Charis Tsevis’ personality is as complex as his art. Having grown up in Athens, he’s developed a passion and appreciation for different cultures which has influenced the way he works. “I’m a dedicated scholar of gestalt psychology, informatics and cyberculture,” says the visual designer and illustrator.
“I specialise in high complexity imagery that is based on a cultural background. I love to pass endless days studying a culture; local, ethnic, historic, contemporary, mainstream or underground. I also love to study how various sciences can help the artist’s work.”
Tsevis is also a big sports fan which is demonstrated in his work with football, basketball, volleyball and athletics clients. “I’m lucky enough to work for some of the most interesting clients around the world," he adds. "I'm very much into sports, politics and the entertainment industry. I love being involved in political and social campaigns and projects related to culture and history.”
As well as heavily researching his subjects, Tsevis says he's never stopped designing and drawing and his family used to encourage him to spend as much time as he could on his creations. They are constructed with small images that make up a wider picture, which make for an interesting viewing experience of his work.
Charis Tsevis
“My process is similar to cooking,” says the artist. “I love taking time to collect the right ingredients, exercise to improve my skills and then create my artwork like a chef preparing a meal. Something nutritious but also pleasant for the senses.”
As you can imagine, being so thorough with his work means it can be a tricky job finding the right place for everything. But Tsevis is thankful to technology for allowing him to surpass physical limits and reach new ground. “I also love the idea of forgiveness with technology and the ‘undo’. It’s probably the best invention of mankind. I wish we could have ‘undos’ in real life as well,” he muses.
And just as he takes time with his own creative process, he says those looking to crack the creative industry should also be ready to wait for their moment. “It’s important to be patient, consistent and have faith," Tsevis explains. "You must study, work and experiment. But without faith this probably doesn’t work so have faith in yourself and what you love. Remember you chose to do this because you love doing it most of all.”
Now a Paphosresident on the island of Cyprus, Tsevis is enjoying the laidback sunshine lifestyle but still seeks inspiration beyond it now and then. “It’s a peaceful seaside place that would give any artist a great quality of life," he concludes. "OK, sometimes it can get quiet and maybe a bit boring, but when I feel like that, I travel.”
See a selection of Tsevis' work below and connect with him here.
NBA Finals 2019 (Giannis Antetokounmpo) - Mosaic portraits of Basketball idols created based on the actual maps of the cities where their teams play.
NBA Finals 2019 (Kawhi Leonard) - Mosaic portraits of Basketball idols created based on the actual maps of the cities where their teams are playing.
Every Smile Has its Moment - Mosaic illustration for an ad campaign for Cyprus Airways.
Team USA - Murals to decorate the House of the USA in the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.
Pete Buttigieg: Take Me to Church - A mosaic portrait of Pete Buttigieg, candidate for the democratic nomination for the 2020 US presidency.
Charis Tsevis September 19th, 2019, in the afternoon
Thanks so much, guys!