Ask The Artist: Christopher Zenga

Christopher Z. with his portrait of Zombie Me

What type of art do you create?

Horror themed art. Mostly (but not exclusively) zombies. 

Where can we admire and purchase your art?

My blog: thedayafterart.blogspot.com

Twitter: @chriszenga

Instagram: chriszenga

Facebook: the day after art

How did you get into the art field?

It was always a part of my life. I was drawing and doodling since I was a kid.

I never thought of it as a business, but as more and more people see your work you start to get commissions for all sorts of stuff. (album covers, murals, canvas paintings for personal collections) and all of a sudden you look around and your an artist!

What was your first creation?

Wow, my first EVER?? How about this, my first public illustration as The Day After

was Buster, the first painting in my Walking Tedd collection.

How long does it take to complete a creation?

It all depends on the size and level of detail.

I can do most custom zombie portraits in a couple of hours. 

Ie. This B-Sol custom zombie portrait (B-Sol is creator of The Vault of Horror)

What was your favorite creation?

Giraffe. He's not the first or the most technical or even the best illustration.

However, he has always spoken to me and to the fans. 

He's cute an creepy and just fun to look at.

I'm currently re-imagining him. Here is a sneak peek:

Who/What inspires you?

To many things to list them all. I will run down a few What's an a few Who's. 

What:

Horror films: Everything from zombies to Godzilla to Thai ghost stories.

Comics: DC, Marvel, Aspen, old Tales from the Crypt.  

Music: I love almost all music. It puts me in moods that help me to create.

And the art is always different depending on those moods. 

Who:

I have been inspired in different ways by different people.

To name a few, Robert Kirkman, Michael Turner. George Romero, Tom Savini. Clive Barker,

George Lucas. Maynard Keenan, Buckethead. My wife Michele.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently re-visiting my "The Kitchen" series and creating new, darker illustrations.

The Kitchen is a poem my wife wrote and I am in the process of turning it into a children's book.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

Draw for you first! Always draw what you love.

If you want to win some of Christopher's awesome artwork,

(including a custom zombie portrait!), stop by the Ball on Tuesday!

Thanks again for your time and generosity, Chris!