Freelance Illustration probably saved me. For example, the “Budweiser Can” I drew for Scientific American (interestingly, not for Budweiser). Illustration 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 “True Book of Vallcno”? That tiny book about volcanoes, 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 collision of visual creation and storytelling or mansplaining explaining. 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 connects with millions of people. Sure, good for the ego, but far more important was the delight of being in a huge visual conversation about stuff that fascinated me. Who knew that the “Bud” you’re holding is a marvel of engineering?

It often seems like I’m 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.