“My style I’ll say is unorthodox when it comes to being abstract and being realistic. “
Chidiebere Udogwu, from SC but now ATL based, is an artist, creative director, and talent who has carved out a unique lane for himself. He talks to us about his creative inspirations, life as a father, and his artwork:
CF — What’s up Chi, just wanted to start off by thanking you for your time! How has life been for you lately?
Chidiebere — Man thank you for your interest in speaking with me bro! God has been blessing me in ways I couldn’t plan myself. Learning and growing each day.
CF — That’s great to hear! We’d like to know what the day to day looks like for you. More specifically, what are your creative medium(s) and roles?
Chidiebere — I’m a fine artist and a talent manager. In a full workday, I start my days at 5am. I paint from then until my daughter wakes up around 7:30am. My wife makes breakfast and I entertain my daughter until I have to shower to be at the office at 9am. I’m at the office working on mgmt roster from then until about 7pm. After that I either go home to do bedtime with my daughter or if I have a late night, I go to the studio to paint.
CF — Between artist, manager, father, & husband, all of those are really full time roles in themselves. How do you find the time to balance them and the motivation to feel fulfilled in each one?
Chidiebere — My schedule is a big part in how I balance it. To feel fulfilled in each one, I think that’s a day-to-day cup to fill up.
CF — I get that, the discipline of time management is vital for progressing in anything. Let’s dive into the fine arts a little bit. Could you explain to us your visual art style and how you got started with that?
Chidiebere — My style I’ll say is unorthodox when it comes to being abstract and being realistic. I tie in cartoonish features with realistic details. The lips are disembodied and the rest of the body is pretty normal I’ll say.
I got started with art at a young age just like all of us did. At the crib scribbling and being locked in while in art class throughout grade schooling. I started taking it more seriously once the artist I worked with, 18veno, encouraged me to get a sketchbook to plan out ideas him and I would have. Just having access to that sketchbook opened up a whole world I didn’t know I had within me. As of April 2024 is when I had the guts to paint on canvas. Since then, I’ve been taking my art serious.
CF — That’s a very unique style and I appreciate the origin story. Sometimes it takes someone saying the right thing, at the right time, to set us down a life changing path. Who would you say are some of your biggest inspirations in the art space?
Chidiebere — I’ll say my biggest art inspirations are Dr. Seuss, Yoshitomo Nara, and Tim Burton. Especially Dr. Seuss because of his way of building his world and how he communicated within it. I def don’t agree with him as a person though. Buddy been racist as hell from what I’ve read. Art good though.
CF — Yeah, we can’t deny his contributions but it’s always a shame when it’s too conflicting to separate the art from the artist. To pivot here, how long have you been in Atlanta area and how has it affected you creatively?
Chidiebere — I’ve been here since December 2023. It’s been great so far. It’s a big difference in clientele and more access to get my work in front of notable people on a day-to-day basis
CF — Glad it’s been beneficial for you! One more question then we’ll wrap this up. Could you explain what got you into talent management and who you currently represent?
Chidiebere — 18veno got me into management. Working with him so closely made me want to get into it. Highway was the first artist I started to manage myself back in 2020. Then followed the rest of my guys: Xjay, Destin Laurel, Kiid Katze, and DJ Roos
CF — Got you, we’ll have to check them out! We appreciate you for your time and sharing your story, what should be on the lookout for and how can we show our support?
Chidiebere — I have a few releases coming up before the end of year. Dropping my Udo Keychains. Some merch. All while I’m prepping for my first solo exhibition. It’ll be in ATL 2026 so just stick around!