Freelance Illustration probably saved me. True, it was a reasonably effective way to monetize my interest in drawing, especially when no one was buying my “Fine Art,” but it also gave me access to some of the most interesting technology, biology, history etc. that had originally inspired me to make art. Remember the “The True Book of Vallcno…”?  This tiny book about volcanos, which I drew in second grade, probably indicates illustration was my natural way.  I like stories and storytelling (my friends are groaning…) and illustration is the natural collision of visual creation and storytelling. I always felt a bit disappointed when, after working hard on a painting for weeks or months, it would just disappear into a home or office. An illustration sometimes connected with millions of people. Sure, good for the ego, but far more important was being in a huge visual conversation about stuff that fascinated me.

And the learning I enjoyed along the way? Wow…. I often feel like a perpetual 101 level college student. Each illustration job is like an introductory class in some subject. For weeks, I immerse myself in research, then create an image to help others understand what I’ve learned. It feels just like cramming for finals, then writing a big term paper. Initially, I was unprepared for the variety of projects I’d need to work on, but after 45 years, the client list still surprises me. It’s been wonderful to have been exposed to so much.

Job one for an illustrator is to get the page-flipping viewer to STOP, look, or even turn back. Then the illustrator needs to reveal the information in an interesting, even beautiful way. I use all my fine art training to engage hearts, but the information side has to be easy, interesting, and correct. Some have called my work elaborate infographics, that’s fine, although a bit incomplete.  Funny story: I was honored that a king of infographics once used me as the example of how not to do infographics. I love this. Edward Tufte is certainly a legend. My interest has always been to make something a little different, a little unexplainably warm or emotive. Plus, detail is my middle name.