Today we’d like to introduce you to Branson Hatcher.
Branson, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been drawing all my life. It’s one of the few things I consider myself to be really good at. Many different people throughout my life, including my parents, encouraged me to pursue it, though I wasn’t totally convinced I wanted to make it my career until high school. I had some teachers and mentors growing up who acknowledged my artistic talent, and encouraged me to pursue it, but only as a hobby. There was this idea, I guess common in that older generation, that an artistic career was not a path to success. That planted a seed in my head early on that I should try to find something else to aspire to. But even through that, I was never able to get art out of my mind. I never found anything I wanted to do more than art. It always remained one of the only things that I genuinely loved doing.
One of my biggest influences in my life was my paternal grandfather. He was an artist, like me. He loved to draw and paint, but he never made a career out of it. His death during my 9th-grade year is a big part of what pushed me to finally give in and pursue a career as an artist. That, and the encouragement of my high school art teacher, who was the first person to tell me that art was a viable thing to do with my life. I decided I wanted to go to SCAD and aim for a career in art, in part to do my grandfather proud, and because I realized I didn’t want to do anything else. And now I’m here, a SCAD alum and a professional artist, working towards building a career as an illustrator/designer.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Things haven’t been entirely easy for me, no. SCAD’s tough, and I had some personal struggles I had to overcome along the way. But I never gave up. I chose to stick it out, and I’m glad I did. I’ve grown quite a bit over the past several years, and I’m in a place where I feel like I can say I’m proud of myself. Now I’m fully focused on advancing my career. It’s been a slower process than I’d have preferred, but I try to remind myself that slow and steady wins the race.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
Like I said, I’ve been drawing my entire life. People took notice from time to time when I was growing up. Sometimes I’d get special requests to draw or paint things for my friends or family members. I realized pretty early on that I could make money doing this. So it grew from there. I’ve done everything from logo designs, to tattoo designs, fine art pieces, etc. Now I specialize in line-based, graphic illustration, and simple design work. What started as a little side project has become an integral part of my career. I’m happy that I get to share my unique style and vision with people, and get paid to do it.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
If you consider being born to a good set of parents a form of good luck, then I would say that has been the luckiest thing to ever happen to me. I know for a fact I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family. It’s something I always try to remember to never take for granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bransonhatcherillustration.com
- Email: hatcher.bran@gmail.com
- Instagram: @hatchiibran
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