channin Fulton.
Hi Channin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I remember back in 2018; I had written my story on this website. So, this is a bit of an updated version of where I’ve landed after 2018 when I first wrote my story for the first time:
I run an illustration studio here in San Diego. I began my business in 2017. After graduating with a graphic design degree in 2014, I worked for a local brand agency. Then I got laid off from that agency job and felt pretty devastated because I had no clue what would come next for my career.
I knew I was interested in illustration and art and hadn’t really had the chance to flex those muscles too much within the branding agency space. So, I started on a journey of self-initiated “passion projects” revolving around illustration. Those led to similar work—specifically starting with a local client that gave me the opportunity to brand her shop. But the fun part was when she gave me an opportunity to design and paint murals in her brick-and-mortar. Her shop ended up being successful, the murals brought a ton of exposure, and that’s really where my mural career began to evolve.
I now consider myself a full-time illustrator. I mainly execute murals but still dabble with logo, editorial, and other graphic design work. I also teach typography as an adjunct at City College.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Running my own business has been the ultimate challenge! But it’s also been so worth it. I think a big struggle for me is time management—navigating the right balance between work while still meeting life’s other obligations and desires. I’d also say: money matters and self-advocacy have been good obstacles and challenges.
When I asked about my struggles in 2018 (when I had just launched my business), I said I was struggling with anything “financial”—negotiations, budgeting, taxes, etc. I still feel this way. I don’t think that stuff has gotten much better for me, but some of it has become easier as I’ve developed more efficient organization. I feel particularly stronger at negotiating. That’s something I think comes with confidence and experience. I’m grateful for the time it’s taken me to grow in my business knowledge.
Another cool thing I’ve learned from running my own business is that it’s forced me to be more assertive—something that doesn’t always come naturally. I am lucky to have an amazing quiver of clients, but there have still been some rough client stories. For me, learning how to become more assertive within client work has empowered me beyond my work life. It’s entered into other relations like dating, politics, religion, family conversations, etc. Learning to assert myself in my job has led to an all-encompassing empowerment.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I run a studio business specializing in branding and illustration. I often take a democratic approach to art, which is why I often create on the streets as a muralist. I’m most known for my mural work since it’s higher in exposure than my logo, lettering, or other illustrative work.
A huge inspiration for me is the environment around me; I bring a “California vibe” into my work through bold shape and vibrant color. Think: graphic equivalent of a smile or a hug. Positive messaging is also a huge theme in my work. As an illustrator who loves lettering and typography, it’s fulfilling to work around messaging. I love to create delight and warmth within my work to help build community up in a positive way.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is connecting people and ideas with creative visual craftsmanship.
Contact Info:
- Website: channinfulton.com
- Instagram: channinfulton`
- Twitter: channinfulton
