Alumnus Christopher Chapman ’03 from Disney will visit campus March 29–31 to be inducted into the College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame and deliver his speech “Rebel Innovation.”
During his talk, Chapman will unfold his entertaining style and even rebellious attitude to take you on a journey as he breathes life into his time at Illinois State University as an art major, his career path in art and design for Disney, examples of his collaborative work, and top tips for helping your own creativity thrive.
“Our art students are excited to meet with Chris when he’s back on campus, and gain valuable insight into how he sees the field of design in the 21st century.” —Michael Wille
“Rebel Innovation” and the Hall of Fame ceremony will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, in the Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall. The event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required.
Chapman is looking at this visit as an opportunity to prepare for his upcoming commencement address. In addition to being able to visit his alma mater and check out his old haunts, he is looking forward to getting to know how students are thinking as they prepare for their post-college lives. His visit will include meeting with art majors in upper level graphic design courses as well as informal small group meetings with various School of Art students.
“Our art students are excited to meet with Chris when he’s back on campus, and gain valuable insight into how he sees the field of design in the 21st century,” said Interim Director of the School of Art Michael Wille. “They look to Chris as a role model, and marvel at his accomplishments at such a young age. Chris has a drive and intensity for his work that is matched by few.
Disney’s Christopher Chapman in his office.
“I can’t wait for students to get to meet him, share time with him, and see how ISU impacted him. He is not shy about the impact the graphic design program had on his development as a critical thinker and maker in the field of design.”
After graduating from Illinois State University with a B.S. in art with a graphic design focus, Chapman started his career at Disney by designing products for the Theme Parks globally in Orlando, Florida. His next leap at Disney moved him to Los Angeles, where he works as a global creativity and innovation director. In this role he has led innovation and design projects with ABC News, ABC Television, Disney Cable Networks, Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Marvel, Lucas, Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Parks, Disney Consumer Products, and Disney Interactive.
Chapman will give the spring 2016 commencement speech for the College of Fine Arts on Saturday, May 7, at 7 p.m. in Braden Auditorium, located in the Bone Student Center.
