Illustrator Statement

I believe illustration is art with a purpose, which is to enhance your article, product, company, story or idea.  I will work with you to create the best illustration solution possible within my means.

As an engineer I use my knowledge of science, math and design principles to create solutions to technical problems in an economical way.  As an illustrator I apply this same strategy to your problem only my primary tools are my artistic and creative skills. 

 
Biography

I grew up on afternoon and Saturday morning television cartoons, reading newspaper comics, Mad and Cracked magazines, superhero comics and whatever other cartoons I could find from greeting cards to magazine ads.  I learned through practice, school art classes, copying others and reading books like, “Cartooning the Head and Figure” by Jack Hamm, given to me in the third grade and is still with me today.

Although I love drawing and art I chose Mechanical Engineering as my field of study at the University of Toledo, but I still drew constantly for myself, for college newspaper cartoons, for campus organizations' T-shirts, newsletters, poetry publications, for friends' and family birthday cards, and I even illustrated my resume for a campus position.  I spent nearly as many hours in the library browsing and reading art books as I did studying engineering.

My job as an engineer allowed me to take evening classes as Oakland Community College and the College (Center) for Creative Studies in Detroit.  After a handful of classes and workshops in basic graphics, figure drawing, watercolor and animation gesture drawing I learned to identify the basics of what makes a graphic idea work and greatly refine my artistic skills.

The learning process continues with every finished drawing or sketch I make.  I still read books about art, creating art and the business side of art, and  I look forward to helping you with your illustration challenge.