Connie Gabbert, a Cornish alumna in art ​​Illustration of class 2008,  has traveled a unique artistic path, evolving from book cover design to tattoo artistry, all while staying true to her creative roots. Hailing from Ashland, Oregon, Connie’s journey to Cornish College of the Arts was not a straightforward one, but one driven by a deep desire to be in the Pacific Northwest and find her artistic voice.

Where are you from, and what drew you to attend Cornish?

Growing up in Ashland, Oregon, Connie was local to the Pacific Northwest. For her first year of college, she attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) in Boston but found herself missing the West Coast. “I had researched and applied to Cornish even before I went out to Boston, and I transferred in my second year,” she shares.

Did you know what discipline you wanted to focus on when you were admitted? How did this evolve during your time as a student?

Initially pursuing a fine arts major at SMFA, Connie soon realized that illustration was where her true passion lay. “I wanted to work with clients and within their parameters,” she explains. “Illustration kept calling me.” She transferred to Cornish’s Design department, where she thrived in her new focus and also explored typography to round out her graphic design skills. Her senior project, a comic book illustrated to accompany a friend’s written story was perfect blend of her illustrative skills and storytelling.

What is your favorite memory from your time at Cornish?

Connie fondly remembers the influence of her teachers and peers. “I still replay advice my professors gave me, and I learned so much from my classmates.”

During your time at Cornish, did you have a primary artistic focus, or did you prefer to experiment across disciplines?

While Connie generally stayed within her lane, she did explore other areas. “I took some theater classes I remember fondly. I always loved plays and technical theater,” she shares.

What is your current artistic practice, and how did your experiences at Cornish prepare you for your career as an artist?

After graduating from Cornish, Connie’s career started as a book cover designer in Oregon before shifting to freelance cover design after having her first child. For about ten years, she honed her craft until a new creative passion emerged. “Tattoo art had started to captivate my attention,” she recalls. Ready for a change, Connie pursued tattoo school and, in 2018, became a licensed tattoo artist.

Her years at Cornish, particularly the drawing skills she developed, gave her the confidence and technical ability to make this shift. “Cornish gave me the years of drawing I needed to feel competent coming up with tattoo designs,” Connie shares. “It also prepared me for interacting with clients to create pieces that meet their requirements while feeling true to my voice.”

How has experimenting with multiple mediums grown your skill set as an artist?

Connie believes that trying new things is crucial for artistic growth. “It’s so important to try new things and push yourself out of your element. Once you’ve mastered something, try something else!” Currently, she is playing with ceramics and enjoying the challenge it presents.

Do you have a particular artwork with a special place in your heart? If so, what is it?

Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits hold a special place in Connie’s heart. “I admired her vulnerability and her willingness to share her inner life in her paintings. I aspire to create work that can also be seen as honest and insightful and true to my experience in the world.”

After graduating from Cornish, have you worked on any particularly rewarding projects? And, if applicable, how did Cornish help prepare you for them?

“Every project I work on is an honor,” Connie says. “I consider it an honor every time someone trusts me to tattoo them. I usually tell people that my most recent tattoo is my favorite tattoo I’ve done.”

What projects are you currently working on?

Connie is excited to break into textile design while continually drawing new tattoo flash. “I’m also excited to keep experimenting with clay and see where that leads.”

If you could share one piece of advice for newly admitted students, what would it be? And for current students at Cornish?

“Soak up as much as possible! Be willing to check your ego and to learn new ways of approaching projects from those around you,” Connie advises.

At Cornish, our focus is helping students become multi/interdisciplinary artists and creatives. What does the term “multidisciplinary” or “interdisciplinary” mean to you, and how has that applied to/helped your career in the arts?

“Being multidisciplinary, to me, means that your creative thinking can be stretched from one medium to another. In my personal experience, this is important to foster so you don’t get stuck. Creativity wanes after years of repetition. Leaning on different tools and different mediums can strengthen that creative muscle,” she explains.

How have you utilized your alumni connections as a student and an alumnus?

“Artists always need other artists. Stay in touch with these people and build a community that can support each other in your endeavors,” Connie advises.

What else would you like to share with the community? 

Connie encourages students to enjoy their college years and embrace every learning opportunity. “Whatever you end up doing, what you try in school becomes part of your unique skill set that you can bring to any project.”

Where can people follow your work?

You can find Connie tattooing in Portland at I Heart Tattoo and follow her creative journey on Instagram at @conniegabbert.

To all Cornish students and alumni, Connie’s story is a reminder that the path to success is rarely linear—but the skills and lessons learned along the way can take you in unexpected and rewarding directions.