Patti Gay

How did you become an illustrator?

For as long as I can remember I have always been driven to draw and paint. I don’t think I really thought I would be anything else.

Did you go to art school?

Yes, I went to Columbus College of Art and Design. It gave me a great foundation to build on. There were some pretty spectacular illustrators in my classes. I think that I learned a lot from them as well. My favorite class was Color Concepts where we learned to graph and work with color using the Munsell color method. I still use that knowledge in everything I paint.

Were there one or more individuals that were an influence in your becoming an illustrator?

I used to draw and paint a lot with my mom. She was very creative. The love of it grew from there.

What inspires you now?

Everything around me is inspiring. I look at all kinds of art and typography and am really inspired by the way I see artists approach a project. I also live in a beautiful area full of nature. I have wisteria blooming outside my studio window with steller jays hopping about it. There are majestic redwoods, lace like ferns and a myriad of blooming  wonders to enjoy.

I am also inspired by my son’s love of painting beautiful textures. He is autistic and has a whole sensorial experience with the paint and paper. I use his textures to create images that are now in the Two Can Art Collection of art.

Is there anything you would like to share about your technique or style?

I love to explore beyond my comfort zone. I have paintings that very tight watercolors and others that are loose acrylics. I will sometimes do a painting based upon an area that I find difficult like working with water reflections and light. I am starting to work with pattern and texture which I find really exciting. I work both traditionally and digitally.

What types of markets do you do illustration for?

I have done picture books. I have a golden book called CATS and I have recently done a couple of e-books, Friends, Amanda and Max and animals MUST BE.

They are on Barnes and Noble. I am represented by The Herman Agency for books.

I also do art for licensing. I have images on all types of products like cards, cutting boards, tiles, stickers, gift bags, and needlepoint. I also have some 3-d characters that have been licensed from the Amanda and Max book. I am excited that a Two Can Art image is going to be used for platters and plates next season. I will be exhibiting for the first time solo at the big art licensing show, Surtex this May. I had always been represented by an agent there in the past and am excited about the experience.

Are there any links to your images you would like to share?

website: www.pattigay.com

book agent:  

http://hermanagencyinc.com/patti_gay.htm

Friends , Amanda and Max e-book:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/friends-amanda-and-max-patti-gay/1030966799?ean=2940012634337&itm=1&usri=2940012634337

animals MUST BE e-book:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/animals-must-be-patti-gay/1030528593?ean=2940012675613&itm=1&usri=2940012675613
blog: http://pattigay.blogspot.com/

Are there any other creative interests you persue?

I have been working on writing for picture books, and belong to a wonder writing critique group from SCBWI. They are all wonderful writers and I have learned a lot from them.

Do you currently have products with your images on the market?

Yes, I have cutting boards, tiles, gift bags, and cards on the market. I also have the 2 e-books and have a site to sell prints on demand for the Two Can Art images.

What is the thing you love best about what you do?

I can’t wait to get into my studio. I feel incredibly lucky to have what ever time I have there. There is something so wonderful about taking an idea and bringing it to fruition.

I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love it!

Carol Van Zandt

How is it that you came to be a designer?

Well, I had a sort of moment in 2004 in Tokyo when I was schlepping my paintings in and out of taxicabs between my apartment, the framer, and the exhibition space getting ready for one of my last solo shows there.  I just kind of thought to myself jokingly that it was time to go digital.  Then the next several months I really started taking to the idea. I didn't get the chance to really do that due to another stint in another country with my husband, but when we returned stateside, I started taking courses in Illustrator and Photoshop and textile and print design.  And that eventually led me down the path to art licensing.

Did you go to Art School?

Yes, I majored in Studio Art at Boston College and then took graduate and continuing courses at Massachusetts College of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, Radcliffe Pottery Studio, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts…and the list goes on!  I learned that if I took one course at an art school, I had access to the studio 24/7, so I was able to produce after my BA with minimal investment while contributing to a learning environment.  At one point I worked thirty-five hours a week in a clinic, and worked another 35 at the studio where I signed up for just one class.  And my work was selling well in a gallery out of state. The studio, my job, and apartment were all walking distance to Harvard Square. Good times. Later on I studied Japanese Calligraphy and sumi painting seriously for ten years and then I studied surface design at The Institute for Textile Print Design. I loved studying through formal courses. BUT I know many self taught artists who do amazing work.  Everyone has a different path this way.  In art and in business, results are what counts. 

What inspires you now?

What is funny now versus in my abstract painting days is that I always notice things around me that would make a good motif.  So I am always motif hunting. I am inspired by both ordinary objects and nature, and color from everywhere. And design of all kinds for all product.  Interestingly enough I really enjoy following industrial design. 

Is there anything you would like to share regarding your technique or style of work for instance what types of medium do you like to work with? 

I love to draw using pen and ink.  I also paint in a few styles. One is Japanese sumi-style where it is all about the brush stroke.  I  like western watercolor, which I also taught for three years to textile design students. But when it comes down to it, my tool of choice is Adobe Illustrator. The ability to change colors and scale in a vector program makes it so versatile for design.  I just work from my drawings to keep the hand drawn quality of the line.  I do use photoshop too when I am using my watercolors or sumi painting for motifs.  

What types of markets do you do art and design for?

I'm an equal opportunity artist and designer!!  Like many artists, I would love to see my designs on as many products as possible. I think in the beginning I was targeting more textile and home decor oriented applications, but I have a lot of design collections now for paper and stationary, party and gift .

Do you do other things regarding art like teaching, or classroom visits?

Yes, I dip my hands into many things or accept invitations to do so when they come up. For several years I taught some painting to young children in my studio.  I've juried some shows, and also organized group exhibitions. I taught botanical watercolor and drybrush painting workshops for three years at The Institute for Textile Print Design.  Recently I was invited to speak about fabric design on a panel put on by the East Bay Modern Quilt Guild and at the Surtex conference program where I will be on "the In Depth Look at Art Licensing Basics" panel on Sunday the 19th from 11-12:30. In general at the moment I only have the bandwidth for occasional outside gigs. Art Licensing is certainly a full time job!

Are here other creative interests you pursue like writing or music?

I'm kind of all art all the way.  For pleasure and not for sale, I like to do Japanese calligraphy. I have also started to do improvisational quilting--for pleasure only, though I was inspired by the community of quilters especially modern quilters that I came to know though my fabric lines. 

Do you currently have products with your images on the market? Books, gifts or home products?  

I have cotton fabric collections, greeting card collections and soon gift wrap and notebooks, a kitchen textile collection, and skins for all sorts of electronics. My work is also on bedding, mat board, pillows and wallpaper, a book cover, and a variety of accessories.  I also rent out my fine art paintings.  There will be plenty more soon if all goes well! 

What is the thing you love best about what you do?

I love to create of course! I also like that what I create actually gets put on products that people use.  I love to network and work with manufacturers and retailers, and other artists and designers.  Though I love my quiet time in the studio and office, I am always up for the real world of commerce and a big community.

Dianne Woods

How is it that you came to be an artist?

I was trained as a commercial photographer and for 35 years shot photographs for magazines and book publishers.  When the digital revolution hit and I made the transition from film to pixels, a new world filled with opportunities to be creative emerged.  Inspired by the possibilities, I traded one passion for another and began my personal transition from commercial photographer to digital artist.     

Did you go to art school?

Yes, I graduated in 1977 from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.  There I learned technical skills, how to see, how to hear criticism and then act upon it, what hard work means and, last but certainly not least, perseverance.

Were there one or more individuals that were an influence in your becoming an artist?

My parents, who were an endless reservoir of encouragement and support, were the biggest influences on my becoming an artist.  My mother graduated in 1942 from Parsons School of Design in New York and, while she chose the life of wife and mother, she was also an artist who remained active in art associations.  She mounted several one-woman shows over the course of her life. My father was an industrial engineer who was forever scratching out designs on yellow tablets and paper napkins.  He showed by example what it was like to love your work.  

What inspires you now?

I’m inspired by beautiful light, color, great design and cats.  I’m known for my cats. 

What types of markets do you do art for?

Most of the licenses I hold are in the stationary, gift and home décor markets.  Products include calendars, note pads, greeting cards, wall art, coasters, trivets, and cutting boards.

Are there links to you images you would like to share?

My website is www.diannewoods.com

http://www.montagelicensing.com/

Are there other creative interests you pursue?

While these days most of my time is spent creating new cat imagery, I still very much enjoy taking photographs.  My camera is never far from reach.  

What is the thing you love best about what you do?

Everything, even the frustration inherent in keeping my computer skills up to speed or the challenges that come from addressing changes a client might want.  At some point in the course of each day I get to put into play a set of skills I’ve spent a lifetime developing.  And, I get to make art, and a living.

Surtex is Coming

For those that don’t know, Surtex is the biggest show of the year for art licensing. It is at the Javits Center in New York and runs from May 19th to the 21st. http://www.surtex.com

This is the first year that I will be doing a booth. (Patti Gay-Design #442) I have always been there with an agent in the past. I have decided to go out on my own. Of course prep for the show has been going on for a couple months now. There are lots of decisions to be made. Am I doing panels in the booth? Am I doing them in vinyl or paper? What app is best for the ipad to put my portfolio on? Am I advertising and where? What is the design for the press kit? What is the design for business cards and post cards? Fortunately, I have slowly been working my way through all of the decisions and am on track with getting everything ready. There is still a lot to do, but I am really enjoying the process as well.

I am really excited to be featuring the Two Can Art collection, which is the collection I do in collaboration with my son who is autistic. He paints all of the textures and I create images from the painted textures. I will also be showing new work in the Fun & Bright collection, the Realistic collection, the Simple Notions collections and the Amanda and Max collection I will also be debuting the Heartmade Inspirations collection.

After the show I’ll be writing an article about the experience and will also be featuring some of the other artists who are exhibiting at the show. Stay Tuned.

Aja Wells

How is it that you came to be an illustrator? 

When I was really young, about 5 or 6, I saw a beautifully illustrated alphabet book. I remember staring at the scales on the alligator forever. I read the word "illustrator", and thought it was the coolest word I'd ever read. After that, I loved to draw, especially animals. When it was time to go to college, I briefly considered a career in science as a veterinarian, but as it turned out, math was no friend of mine. So I continued with my study in art, became a full time graphic designer working in house at a firm, and slowly built a freelancer career over a couple years. I've now been working as a full time freelancer for three years.

Did you go to art school?
Yes and no. For my undergraduate degree I went to Humboldt State University, which is a small state college in northern California. I studied Art Studio there and emphasized in graphic design, because there was no illustration program. I really enjoyed graphic design, and worked as a graphic designer for two years after college but it never satisfied me on a deeper level. I then went to the University of Hartford and earned my MFA in Illustration at the Hartford Art School. The quality of the education was outstanding. However, I strongly feel that whether you go to art school, a state school, or do not attend college at all, the most important aspect of your education will be your own personal drive.

Were there1 or more individuals that were an influence in your becoming an illustrator?
Is there any other artist or person that or continues to influence your work? 

My undergraduate experience was fairly frustrating because my college had a fine art bent to it and I did not feel like my classes were preparing me for a real career in the arts. However, I did have one amazing professor, M. Wayne Knight, who took me under his wing. Wayne was the graphic design professor, and in additional to helping me learn tons of photoshop tips and tricks, he privately tutored me in drawing and painting during his own free time. He's the one who first opened my eyes to the world of illustration, what it meant to be an illustrator, and how to put together a basic portfolio. Without Wayne, I would have left college completely clueless to the world of illustration. Artistically, I am greatly influenced by late 19th century/early 20th century artists like Racey Helps, Mainzer, Garth Williams, Beatrix Potter, and Ernest Shepard. Contemporary illustrators I love include Peter de Seve, Stephen Silver, Omar Rayyan, and Kei Acedera. 

What inspires you now? 

Lately, I've been really interested in watching how technology is changing our field, and observing illustration and animation blend into more of a singular field, through interactive children's apps and games. While some would consider the changing landscape more nerve wracking than inspiring, I think that we are living in a very exciting time. Lots of doors are opening up for illustrators in new markets, and if you can stay abreast of how things are changing, the potential to have a varied and exciting career is better than ever before. It is also a wonderful time to do self directed projects. The ability to affordably create ebooks, apps, podcasts, and animations is something that just wasn't in place even 5 years ago, and watching others take advantage of these mediums is absolutely inspiring. When I need a boost, I also love to read Stephen Silver's blog, watch his art rants, and listen to his podcast. Great stuff! I also keep in touch with many illustrators through facebook and g-mail chat, which is at times very much needed for moral support.

Is there anything you would like to share regarding your technique or style of Work for instance what types of medium do you like to work in? 

I work pretty much in two styles, one is sort of more cartoony, and one is more whimsical with slightly more realistic proportions. I do all of my painting in Photoshop CS5 with a small cintiq tablet or an intuos tablet. I always keep a moleskine sketchbook with me, and when I want to finalize a drawing on paper instead of digitally, I love to draw on Strathmore's "Visual Journey" bristol-smooth paper. This is a fantastic sketchbook and holds up to almost any medium. I sketch both digitally and on paper and I think it's critical to try to draw for at least a few minutes every day. (see attached image of digital and traditional side by side). When drawing in the computer, look at different brushes and find ways to incorporate textures into your work. For years I hindered myself by not incorporating textures in my work, which resulted in very amateur looking artwork. You can easily make your own brushes or find free or cheap ones online, so definitely start exploring.

What types of markets do you do art/ illustration for? 

I originally started out wanting to work only in children's publishing. However, my first book, "That's Not Your Mommy Anymore- A Zombie Tale", was a mock children's book that tilted my career into more humorous titles. In addition to those two markets, I also do character design for animation and am beginning to fiddle about in interactive books and other apps. 

 Are there links to your images you would like to share? 

My website, www.ajawells.com, is currently under reconstruction, but you can check out my FB page for art and musings in the meantime: http://www.facebook.com/AjaWellsIllustration. 

Do you do other things regarding art like teaching, or Classroom visits? 

I have previously taught graphic design as an adjunct professor at Humboldt State University, and I also occasionally guest lecture at different colleges and lead sketch trips at local zoos. I hope to teach more regularly in the next couple of years.

 Are there other creative interests you pursue like writing or music? 

Honestly, illustration takes up pretty much all of my creative brain. I enjoy listening to indie music, watching good film/documentaries, and reading, but these are things that I enjoy for recreation. Whenever I spend time on different creative pursuits, I always end up thinking, "Why am I doing this when I could be drawing!?".

 Do you currently have product with your images on the market? books, gift or home products? 

Yes! Here is a link to the book That's Not Your Mommy Anymore, http://www.amazon.com/Thats-Not-Your-Mommy-Anymore/dp/156975926X. I have three other books coming out this year, but they won't be available until Fall, 2013. The first to hit stores will be "The Very Hungry Parasite" (a humor book), pictured here. I can't release the other names of the books yet, but one will be humor and the other is a children's book. I am also working on two self-published iPad apps which I hope to release later this year as well.

What is the thing you love best about what you do?

I love the freedom. Being a full time freelancer means that stability can be elusive, but the flipside to that is that I have almost total control over my time and my life. When I have dry spells, or I feel like a break, I can just pick up and go on a hike or skip out of town. The idea that I could have a boss who would tell me I can't attend a wedding or that I've used up all my days off is not a part of my reality. This doesn't mean I don't work hard or that deadlines don't exist. I often put in 16 hour days and most weekends are also spent at the studio... but at the end of the day, I control where I live, when I work, and I'm doing what I want to be doing. It's the only way to live.

What kind of  advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?

Draw every day. Draw from life. Draw from pictures. Draw other people's work. Pay attention to what kind of work inspires you. Use facebook and Pinterest to discover new artists. If you can't name illustrators who inspire you, or if you can't think of at least 10 contemporary illustrators right off the bat, then you aren't paying close enough attention to your field. Join professional organizations. SCBWI, Society of Illustrators, Guild of Scientific Illustrators, Graphic Artists Guild, College Arts Association... there are so many professional organizations that run conferences and are fantastic resources. Illustration is a small field, and it can feel isolating at times. The beauty of the internet is that you are given a digital network to connect with other artists. Make illustrator friends, ask people you admire if they'd critique your work. Read books (anything by Andrew Loomis is fantastic and you can get his PDFs free online!), listen to podcasts, watch animated films. Immerse yourself into art entirely. Don't burden yourself with thoughts that you aren't good enough or that you've got a long way to go. Just start creating, do it now, and you'll see improvement quickly.

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Clint Young

How did you become an illustrator?

I have always sketched- Drawing was an escape for me when I was young, I found that I needed to create in order to feel normal, plus it was a fun get-away from the homework gloominess. Not that I didn't find school to be important or interesting, but I much preferred creating my own histories, sciences and characters rather than learning about them in class. Daydreamer.

Did you go to Art School?

I attended the Art Institute of Dallas and received a degree in computer animation and multimedia. Computer animation was just beginning to be used as an visual FX tool, and A.I.of Dallas was offering a course in the art of animation.  It seemed like a perfect tool for film and art, not to mention loads of fun!

Is there anyone that has inspired you to become an illustrator?

It's a very hard question to answer as there are so many Artists who have inspired me. I've always admired N.C. Wyeth's impressionistic style, and Norman Rockwell's characters practically jump off the page they are so rich. Leyendecker with his sharp edges and graphic design was also an influence. Peder Monsted's landscapes- Ralph McQuarrie's otherworldly design. Mucha, Sargent, The nine old men...the list goes on and on-each and every one of them an inspiration. I collect art books. (Can you tell?)

What inspires you now?

Inspiration comes at me from just about anything. My daughter inspires me, she loves to draw and I find myself picking up the pencil more and more when she wants to sit and doodle. Outdoors is another big inspiration, I love to sit and draw outdoors, especially trees; I have a fascination with tree bark, roots and leaves and the gnarly way it gets all intertwined. 

Can you tell us a little about the technique you use to create your work?

I normally sketch on paper keeping it very rough and small. I'll draw and chunk (throw out) as many sketches as it takes before I'm happy with a piece. Sometimes doing a simple wash over the top of the pencil with a light water-color, then it's onto the scanner. I work my tones up in photoshop, building up the light and dropping in shadows before moving onto my colors. I have photographed  and scanned real paint strokes on canvas (watercolor, oil, acrylic, ink) and use them as custom brushes in Photoshop-I find that this can often times give you a "painted on canvas" look, and I prefer it to the off the shelf brushes that come with the program. After I have my tone and colors- it's all in the details-this is where your art books and National Geographic come in handy. Reference everything. Good lighting can make or break a painting. 

What kinds of markets do you illustrate for?

Currently I am a concept artist working in the gaming industry in Austin, Texas. I'm also illustrating children's books and some of my own stories and ideas.

Do you have a a link to your work, so that we can see more?

I do have a blog and am working on re-imagining my website (to be opened soon) http://www.cgyoung8871.blogspot.com/

Do you do classroom visits?

I'd love to teach art someday. I think that as I get older it's something that sounds interesting and rewarding. Since my first illustrative work has just been released, "Return to the Willows" I hope to be able to travel to some schools, I look forward to giving (and getting) some art tutoring. I love talking stories, books and art with children!

Do you do anything else pertaining to art?

Directing. Next to art, it's always been a passion. I've done visual FX work in the past and have a love for digital model making, compositing and matte paintings - would love to do more- though I think, for the time being, I’m happy to just create something for children.

Do you currently have your images on the market?

Yes, you can currently find my work in the book "Return to the Willows" by Jacqueline Kelly (being a sequel to the Kenneth Grahame’s classic "The Wind in the Willows" If you're in need of adventure or you just feel like "messing about in boats" it's the perfect read aloud book. :)

Do you have anything new that you are working on?

My new book, what I’m working on now, is called “Toast.” Toast is my daughter’s stuffed pig and the story of his adventures in a land where all make believe friends and children’s wishes, dreams (and nightmares) go to live. It’s a coming of age story that asks the question “What do our make believe friends do, after we have grown up?” It’s also a love letter to all the things I found great about the stories and characters I loved as a child- and the importance of imagination, believing in yourself, and passing down the things we cherish most.

                                     

What do you love best about what you do?

I think the thing I love best about what I do is the imaginative feedback I get from family and friends. I love creating worlds and stories, but only if I can share them. There is nothing better when your child or children are inspired by something you have created- when they give it back to you and you then become inspired; it’s a dynamic ring, art. I often wonder if it’s that feeling that drives creation from its roots-years of inspiration passed down from artist to artist. Maybe that’s where my fascination with trees comes from.