Rising Stars: Meet Rick Stringer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Stringer.

Hi Rick, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 1984, while working as a bartender in Los Angeles, I found myself at a crossroads. Coming from an artistic family, I had initially resisted following in their footsteps. However, frequent visits to a local art store in LA began to spark a curiosity in me. One day, on impulse, I bought an airbrush—a decision that would ultimately change the course of my life. I quickly fell in love with the medium and devoted myself to mastering its techniques.

Curiosity led me to the Otis Parsons School of Design, where I was encouraged to take a few classes. I enrolled in an airbrush course and a photographic illustration class, both of which were incredibly rewarding.

The turning point came during one of my airbrush classes. While working on an illustration, my instructor, impressed by my work, offered me a job. He needed someone to help create a mural on a temporary wall at a construction site, featuring photorealistic people walking along a street. This mural, my very first project, was a fantastic experience and marked the beginning of my career as an artist.

Since my last interview with CanvasRebel, my artistic journey has taken a new direction, with photography becoming my primary focus over the past year. It all started with photographing the artwork of Craig Mitchell Smith, a collaboration that continues to this day. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to photograph his new show at The Museum of The Shenandoah Valley, a stunning outdoor exhibition set in a beautiful garden. These photos, along with others, will be featured in a book about Craig’s life, scheduled for publication in 2025.

In addition to this project, I’ve photographed local events and have more lined up. My passion for photography also extends to exploring fine art elements in still life images and landscapes, where I find the freedom to express my artistic vision in new and exciting ways.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Everyone faces struggles—it’s a part of life. For the most part, my artistic journey has been fairly smooth, and I’ve always found great satisfaction in the creative process and the end results.

I’ve been fortunate to connect with some key figures along the way. My first major influences were Barry Fahr and Judy Unger, my instructors at Otis Parsons School of Design. They truly ignited my creativity. Later, I worked with R. N. Johnson in Arlington Heights, Illinois, for a year, which was incredibly important for my development. Although I loved working with R. N. Johnson and Associates, the Chicago area didn’t feel like the right fit for me.

It was my brother who convinced me there was a place for my skills in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There, I met my next great influence and mentor, Michael VanderWall. Michael played a crucial role in helping me develop my artistic skills. However, when it became clear that the company was facing challenges, I started looking for new opportunities.

This search led me to Corbin Design in Traverse City, where I worked for twenty-eight years, twenty of those as vice president. At the end of 2020, I decided to leave Corbin Design to start Rick Stringer Creative Services, LLC.

There have been ups and downs since then, but the support of my wife, Cindee, has been critical. She’s my muse and helps me stay on track. Rick Stringer Creative Services, LLC has been a rewarding venture. While I can’t say I’m getting rich from it, I certainly appreciate the lifestyle it affords me.

One of the more challenging aspects of my journey has been finding my own artistic style. While airbrushing was something I enjoyed for many years, I don’t have the same passion for it as I did thirty years ago. When I ventured out on my own, I experimented with acrylic pouring, which was a big step outside my comfort zone. It was fun, and I even sold a few pieces, but my true passion has shifted.

Photography has become my new creative outlet. I’m experiencing the same joy from it that I once felt with airbrushing. I love exploring light, shape, and mood, and this new medium allows me to express my artistic vision in ways I hadn’t imagined before.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I like to think of myself as versatile. For nearly forty years, I’ve been known for my Macintosh computer skills, which have been a cornerstone of my creative work. Whether it was during my time with Corbin Design, working alongside Michael VanderWall, or in the early stages of Rick Stringer Creative Services, LLC, the Mac has been central to what I do.

However, I believe people’s perception of me is evolving. Over the past few years, I’ve dedicated myself to photography, and I’ve received a lot of positive feedback about how my work has progressed.

My background in painting and computer art deeply influences my photography. The way I perceive light and shape in my subjects is similar to how I approached my airbrush illustrations. To me, each image is more than just a photo—I strive to elevate it into a piece of art.

What sets me apart is this blend of traditional artistic skills with modern technology. I’m proud of how I’ve been able to transition and grow in my creative journey, always pushing myself to explore new mediums and techniques. My work is not just about capturing a moment, but about creating something that resonates on a deeper, more artistic level.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m easy to connect with. My website, rickstringer.com, showcases a range of my work, and my photography portfolio can be found at rick-stringer.pixels.com. Additionally, you can view more of my work at rickstringercreativeservicesllc.pixieset.com.

I’m particularly interested in collaborating with other artists to help them share and showcase their work through photography, similar to my ongoing collaboration with Craig Mitchell Smith. While I’m open to creating paintings if that’s what someone is looking for, photography is where my true passion lies, and it’s what I’m most eager to do for others.

If your needs include computer-generated artwork, database development, or general Macintosh support, I can certainly assist with that as well.

If you like what you see in my galleries and have a project or idea in mind, feel free to reach out to me at rick@rickstringer.com. I’d love to hear from you and explore how we can work together.

Pricing:

• My pricing is based on the project, and by the gallery where I have it posted.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.rickstringer.com/
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/rickstringer_tc/
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/RickStringerCreativeServicesLLC
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/rickstringer/
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/rick_stringer
• Yelp: http://yelp.com/biz/rick-stringer-creative-services-traverse-city
• Other: https://rick-stringer.pixels.com

Image Credits
All photos © copyright 2024 Rick Stringer Creative Services, LLC All Rights Reserved