We had the good fortune of connecting with Tom Christopher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tom, what makes you happy? Why?

Painting and skateboarding. My son Evan who lives in Denver, said you have to try one of the scooters. Absolutely the best ride ever.  I grew up in LA on a skateboard, so feel more balanced and comfortable on that than walking. Denver is the perfect town for urban E Scooters. I immediately bought one upon return to NY and recently found myself going 40mph through Times Square.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I was the kid in back of class who never paid attention and just drew hot rods and cartoons of unsuspecting classmates. Doing just enough homework to get by.  Later on, I tried other ”real career “ college classes and quickly realized, by default, that I should do something I am good at. Drawing. It took years to get off the ground but looking back (and thanks for these questions) it was indeed the right choice.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Climb one of the great peaks. Like Trading Post. Bring your dog and lots of water. But really throw a rock in any direction there is so much to do. And the altitude is no big deal. You get your legs right away for such inspiring hikes. Then head back into town for great tacos and beer. It’s an amazing place. Don’t forget to E Scooter around.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Walt Disney. I worked in the park drawing people. Portraits in watercolor, so you had to make it really look like them. Brutal job. Especially when part of the job was to be dressed  like a pirate in New Orleans Square.  But a great way to learn facial anatomy. Later as a teacher I had Herb Ryman, who worked with Walt one weekend to design Disneyland Park. Also Ward Kimball who invented Jiminy Cricket, animated Fantasia and The Jungle Book. Both teachers of the lost art of how to draw and animate. I later used this knowledge to work for CBS News doing courtroom drawing for trials.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
photo by Tom Christopher

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.