CHLOE MCCULLOUGH

Words by Emane Haque | Photos provided

Despite no formal art classes as a child or artsy parents to direct her, Chloe McCullough grew up drawing. Her own natural interest inspired her to sketch and her pages and pages of early drawings have given her not only the confidence to create her own art but to put art on other people’s bodies permanently.

A look at McCullough’s art Instagram account, @cmmvisuals, showcases the Communications Design major’s talent. Posts of cartoon-style drawings, unique advertising campaigns, and small inky black tattoos compose her page. However, McCullough’s standout works are the selfdescribed “funky faces,” with blocky heads and big eyes that suspiciously resemble those of someone who just took a fat hit. In a variety of colors, the 2D characters’ expressive faces are ones you want to keep looking at, and possibly light up with too.

McCullough cites Cole Bennett’s “Lenny” and the style of animation in “The Midnight Gospel” and “Rick and Morty” as inspiration. For those unfamiliar, Lenny is the squiggly motif with a face that makes easter egg appearances in rap music videos produced by Bennett. From “The Midnight Gospel,” McCullough’s work draws similarity from the toon’s overly large eyes and captures the casual style akin to “Rick and Morty.” If one had to blindbuy McCullough’s work, imagine her prints as the perfect gift for fans of Tyler, The Creator, Kith, and anything indie-but-expensive.

The sophomore’s work isn’t limited to just paper, though. McCullough became interested in tattoos as a next step in expanding her artistry.

“I grew up with an uncle who was a tattoo artist, so I always thought his stuff was really cool,” she said. “It wasn’t until this past year I looked into doing it myself.”

McCullough’s first tattoo was done for a friend: a smiley face on his leg. McCullough didn’t expect much interest from others to display her newfound endeavor. After posting work she had done on her friends, strangers started swiping up on her stories asking for tattoos. Now to advertise her work, she posts stories when she is doing tattoos and their pricing, and people continue to swipe up for bookings. McCullough tattoos her own designs, as well as pieces her clients bring in.

McCullough’s favorite tattoo was a simple ghost done on her friend Hema’s arm. “That was the first one I gave that I was more confident in my ability and afterward wanting to give more.” McCullough has many plans to keep growing her brand–she wants to have her own brand, with her designs on clothes, skate decks, and other products. McCullough also plans on getting a tattoo apprenticeship to become a certified artist.

While she knows the paths she could take, exactly how her work will evolve is unknown. “What I make, or what I’m interested in changes as I change,” McCullough said. “I don’t know what it could be in the future.”