Christopher's Meanderings

This is an interview conducted through text with my friend Billy Coker.  It has been edited with his permission for clarity and format. Billy is a graphic designer who shares a love of Star Wars. Also, he happens to have been raised by two of the most generous people I have ever met. Currently, he lives and works out of Chattanooga, Tennessee although he grew up in Southern California. (Photo of Billy in his natural habitat, part of his series of 52 self portraits) Christopher: How did you get started in your line of work? Billy: Back in the mid-90’s I played in a band. I didn’t consider myself a musician, but rather a guy who played bass well who wanted an excuse to hang out with his friends. That’s always been my approach to creative projects and skills. I recognize I have been blessed with creative talent, but I’ve never made creativity my identity. During my time in the band, I took on the role of making all our flyers and shirt designs. It was fun! I ...

One of the things I have wanted to do with the blog is interview some people who are in creative fields. I am honored to share this first experience with my friend Daniel Townsend. Daniel is a hardworking and loyal husband, dad of three young daughters (including twins!), and wig master. He has worked in theater in the United States and overseas. For several years, he was the Wigmaster at the popular A Christmas Carol annual production at the Cincinnati Playhouse. From that experience he went on to write A Mouthful of Goose: Backstage Stories from A Christmas Carol . He has a new book coming out from Routledge which will be focused on teaching makeup and wigs skills in an academic setting. Here is our conversation:* Christopher: What do you enjoy about makeup and wigs? Daniel: My favorite thing about working with wigs and makeup is the artistry of the craft. Selecting the right color blends that go into making a wig is an exciting first step in the making of a wig. ...