SI-Blog-LA: The Illustrators' Blog.

Name
:

Sarah Atlee

Website
:

www.sarahatlee.com
flickr.com/photos/sarahatlee

Describe your illustration style.

Interpretive portraiture with a smattering of pop surrealism.

Saint Allthumbs, the Second Coming, acrylic and bottlecaps on canvas

How did you get started in the illustration field?

I went through college on the fine arts track, and didn’t get to know illustration until I was a graduate student at the Rochester Institute of Technology. I learned that what I am is a visual communicator; I wish to communicate ideas through imagery and other visual information. That was about five years ago.

When I was younger I wanted to be…

…a famous artist. Now I’m happy being any artist.

What’s your favorite medium? Least favorite?

I love drawing, it’s instant gratification. Nothing gives me greater control and freedom. I love that every drawing is a direct record of a person’s physicality, whether they freely express that or try to cover it up. My least favorite process I’ve ever used is lithography. It’s the opposite of immediate. Lithographers have a great love for their medium, and I admire them for that.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Being in the midst of a good creative flow. After a painting session, I feel full, like I’ve eaten a wonderful meal.

Leigh, acrylic on fabric

Describe your typical work day.

I recently quit my day job. It was one of the best (and scariest) things I’ve ever done, but incredibly liberating. I highly recommend it! Now I wake up at a reasonable hour in the morning, and spend some time inboxing, getting an idea of my tasks for the day. I like to get chores like dishes and laundry out of the way early (because they’re unavoidable). Being my own boss is tough. I have to make myself start drawing or painting, but once I’m in it, I remember that it’s my favorite thing to do.

What was your favorite project?

Last week, in a fit of frustration, I painted a portrait based on a photo of a friend. It took about an hour, and is my favorite thing I’ve done lately. Some things just come out right the first time.

What advice do you wish you had at the beginning of your illustration career?

It’s okay to keep a swipe file or a morgue; in fact, it’s very helpful. It’s okay to want to make a living off art. Plenty of people do just that, though it seems to be a secret. (Shh!) It’s not a good idea to limit my dreams because they might seem unrealistic. I will only achieve those big goals if I reach for them.

How do you balance work and play?

Nothing motivates me like a deadline. Most of my work is for gallery shows, which are planned months in advance. I’m good at planning long-term projects and breaking big workloads into smaller bites. I figure out how much work I need to do each month, then each week and each day. I know how many hours I can work before I burn out and need a break. (I keep multiple pieces going so I can switch gears when I get tired.) I also know how long I can go without painting before I go into withdrawal.

Margaret V, acrylic and graphite on masonite

What are some of your inspirations?

At some point, while I was a student, I figured out that in order to become a good artist I had to hold myself to a very high standard. I have to make work that’s not just as good as the people in my class, or my school, or my town, but as good as successful professionals in the field. If I’m not reaching for excellence, and demanding quality work of myself, then I will be subconsciously settling for mediocrity. Right now, some artists that I’m looking at are James Jean, Gary Taxali, Debby Kaspari, Jeff Soto, Camilla Engman, Norman Rockwell, and August Sander. Those are some of my usual suspects, but ideas are likely to strike from the least expected angles. I find exciting art on Flickr all the time. Chance favors the prepared mind, so I try and keep mine open.

Normal, OK: Mundy Tulsa (1944), acrylic and graphite on stonehenge paper

Outside of assignments, do you have creative side projects or hobbies?

I always have a file of images and sketches that intrigue me, although I don’t yet know what their purpose will be.

If you weren’t an illustrator, what would you be?

Very, very sad.

—

Current SILA members are invited to submit a member spotlight interview.

Click here for more information: http://si-la.org/spotlight.html

June 27, 2009 - Art in the Park Mixer

SILA Art in the Park

Pencil to painting, sketchbook to canvas! Join the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles for a Saturday Art in the Park, Plein Air painting with Keith Batcheller. The morning will start with a plein air demo presentation. Open to sketching, painting, pastels, or a medium of your choice. Bring your art supplies, a hat and a sunscreen to enjoy painting outdoors to kick off the summer!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Griffith Park-near the carousel
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Lunch provided.

Free for SILA Members,  $5.00 for non-members

Please call the office at 800-799-6368 or email us at info@si-la.org to save your spot by noon on Friday, June 26, 1009.

————

Directions to get to the Griffith Park - carousel area:

Google Maps link to the carousel:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&gl=us&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=117266303198437413763.00046c97e1d553126c4bb&ll=34.132717,-118.282966&spn=0.001401,0.003221&t=h&z=19

Griffith Park lies just west of the 5 Freeway, roughly between Los Feliz Boulevard on the south and the 134 Freeway (SR 134) on the north. Freeway off-ramps leading to the park from the 5 are Los Feliz Boulevard, Griffith Park (direct entry) and Zoo Drive. Approaching the park on 134 eastbound, take either the Forest Lawn Drive or Victory Boulevard offramps. From 134 westbound, take Zoo Drive or Forest Lawn Drive. After leaving freeways, follow the signs into the park.

Directions to the Griffith Park Carousel: Get on Crystal Springs Drive, which runs past the Griffith Park Miniature Train, Griffith Park Pony Rides, and the Griffith Park Ranger Station. The Merry-go-round is off of Crystal Springs Drive on a small side street in the park; follow the well-marked signs.

This workshop by California Lawyers for the Arts takes place on June 3, 2009 from 7pm - 8:30pm, and they are hosting more workshops this summer.
You can find out more about the organization here.

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How to Survive a Challenging Economy: Best Practices for Contemporary Visual Artists
With Jessica L. Darraby, Esq.

DESCRIPTION: This workshop is designed to help artists identify ways to manage ups and downs in the art market.  Artists will be provided options for best practices including organizing a portfolio in a professional way consistent with archiving and cataloguing; how and when to identify copyright issues and determine if they are relevant to your work;  how to protect yourself and minimize risk in the studio and at the galleries;  how your digital files can work for you;  maintaining images, prints, and other studio records, maximizing your career options, presenting your work—and yourselves– to galleries, the ins and outs of consignment, insurance issues, and managing expectations in the era of art as business.

SPEAKER:   Jessica Darraby, a former art dealer, owner and director of a contemporary art gallery,  is a principal in The Art Law Firm, a practice dedicated to art and architecture law, with offices in Los Angeles and affiliate counsel in New York and Europe, representing an international clientele in the arts.  Practice areas include:  conservation, architecture, entertainment and publishing, copyright, trademark, licensing, rights and clearances, public art, restitution and repatriation, fraud, counterfeits, international trade, indigenous cultural rights, corporate matters, estates and trusts.   Ms. Darraby is the author of the comprehensive legal treatise Art, Artifact,   Architecture & MUSEUM Law, VOlumes 1 & 2 (14th ed. 2009) published by Thomson Reuters West.  She has been interviewed by the New York Times, the LA Times, The World, the BBC, MSNBC, newsweek.com, National Public Radio, the Smithsonsian  PROTOTYPES ONLINE, Art & Auction, Heritage Magazine, ABA Journal, Los Angeles Daily Journal, Heritage Magazine, and Bloomberg Wealth Management Magazine, among others.

WHERE:  Ken Edwards Center, 1527 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
ADMISSION:  General Admission: $20, Members of CLA and Co-sponsors: $10, Senior Citizens and Students: $5
REGISTRATION: Call CLA at (310) 998-5590, or email us (please include your contact info and specify the workshop date(s)) at: clasocaled@aol.com

Here’s an interesting twist on plein air painting that I’m looking forward to participating: painting the urban landscape. A group of artists are gathering this Sunday, May 17 and once a month until September to interpret different public spaces and various man-made landscapes in Los Angeles. It is free to participate, just bring your own supplies in addition to cookies to share with the group! More information and meeting location is at The Public School website here.

For those of you who want to brush up on digital skills, there is a 10-week webinar on InDesign CS4 that is free to watch. It takes place every Thursday from 11AM-12:30pm starting May 14. More details are at CreativeTechs website here.

In honor of Mother’s Day, Artists Union gallery presents an exhibit by artist Sylvia Raz and her children, photographer Alan Raz and painter and SI-LA member Karyn Raz. In the upstairs gallery there will be a juried exhibit of women artists entitled “Women Growing Wings”. Check out the calendar of fun events throughout the month:

May 9th, 6-9 pm: Reception with the Artists
May 23rd, 7 pm: Poetry Reading by the Ventura Poets Association
May 30th, 6-9 pm: Forum on Motherhood and Art with the artists and Joan Peters, author of “Not Your Mother’s Life” and “When Mothers Work”
June 5th, 6-9 pm: First Friday event with live music.

Artists Union Gallery  330 South California Street, Ventura, CA  (805) 643-3012

Name
:
Bill Robles

Website
:
http://billrobles.com/
Blog, not yet.

Describe your illustration style.
My illustration style is probably a loose line technique, line and wash, and painting with a hint of line work.

How did you get started in the illustration field?
After graduating from Art Center College of Design as an illustration major, I worked a few years for a couple of art studios here in L.A. Gaining valuable experience, and making a few client contacts, I became a freelance illustrator in 1965, up through the present. In 1970, my career took a different turn. One of my Art Center classmates became the Art Director for the local CBS News TV station, and through him, I was chosen to cover the Charles Manson murder trial. By the way, the Manson trial has been my longest, at 9 1/2 months. Since that time, I have balanced a career as an illustrator, courtroom artist, and art school instructor, and loved almost all it. One of my latest assignments was a group of illustrations depicting the Hudson River plane crash, for the City of New York Police Museum.

When I was younger I wanted to be…
Believe it or not, I always wanted to be an artist.

What’s your favorite medium? Least favorite?
I love all mediums. Always trying to change and combine them into my illustration work. Also I like to vary my painting and drawing surfaces from time to time. My least favorite medium is probably gouache.

What is your favorite part of your job?
Getting a great assignment. One that gives me the freedom to do the job the way I want to do it. Fortunately, I’ve done it this way my whole career. I also love the reference gathering, and the the various compositional possibilities involved in creating a finished illustration. And of course, to deliver the finest job that I can do. It is also thrilling for me to see my art work instantly seen around the world.

Describe your typical work day.
On the days that I’m not teaching or in court, I usually try and get a 50 minute brisk walk in the foothills where I live. I alternate days with a 20 minute walk to my favorite bakery, where I have a French roll, coffee, and read the newspaper. I always go out for lunch, get together with friends, and try to catch an occasional gallery opening. On a teaching day, I leave the house at 6:30 AM for my 7:00 AM class in downtown LA. When I have a courtroom assignment, I’m out early also, depending on where the court location is. And when I have an illustration job, my work schedule is probably very much the same as most of you.

What was your favorite project?
There have been many, but I think it was when NASA called me to cover the first four Space Shuttle missions. Also, covering the Michael Jackson trial, which was my most grueling and lucrative trial ever.

What advice do you wish you had at the beginning of your illustration career?
I think that starting out in this business, it was always difficult to get a just price for an illustration. I wish there would have been a better way to prepare students with a proper pricing guideline for all illustration work.

How do you balance work and play?
Usually I work hard when I’m needed, work when I choose to, and play when I want to.

What are some of your inspirations?
Inspiration comes from many places. As a drawing instructor both at Art Center College of Design, and currently at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, enthusiastic students, eager to learn, have always been inspirational to me. Great artists like Edgar Degas, Gustav Klimt, Charles Dana Gibson, Bob Peak, Bernie Fuchs, David Levine, and some of the current illustrators. I also find inspiration from warm caring people, great design, architecture, trees, documentaries, and film.

Outside of assignments, do you have creative side projects or hobbies?
I am trying to expand on my fine art side, which also includes portraits, and dog paintings. Also in the works is to create a new and exciting website, where I can offer prints of famous trials, celebrity trials, and perhaps my fine art.

If you weren’t an illustrator, what would you be?
Thank God I have an artistic talent, or I wouldn’t have a clue what I would be doing.

—
Current SILA members are invited to submit a member spotlight interview.
Click here for more information: http://si-la.org/spotlight.html

SILA members Vivian Nguyen and Shiho Nakaza participated in 22nd Worldwide SketchCrawl on April 11, and here are some of the results. It is inspiring to observe the city with drawing tools in hand. General information on SketchCrawl is at http://sketchcrawl.com.

Olvera Street by Vivian Nguyen

Little Tokyo by Shiho Nakaza

Tom Wilson - “Ziggy” cartoonist, and J’net Smith - “Dilbert” marketer and former Vice President Licensing at United Media/United Feature Syndicate, are holding an online seminar on April 22nd.

CARTOONING INTO THE MARKETPLACE Teleseminar information:
http://www.jnetsmith.com/schedule.cfm?aId=E66C2EE3-C29B-57E0-85066C046C8676AF

This story of Steven Lopez, who is a live artist at the Mint Club in Hollywood who collaborated with musician Erykah Badu after creating a painting of her, can give insights into how to promote illustration:

Erykah Badu and Artist Steven Lopez collaborate for social change

More details are available here:

Information: http://www.adcyoungguns.org/about/
Submission Form: http://adcyg7.awardsengine.org/submitentry/

22nd Worldwide SketchCrawl takes place this Saturday, April 11. SketchCrawl is a worldwide marathon of drawing founded by Enrico Casarosa in San Francisco. You’ll be sketching on this day with artists all over the world! Usually we draw in one location - this time, it’s a Metro crawl, where you can travel along the Metro and sketch away! We usually share our sketches over a meal and post our drawings in the SketchCrawl forum. General information on SketchCrawl is at http://sketchcrawl.com.

Please see below for information on Los Angeles Sketch crawl - it’s free to participate except for Metro day pass ($5) + possible parking fees of $5-6 if you’re driving to the Union Station + snacks/meal.

Los Angeles SketchCrawl

Date: Saturday, April 11, 2009

Meeting Time: 1pm

Location:
Union Station, Los Angeles, CA 90003
We’ll meet at the benches between main lobby and the tunnel.

You are encouraged to take the Metro Rail to the Union Station, and sketch while you ride before you meet the group.

We can sketch in and around the station for a bit while groups form up and decide where to venture: Gold line, Red line, or buses, as separate groups.
At 6:00 we’ll meet at Won Kok (210 Alpine St), a block south and a block west from the Gold Line Chinatown station.

You can buy Metro Day Pass for $5 at any Metro Rail ticket machine. They take credit and debit cards as well as cash.

Illustration West 47 Show at Gallery Nucleus went well. The winning entries will be on SILA Online Gallery soon. In the meantime, enjoy the pictures of opening night posted at Gallery Nucleus site here.

SILA Life member Bill Robles has a distinguished career as a courtroom illustrator that spans nearly four decades. He was awarded the “Lifetime Achievement Award” by SILA in 2003. He works for CBS, NBC, CNN and the Associated Press, and has covered high-profile cases such as Manson Murders trials. His work is featured in the February/March issue of British publication, The Bench Mark, in an article aptly titled “Where Camera Crews and Photographers Are Forbidden, The Court Illustrator Is King”:

Name
:
Tatiana EL-Khouri

Website
:
http://www.theartoftatiana.com/

Blog:
http://www.theartoftatiana.com/blog/journal.html

In the Mix @ Michael Davis World - The column chronicles my journey as an emerging artist.

Describe your illustration style.
My Illustration style ranges from strong graphic illustration to whimsical paintings and collage. My work incorporates vibrant color palettes with bold shapes, strokes, and lines, as well as a loose-edged painterly technique- which adds texture and a strong emotional sense.

How did you get started in the illustration field?
My interest in the arts grew from my love of video games and comic books. I began studying Video Art and editing in hopes to design and create video games. But I was more intrigued by the still compositions and storyboards than the overall moving image. That was enough for me to switch my focus and immerse myself in the world of Illustration.

When I was younger I wanted to be…
An Archeologist. I’m fascinated by the inner workings of society and enjoy reading and researching ancient civilizations and their way of life. Which is why I love creating portraits, its a way to document the human experience and an individuals place in the society at large.

What’s your favorite medium?
My favorite medium is Mixed Media. I enjoy blending the unique qualities of acrylic, color pencil, oils, digital, and watercolor to create a piece of artwork that highlights the strengths of each medium, while pushing and manipulating the synergy that is inherent when they are blended together.

What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is the research and concept creation. I thoroughly enjoy the research portion of an assignment and then using that information to create clever and thought provoking concept solutions.

Describe your typical work day.
My typical work day begins with me checking and responding to emails and creating a daily to-do list. From that point I either attend client meetings or work in my office on my creative projects.

What was your favorite project?
My favorite project was my painting for the Air Force Art Program. I was flown to McGuire Air Force Base in Fort Dix, Jersey and documented the training experience of the Airmen. Interacting firsthand with the subjects of my painting, was a unique experience and valuable in capturing the objectives of the assignment.

What advice do you wish you had at the beginning of your illustration career?
In the beginning of my career, I wouldn’t have been so concerned about a consistent style emerging. I’ve now realized through my own findings and speaking to renowned artists, we will always be improving on our art and style- growth is a continual process.

How do you balance work and play?
My work and play blend together a lot. I really enjoy creating art and get a thrill from networking and developing business opportunities and relationships. I do make an effort to step away from my work and take breaks. People watching adds to the depth and characters of my portrait work and also gives me a good excuse to get some fresh air. In my play time, I can be found at Disneyland or working out.

What are some of your inspirations?
I’m inspired by the world around me, as cliche as that sounds. I’m constantly absorbing my environment, from the color palettes visible in nature to architecture and use of three dimensional shapes in set design, interior design, and environmental design.

Artistic inspirations include Patrick Nagel, Norman Rockwell, Toulouse Lautrec, Picasso, Alphonse Mucha, Roy Lichtenstein, Corita, Walt Disney, Mary Blair, Michael Eisner, Man Ray, Chuck Close, and Dali.

Outside of assignments, do you have creative side projects or hobbies?
I have a variety of creative side projects that keep my inspiration going. I create and sculpt original characters and customize DIY vinyl toys.

If you weren’t an illustrator, what would you be?
I believe diversification is key. As a freelance Illustrator, you must wear many hats. My creative energy and projects have lead me to complementary work such as Writing, Research, Design, and Interactive Media Strategy.

—
Current SILA members are invited to submit a member spotlight interview.
Click here for more information: http://si-la.org/spotlight.html

If you’re in Los Angeles area, be sure to join SILA members at Gallery Nucleus on opening night of SILA Illustration West 47 gallery show. Over 140 artworks created by artists all over the world were chosen by a panel of renowned illustrators and art directors, and we will announce the winners among them for Joseph Morgan Henninger Award (Best of Show) and the Patrick Nagel Award (For Excellence) on opening night.

Illustration West 47 Online Exhibition will be up after the show for online viewing - watch for the announcement on this blog when the site goes live!

SILA St. Patrick’s Day Member Mixer

Unlimited Bowling • Food • Raffles …and meet SILA illustrators

Tuesday, March 17, 2009
7-11pm
Montrose Bowl
2334 Honolulu Avenue
Montrose, California 91020
(818) 249-3895

Free event for current SILA members , open to everyone else for $5!

Come hang out with fellow illustrators - this is a chance to catch up with familiar faces and meet new ones while bowling! Food is provided and drinks/beer are available for purchase.

…and are you a student interested in Larry Salk Student Scholarship? You can bring your materials for review at the bowling and join the party! More information is available at http://si-la.org/scholarship.html

RSVP is appreciated: please contact the office at 800-799-6368 or info@si-la.org.

If you’re freelancing as an illustrator or a designer, there are two business-related workshops that are worth looking into this month:

MARKETING & PRICING WORKSHOP
–how to win clients and what to charge them

Saturday, March 14th, 2009 • 12:00 – 6:00 pm

You will learn how to create a pipeline of qualified clients, how to create an effective marketing machine and how to charge for your work.

Details here: http://www.marketing-mentor.com/marketing-pricing-workshop

NUTS AND BOLTS OF WINNING PROPOSALS WORKSHOP
– for web and print designers

Saturday, March 28th, 2009 • 12:00 – 6:00 pm

In addition to learning a ton of practical advice, this will be a hands-on event where you’ll be critiquing real materials submitted by workshop participants as a tool to learn how to craft better proposals that save you time and energy and, most importantly, get you more of the work that you really want.

Details here: http://www.marketing-mentor.com/proposals-workshop

Gallery Nucleus is hosting Home Slice solo show by Scott C., with opening reception on Saturday, March 9. There are raffles and discounts for those in attendance tonight - check it out here for more information!

… and next show at Gallery Nucleus will be SILA’s own Illustration West 47 group show! The opening reception will be on March 28, starting at 7pm, when we will announce the winners for Joseph Morgan Henninger Award (Best of Show) and the Patrick Nagel Award (For Excellence).

Where:

Gallery Nucleus
210 East Main St.
Alhambra CA 91801

Info:

Home Slices by Scott C.

Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles Illustration West 47 Show

gallery@gallerynucleus.com
626-458-7477

The Skirball Cultural Center is currently exhibiting ZAP! POW! BAM! The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books, 1938-1950. The exhibit explores the genesis of cultural icons such as Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman, and Captain America.  It features rare vintage artwork and books, 1940s Hollywood movie serials, and colorful interactive displays. It runs from February 19-August 9.

Skirball Cultural Center 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049 Tel: (310) 440-4500 Museum Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 12:00–5:00 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m Closed Mondays.

Illustration by Scott Gandell

SILA has extended deadline to apply for Larry Salk Scholarship to March 17, 2009. If you’re a college student studying illustration, read on to find out how to apply for SILA student membership:

Through the generosity of the family of Larry Salk, Past President of the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, we are pleased to offer up to ten student memberships for 2009 from the Larry Salk Memorial Fund. The recipients will each receive a year’s membership in the Society of Illustrator’s Los Angeles.

Some of the benefits of joining the Society while a student include valuable networking with veteran illustrators at events throughout the year, space on our website for a portfolio, and information on upcoming gallery events.

To be eligible, you must be currently enrolled in an institution offering a full-time Bachelors or Masters degree program in the greater Los Angeles area. SILA membership is not required to enter. To apply please send three printed samples of work printed on 8 1/2″ by 11″ paper to SILA at: P.O. Box 940310, Simi Valley, CA 93094

Entries will be judged by the Board of the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles. Criteria will include execution, concept and originality. The Board will also evaluate which candidates’ work best demonstrates commitment toward a professional career.

All entries must be received by March 17, 2009. Winners will be announced in Spring 2009 and awards will be applied toward future dues from that date.

If you have any questions, please contact the SILA office by email to info@si-la.org or by calling 800-799-6368.

Nucleus Sketch Book Society is an informal club for local professionals and aspiring artists to gather, share, draw, and inspire one another. Here are some fun pics from past few weeks, with SILA members Dick Kritchevsky, Melissa Kojima and Shiho Nakaza attending various sessions. It is a very energizing and fun experience to draw together with fellow artists that include recent college graduates, comic book illustrators, storyboard artists, and animators.

Next Nucleus Sketch Book Society is a session with live model - the info is below:

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Nucleus Sketch Book Society Session

Live model session: Wednesday, March 4
6:00PM - 9:00PM every Wednesday

Where:

Nucleus
210 East Main St.
Alhambra CA 91801

Info:

http://www.gallerynucleus.com/event/186

gallery@gallerynucleus.com
626-458-7477

SILA member Lea Barozzi is in the group show at La Luz de Jesus, with opening reception on Friday, March 6. Congratulations!

Information:

“Everything But the Kitschen Sync”
12th Annual Juried Group Show

March 6 – March 29, 2009
Reception for the artists: Friday, March 6, 2009 8 pm - 11 pm
La Luz de Jesus Gallery
4633 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 666-7667

www.laluzdejesus.com

Name:
Faris Alsaffar

Website:
www.visualdiaries10.blogspot.com
www.morevisualdiaries.blogspot.com
www.iraqifolkart.blogspot.com

Describe your illustration style.
It’s close to classic expressionism.

When I was younger I wanted to….
…be a pilot.

What’s your favorite medium? Least Favorite?
Favorite medium is oil pastel and India ink. Least favorite is dry pastel.

What is your favorite part of your job?
The favorite part of my job is people.

Describe your typical work day.
I start with a cup of hot black tea with cheese. Then I take a walk to the near by café and start drawing ’til I can’t draw no more.

What advice do you wish you had at the beginning of your illustration career?
I wish I started earlier in this career.

How do you balance work and play?
When I can’t work no more…I go out and play!!!

What are some of your inspirations?
People who are able to make a living out of what little skills they have.

Outside of assignments, do you have creative side projects or hobbies?
I’m always working on my personal art.

—
Current SILA members are invited to submit a member spotlight interview.
Click here for more information: http://si-la.org/spotlight.html