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In the Spotlight: Christopher Cizek ’17
Christopher Cizek ’17 earned his bachelor’s degree with a dual major in creative writing (poetry) and film and video arts (digital filmmaking), with a minor in English literature, magna cum laude. Today, he is a multidisciplinary artist who describes his artistic style as “maximalist doodles — fun to look at, always something new to discover.” Christopher is employed as a graphic designer at Terrapin, one of the oldest family-owned cannabis companies in the world. “I knew I wanted to be an artist, and Lycoming gave me what I needed to chase that dream.”
Why did you choose to attend Lycoming College?
I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t because my high school sweetheart, Courtney (Hayden) ’16, attended Lycoming. I’d drive to Williamsport every Sunday, and we’d spend the day exploring campus and the city. Pair all that with Lycoming’s poetry and video programs, and I was sold.
What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors, or activities while attending Lycoming as a student?
If I had to pick, it’d be all the nights a pile of people came to hang out in Bobby Hoffman’s and my room on CAS floor or in Commons 7. Being the room that everyone wanted to hang out in ruled. We’d just talk and play video games ’til the wee hours of the morning.
How has your education at Lycoming influenced or helped you in your life and career?
I’m lucky to say I’m doing exactly what I went to school for. Since I was a kid, I always wanted to be an artist, as lofty as that dream sounded in my little hometown of Galeton, Pa. Today, I’m shooting and editing photos and video, writing, animating, illustrating, and designing for a living.
What inspires your art and what do you hope it conveys?
My art is very much a record of the entirety of the moment, so I’d probably say everything — an old house, a delivery truck, some dude’s face — really, anything has a good chance of making it into one of my drawings. More than anything, I want to convey that art doesn’t have to be serious. I think everyone could be an artist (and they should), but they get so hung up on being “good” that they don't try. “Bad” art is still good art…just look at my stuff.
What are one or two of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from Lycoming in which your education played a role?
Above all else, my proudest accomplishment is being as well-rounded as I am. Just look at all the skills I mentioned earlier — that is a rarity. I knew I wanted to be an artist, and Lycoming gave me what I needed to chase that dream.
How do you engage with Lycoming College?
Most directly, I engage with Lycoming by attempting to skateboard on campus before security kicks me out. Security has gotten way more vigilant since 2017, so props for that! Beyond that, Courtney and I will walk through campus or attend an event from time to time.
In the Spotlight recognizes members of our alumni community who are doing great things that have been influenced by their time at Lycoming College. Alumni Spotlight submissions are used at the discretion of the College and may be included in the monthly eNews as space and time permit. To participate, submit an Alumni Spotlight questionnaire.