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Austintown artist part of ‘Simpsons’ success
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Fitch High School alumnus Chris Yambar graduated in 1979 and has been drawing and writing for the Simpsons comic book series for more than 11 years. He currently resides in Youngstown.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Chris Yambar (left) visits Fitch High School every other year to talk to and inspire students to go after their dreams. He gave words of encouragement at the school's RDE's 33rd Brown Bag Program May 18.
By SHAIYLA HAKEEM
Ambition and motivation enabled Austintiown native Chris Yambar to land the job of his dreams.
It also helped that he could draw and had a good sense of humor.
Yambar is a 1979 Fitch High graduate. He is an artist mastering the fields of painting, cartooning, writing, designing and producing. He is in his 11th year as an artist for the Simpsons comic book line.
Yambar has been a fan of the “Simpsons” television series since its debut in 1989. He was initially shocked when Matt Groening, originator of the Simpsons, hired him for the comic book.
“I was floored,” Yambar said. “It was the only time I never asked how much the job paid — I took it immediately.”
The road to success wasn’t smooth for Yambar. It took perseverance, dedication and confidence. He said he wasn’t an “A” student and was like a lot of students just trying to get through. He knew what he wanted out of life and he was determined to achieve it.
“My goal in life was to do what I wanted to do and get paid for it,” he said. “I know it sounds crazy, but it’s the American dream.”
The late Fred Gasser, former Fitch High School art teacher, noticed Yambar’s obsession with comic books and introduced him to the world fine art. This broadened his horizons to other areas in the arts other than comic books. Yambar’s love for art lead him to the Mahoning Valley Joint Vocational School where he studied under its commercial art program during his junior and senior years at Fitch. It was there that Yambar realized how to market himself as an artist.
“My teachers taught me the greatest thing, which was how to take the lines on paper and make money from it,” he said.
Having a father and grandfather who worked on railroads and in steel mills made Yambar value the importance of hard work. He decided to go after his dreams, regardless of how difficult the journey may be.
“I’ve learned that in this part of the country, especially in Austintown and Boardman, there is a blue collar, old-school work ethic,” he said. “We’re real go-getters.”
After creating more than 2,000 paintings, Yambar needed a break. In 1994, he created a comic book character called “Mr. Beat,” who dealt with art, music and too much coffee.
His comic book became an national hit.
Through networking at comic book tours, Yambar received word that Groening was reading his comics. He began to give coffee mugs and copies of his comic line to individuals who had access to Groening’s office. They periodically placed Yambar’s products on Groening’s desk.
Yambar’s persistence eventually paid off by landing him his current position with the Simpsons.
Currently, Yambar is working on writing horror books and books on practical theology. Some of his characters are also being tested for potential animation projects. Boredom, he says, is his only enemy in life, so he tries to keep things interesting.
Yambar believes the key to achieving your desires is a solid education through college, vocational school or by visiting the local library. Throughout the year, he travels to public schools, college campuses, art shows, festivals and libraries to inspire people to work toward achieving their goals.
He encourages students and dreamers to forget the money for now and go after what matters in life. The money will follow as long as you strive to be the best in your field.
“If you’re going to go for it, drive your car over the cliff,” Yambar said. “I mean, if you’re gonna do it, really do it.”