Where to begin? In the 20 years I've been an illustrator, I've worked for dozens of publishing companies, mostly book publishers in the children's science book genre and had mostly what I would call fun. Lately, I'm making a foray into the fantasy and fiction genre as it seems a natural next step in my evolution as an artist. After having read so many books, one concludes that one actually can have something to *say*. The storytelling aspect of the fantasy/fiction genre is an interesting platform for expressing one's ideas. That said, I'm still keeping a hand in the science/ botanical work which I do truly love.
A bit about the publishers with whom I have worked: the venerable Western Publishing of the Golden Guide and Pocket Guide series, Charlesbridge Pub. Co., Houghton-Mifflin, Scott-Foresman, Soundprints, Old Farmer's Almanac, Marshall Cavendish, Scholastic, Joshua Morris, Troll Books, National Geographic, Harcourt Publishing Co., Random House, Peaceable Kingdom Press, and more; recently with The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, and Llewellyn. My work has been in a few of the Society of Illustrator's Original shows. I have had the privilege of working with scores of art directors, editors, and designers, and have had the company and friendship of a handful of other illustrators who have taught me what it means to do this job well. One has to be willing to experiment and change directions to keep a fresh perspective and a sustainable practice. We get into this career because we love it.
In 2010, I received my MFA from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), and can really recommend their theory-heavy grad program in studio art practice. Besides freelancing, I also teach the illustration courses at York College of Pennsylvania (my other alma mater), and am a fervent believer that a young art student should be well-rounded, exposed to as many different disciplines as possible, and be well-read. To be successful as an artist, one cannot expect to work in a philosophical vacuum. There must always be context for our work: who we are, what communities we live in, what connections we forge and nurture in the outside world. How we view the world greatly influences the art that we produce.
(Silly me, did I forget to mention that I'm in a band?)
Art directors, or art buyers, gallery owners, and the "just-curious-question-askers" please contact me using the form within the website.