Illustrators Club

Small Works Show

2011-11-30T20:01:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to pass this along to you from Chris Noel.

Please let others know as well.

Small Works + Big Hearts

The Artists’ Gallery of Frederick will be filled with over 100 small works created by gallery members in all media including painting, photography, ceramics, printmaking and sculpture. In the spirit of the season, 10% of all sales will be donated to the Frederick Community Action Agency which provides a broad array of programs and services including the food bank and the Frederick Soup Kitchen.

This is a great opportunity for both new and seasoned collectors to acquire original art at affordable prices. Our members are grateful for the opportunity to create small works that can make a big difference this holiday season. Shoppers can help make a difference too as they invest in one-of-a-kind gifts by local artists.

David

ICON 7

2011-11-06T11:37:00.003-05:00

ICON7 / PROVIDENCE, RI / JUNE 13-16, 2012

Click on the link above for more details.

See you there!

REMINDER:BRAD HOLLAND: CONFESSIONS OF A SHORT ORDER ARTIST

2011-10-29T13:57:00.007-04:00

Hi Everyone,
Don't miss this special Illustrators Club Event!
BRAD HOLLAND: CONFESSIONS OF A SHORT ORDER ARTIST
The internationally acclaimed illustrator talks about his work, artists' rights & the state of illustration

WHEN November 3, 2011, 8 - 9 p.m.
WHERE Montgomery College School of Art + Design (Takoma Park Campus)
The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Arts Center Auditorium
930 King Street | Silver Spring, MD 20910
MAP & DIRECTIONS Please note: The Arts Center (CF) is only accessible from Georgia Avenue and King Street.
METRO Silver Spring (Red Line). Walk 20-25 minutes south on East West Hwy. (Rte. 410) to Georgia Ave. & King St. The building is on the left, behind Holy Cross Health Clinic.
FREE PARKING in campus lot off King Street
ADMISSION $15; IC Members & Students $8

RSVP Reservations for this program are strongly recommended. Please emailinfo@illustratorsclub.org.

The Art of Beer: Of Flying Dogs and Unrepentant Rogues

2011-10-24T21:59:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone,

This is a little last minute, but ADCMW is having this great event.

Hope you can make it.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (ET)

Washington, DC

Event Details

Join Us at IRON HORSE for Friends, Food, Beer and Design!

Doors Open: 6 PM

Networking & Socializing: 6–7 PM

Program: 7-9 PM

Come see and hear about the creative thinking that goes into the design of some of the most iconic labeling and packaging of two legendary beer lines — Flying Dog Ale and Rogue Brewery — and enjoy delicious samples of six of their most popular brews. Speakers include:

• Penny Muire, owner/designer of Medusa Design, who creates labeling and packaging artwork for Rogue Brewery

• Ben Savage of Flying Dog, who has worked with acclaimed illustrator Ralph Steadman to create Flying Dog's edgy look

In addition to hearing the speakers' war stories of what it takes to design beer labels, attendees will enjoy a variety of free swag, giveaways, and free food as you mingle and meet with friends and others in the creative community.

Held at the happenin' IRON HORSE TAPROOM near the Verizon Center, this event will surely sell out — so register today!

Register Today and Save $5! Please register by Friday, 10/21 so that we can arrange the appropriate catering order. All registrations after that will be charged an additional $5.

Note: Must be 21 to attend; must present ID for admittance.

Register here: http://adcmwbeerevent.eventbrite.com/

Sketch Day Coming Up!

2011-10-24T21:22:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone,

Don't miss Sketch day. Information below:

SUNDAY, OCT. 30: SKETCH DAY AT NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

WHERE 6th & Constitution Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20565

MEET 11am in Rotunda, Mall entrance

MAP http://www.nga.gov/ginfo/area_map.shtm

SKETCH till 1PM

LUNCH & DISCUSSION 1:15 at Cascades Café, National Gallery of Art, East Building

PLEASE RSVP Sayeh Behnam, Info@design-future.com. Cell phone: 240-751-0204

2:00 PM - ILLUSTRATED LECTURE - “LEONARDO DA VINCI: ARTIST OF SKETCHBOOKS AND NOTEBOOKS”

by Carmen C. Bambach, Andrew W. Mellon Professor, Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts, National Gallery of Art

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133364930095599

WHERE East Building Concourse, Auditorium

http://www.nga.gov/ginfo/ebmaps.shtm#concourse

ADMISSION FREE

ILLUSTRATORS 54 CALL FOR ENTRIES

2011-10-24T19:59:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Time is running out to get your entries in for

Illustrators 54 in New York

Accepting entries through

October 28th, 2011

Works selected by the juries will be shown at the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators, 128 East 63rd Street, from January 4 to March 17, 2012.

The entire show will be presented in full color in Illustrators 54, "America's Original Annual of Illustration." A selection of 40 works will tour US colleges through June 2013, the 32nd educational traveling exhibition.

To submit entries visit the

competition website.

To learn more about this competition

click here.

For questions about submitting your work please emailexhibitions@societyillustrators.org

or call 212.838.2560

Yuko Shimizu, Chair

John Hendrix, Assistant Chair

Tomer Hanuka, Poster Art

Anton Ioukhnovets, Designer

BRAD HOLLAND: CONFESSIONS OF A SHORT ORDER ARTIST

2011-10-17T20:12:00.009-04:00

Life Drawing Marathon

2011-10-17T20:00:00.006-04:00

Hi everyone,

This isn't an Illustrators Club sponsored event, but we wanted to let you know about this drawing marathon.
Ricardo Pontes, one of our Go Figure regulars, is organizing a 12 hour Life Drawing Marathon this Saturday at Vis Arts in Rockville.

Here's the information:

Register Online at

visartscenter.org for 25$

Drop in Rate on October 22 30$

Come join us for 12 hours of life drawing

(6 models) from 9am to 9pm on October 22.

Test your drawing endurance.

Visarts Rockville

( Metro accessible Rockville Town center)

155 Gibbs Street, Rockville, MD 20850

P: 301-315-8200 F: 301-315-8296

info@visartscenter.org

visartscenter.org info@visartscenter.org

Comic Strips & Culture 1895-1950

2011-10-09T20:52:00.001-04:00

The unique exhibition, designed by graduate students at the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, D.C., features such classics as Krazy Kat, Blondie, Pogo and Peanuts and was inspired by Associate Professor of Communication Robert Lemieux’s quest to educate the public about the cultural and historical relevance of the Sunday funnies. See original, hand-drawn panels and early newsprint pieces on loan from The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum at Ohio State University.

Dates: October 19, 2011 -- November 19, 2011

Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall (near Alumni Hall Theatre)
2 College Hill, Westminster, MD

Complementing the exhibition will be a speaker series featuring contemporary cartoonists

Admission to campus programs is free and open to the public.

Call 410.857.2290 for gallery hours.

Also, for more information about speakers and the exhibit,

please visit

http://www.mcdaniel.edu/11672.htm

2011-09-29T19:44:00.006-04:00

Off the Page—On the Wall

Illustrators Club Exhibition

Montgomery College School of Art + Design
The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Arts Center
930 King Street | Silver Spring, MD 20910
Gallery Hours M-F, 8 AM to 4 PM
240-567-1368

SHOW DATES October 27, 2011 to November 30, 2011
OPENING RECEPTION Thursday, November 3, 6-8 PM
SPECIAL GUEST PROGRAM Brad Holland, 8-9 PM

Special reminder to IllustratorsClub Members:

Entries must be received by Friday October 7, 2011

Check your e-mail for details

Worlds Collide: The Art of Science Fiction

2011-09-28T21:05:00.002-04:00

Montgomery College, Rockville Campus
Communication Arts Technologies Gallery presents
Worlds Collide: The Art of Science Fiction
An exhibition of science fiction illustration
by some of the most widely known and
loved professionals from today and yesterday.

October 3 – 28
Reception, Wednesday, October 5
5 – 7 pm

Featured Illustrators include Paul Alexander, John Berkey, Vincent Di Fate,
Leo and Diane Dillon, Donato Giancola, James Gurney, Paul Lehr,
Gregory Manchess, Richard Powers, Don Ivan Punchatz and Murray Tinkelman

This exhibition is part of
Montgomery College 2011-2012
Arts Celebration of the Sciences
Intersections: Where Art Meets Science

For more information and to view a web gallery of the exhibition visit
http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/~mvaughan/technical_center/index.html

The Communication Arts Technologies Gallery is located in
Room 106 on the lower level of the Technical Center,
Montgomery College, Rockville Campus.
Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 10 am - 6 pm,
Thursdays 10 am - 8 pm
Fridays, 10 am - 1 pm
240.567.7521

For directions and maps to Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, Technical Center visit
http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/edu/secondary5.aspx?urlid=15

Johns Hopkins Celebrates a Century of Medical Illustration

2011-07-20T12:50:00.014-04:00

Max Brodel’s reconstruction drawing of the inner ear from serial sections of the temporal bone. The illustration appears in ‘Three Unpublished Drawings,’ 1946. Courtesy: The Brodel Archives

We congratulate JHU for their contribution to the medical field an the field of medical illustration. Happy One Hundred!! Read the article on the JHU Gazette website.

2011-06-10T23:11:00.004-04:00

Hello, this message is for all younger Illustrators or those just entering our wonderful profession,

Thanks to all of you who have signed up for this year's Nuts & Bolts Conference. Due to seating limitations we only have 15 spots left. So don't delay, Sign up now. If you’re a college senior or a recent graduate this is the conference for you. When surveyed 100% of last year's attendees said they would recommend this conference.

¶ This intense two day conference will explore the business side of illustration with heavy emphasis on self-promotion and marketing and the basics of setting up your business.

¶ We’ll talk about how to build a better site. How to get your foot in the door. How to negotiate fees. Understanding contracts. Working with art directors. Deciding between having a rep or not. We’ll look at the past and the future of illustration. We’ll share the three things every successful illustrator knows and talk about the do’s and don’ts of being a young illustrator.

¶ We’ll encourage you to interact with our speakers and ask questions before, during the lectures and after the confer- ence at two evening cocktail receptions.

¶ We’ll offer studio tours, a complimentary online portfolio review and printed materials that you’ll take with you.

¶ And we'll offer special morning workshops and museum tours. The Nuts & Bolts Conference is the perfect way to kick-start your career. Everyone starts where you are today, by attending this conference you’ll have a better understanding of what it takes to be successful. Sign up here.

2011-05-06T16:05:00.008-04:00

Graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, and other creative professionals go public with their private passions in this exclusive Art Directors Club of Metropolitan Washington show at Adam Lister Gallery.

when:

Show Opening and Artists’ Reception

Saturday, May 21, 2011 (show runs until June 5)

7:30 – 11:00 pm / Free

RSVP at www.adcmw.org/events

where:

Adam Lister Gallery

Old Town Fairfax Village Plaza (with ample free parking!)

3950 University Drive

Fairfax, VA 22030

Visit www.adamlistergallery.com for gallery hours and directions

Richmond Illustrators Club 4th Juried Show Coming Up

2011-03-07T22:08:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone,

Get your entries ready for the Richmond Illustrators Club's 4th Juried Show.

The Deadline is the 15th of April and entering couldn't be easier. Just go to:

http://richmondillustrators.tumblr.com/juriedshow

and follow the directions from there.

By the way, entries are a great value at $20 for the first entry and $5 for subsequent ones.

The show location is great too. The Ghostprint Gallery is located on Broad Street right in the heart of Richmond. So it gets plenty of traffic and is a wonderful space to be displayed.

D. Labrozzi

IC's first Sketch Day

2010-10-04T20:24:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone,

The Club is working to build some new energy and we'd like to follow in the footsteps of another event we won't name here.

Let's just call it "Sketch Day"

Here's information on how to participate in this free event sponsored by the Illustrators Club:

First, we will meet in front of National Gallery of Art (West building) at 11:00 am.

Please bring any form of sketching materials (paper, pen, watercolor, IPad, computer, camera...).

We will then spread out and spend 2 hours drawing from different places around Smithsonian and National Mall.

At 1:00 pm we gather again at the Cascades Restaurant in the National Gallery to eat and chat.

When: Sunday Oct 10

Hours: From 11- 1:30

Where: National Gallery of Art_ West Building

401 Constitution Ave NW

Washington, DC 20565

To RSVP: Please email Sayeh at "info@design-future" or call 240 751 -0204.

Thank you Sayeh, for putting this together!

Seymour Chwast comes to the Corcoran

2010-09-16T20:48:00.005-04:00

Hi Everyone, I would like to pass along this information received from Ms. Michelle Clair of the Corcoran Gallery about an upcoming speaking engagement featuring Seymour Chwast.

From Ms. Clair, "We have an upcoming program that I think might be of interest to your members. Graphic designer and illustrator Seymour Chwast will be speaking about his life and career on Wednesday, September 22. The program takes place at 7pm in the Corcoran’s auditorium. Here is a link to the description on our website:" http://programs.corcoran.org/products/seymour-chwast

Please check your e-mail for further information on how to receive a special rate as an IC Member. I hope to see you all there.

David Labrozzi

President, Illustrators Club of DC, MD and VA

www.illustratorsclub.org

2010-09-07T21:13:00.000-04:00

Annie and Linda Lunsford will have a booth here on Saturday, September 11th
Laughing Moon Artworks, in front of The National Portrait Gallery on F Street, near 7th Street, NW, Wash, DC

Art Market: Wednesday, September 8 – Friday, September 10
Festival: Saturday, September 11, 2010 • 7th and F Streets NW, in Penn Quarter

• A four-day juried fine ART MARKET showcasing 100 exhibitors
• Three live ENTERTAINMENT STAGES with exceptional music and performance
• DC PERFORMANCE SHOWCASE at Sidney Harman Hall
• ALTERNATIVE ARTS SPACES with exhibits, sponsored by Westwood College
• CULTURAL CORRIDORS with hands-on activities by galleries, theaters, museums, and more, supported by The Pink Line Project
• O OrganicsTM COOKING AS ART PAVILION with demonstrations from top DC chefs
• RESTAURANT SAMPLING COURTS featuring cuisine from 25 exceptional restaurants
• Safeway–Cellar No. 8 WINE GALLERY offering tastings and seminars
• NEIGHBORHOOD SHOWCASE of cultural venues in the surrounding blocks

http://www.artsonfoot.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Washington-Examiners-ARTS-ON-FOOT-sponsored-by-Wines-of-Argentina/123966707521
Twitter Page: http://twitter.com/dcartsonfoot

ICON 6 LA

2010-06-16T20:18:00.003-04:00

Just a reminder about the gathering out west.

ICON 6 will be held in Los Angeles this year.

For more information and registration go to: http://www.theillustrationconference.org/

Ellen Byrne Wins Gold!

2010-06-15T11:57:00.004-04:00

IC Member Ellen Byrne has won a 2010 National Gold Illustration ADDY from the American Advertising Federation for her piece "The County Fair"(above) for client Text Design, Inc. - 2010 Notepad Calendar project. Special thanks to Art Director Meghan Bennett for helping Ellen's work to shine!

See all of the winners here: American Advertising Federation, 2010 National ADDY Award Winners

Let's give Ellen and rousing THREE CHEERS! Hip-Hip HOORAY!

Check out Ellen's work at her site, EllenByrne.com

Marie Dauenheimer Featured

2010-06-09T14:44:00.003-04:00

Marie is feature on the Entrepreneurial website, BeInkandescent, "the Ezine for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs"
Read the Article Here

Congratulations Marie!

Camera Lucida Review

2010-06-02T22:34:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I hope you will visit the blog, Camera Lucida for a review of our show, IC15.

Ms. Ament's insightful review is certainly appreciated.

Truly this show and everything we do as the Illustrators Club is a result of your volunteer efforts. I am proud to be a part of our organization and always astounded by what we accomplish together.

Sincerely,

David Labrozzi
President,
Illustrators Club
of Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia

IC15th Opening Night

2010-05-17T15:38:00.008-04:00

The Illustrator's Club would like to thank Bruce Guthrie for the use of his photographs of the IC15th Juried Exhibition "Pour it on!". The event is hosted by Pepco’s Edison Place Gallery, in collaboration with The Illustrators Club of DC, Maryland and Virginia. The exhibition will be on view from May 11th through June 25th with the opening reception held on the 13th of May from 6-8:30pm. This year’s jurors include: Mary K. Baumann, Will Hopkins, Keith Kasnot, Gregory Manchess, C.F. Payne, Chris Sloan and Jack Unruth.

Maybe you see yourself here?

Photos (c) Bruce Guthrie 2010 - Thanks Bruce!

IC15th Juried Exhibition

2010-05-11T11:20:00.003-04:00

IC15 Juried Exhibition Opening Reception

Illustration by Sally Wern Comport ©2010
You are cordially invited to attend the opening reception of the IC15 Juried Exhibition of the Illustrators Club of Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia.
May 13th 6-8:30pm
Edison Place Gallery
702 8th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
This exhibition will feature outstanding artwork from over 120 of the area’s top illustrators.
The exhibit will run until June 26th. Hours of the Edison Place Gallery are Tuesday
through Friday, noon to 4:00pm. We would really like to see you there. Please plan to attend the reception and meet the artists.

ICofDC Member: Kerry P. Talbott

2010-05-05T14:11:00.005-04:00

Kerry P. Talbott

website: http://www.kerrytalbottillustration.com/

blog: http://crawdadjoneshouseofennui.blogspot.com/

Describe your illustration style.

My style is mostly humorous; pretty traditional approach done digitally

What is your main medium?

I use a mix of media usually -- I start with a pencil or ink drawing, then scan and color digitally.

What is your illustration workspace like?

My workspace is on the top floor of my house and doubles as a geek room. I like to keep a lot of influences around where I can see them.

Describe your typical work flow.

I'm not a morning person, so I'll usually start the day by catching up on e-mails and drinking enough coffee to jolt my system awake. If I have a drawing on the board, I'll often do the most technical aspects of the drawing (things like filling in large areas of color, lining out grids, stuff that doesn't take much creativity) until I wake up sometime around 3 o'clock and feel awake enough to work on the more artistic aspects of a piece. I usually will work off and on until about midnight.

Who was your first illustration hero?

The first artist whose name I became aware of was comic great Jack Kirby. His work was so dynamic and fluid, I just had to know who this guy was.

What is your favorite category of illustration and why?

I don't know that I have a favorite category of illustration. I have a short attention span, so I tend to jump between editorial illustration, children's books and comics.

Can you describe the direction your current work is heading?

I'm trying to get more into comics and children's books. I really enjoy the respective story-telling aspects of both.

What do you do to promote your work?

I have my website and send out cards occasionally. I will also send an e-mail to a magazine's art director if they accept them. I also get a fair amount of word of mouth work from a variety of different sources.

What advice do you have for someone trying to become an illustrator?

My advice to anyone thinking about becoming an illustrator is to really look at the big picture. Everything you do in your life--who you're with, how you handle your money, how many kids you have, etc.-- affects your ability to create illustrations and make a living. It doesn't usually pay as much as it's worth and there's no long-term security in many, if not most, cases. You really have to love it to put up with the level of abuse that often comes with the territory. But when it's working, it can be very satisfying. Last thing I'd say is get out and smell the fresh air on a regular basis. Illustrators are often solitary creatures, and it just ain't healthy to spend that much time alone staring at white sheets of paper.

Be sure to check Kerry's portfolio at the IC of DC website.

David Hagen in City Paper

2010-04-06T10:09:00.006-04:00

IC Member David Hagen found himself in the hot-seat over at the Washington City Paper.com. Click the link and
Read the Interview

And don't forget to follow David's every move on his blog at: hagenillustration.blogspot.com

ICofDC Member: Jason E Axtell

2010-03-12T13:59:00.006-05:00

Jason E. Axtell

website: jasoneaxtell.com
blog: http://straysngates.blogspot.com
blog: http://sketchyscribbles.blogspot.com/

Describe your illustration style.

I try to find a balance between simplicity (flat/graphic) and dynamic, colorful compositions.

What is your main medium?

Mixed - Pencil, Ink and Digital

What is your illustration workspace like?

Currently, way too small. It's a corner of my bedroom so it's a little crammed but comfortable. Primarily a drafting table I've laid out flat to set up my computer (a Mac Book Pro, 21" Dell Monitor and Wacom Tab). Somehow I've also managed to fit a couple storage boxes of assorted paints and pastels on the drafting table. This is all flanked by a coffee table turned shelving unit where I hold the rest of my art supplies, scanner and printer. Another drafting table is in storage until I can move into a larger space.

Describe your typical work flow.

I begin everything with sketches to plan out the composition. I deliberately push myself to try differing angles, compositions and subject matter until I've come across something I think will work. I then scan the sketch into Photoshop and enlarge it to the size specified or maybe a little larger. I fill in the image with Cyan set at 20% and Fade using the Screen option. This gives me a nice light (and I do mean light) blue. This is printed out onto HP 32lb LaserJet paper using my InkJet printer (InkJet on LaserJet paper works since I use the printout for pencilling and nothing else).

Side note: I like this paper because of its slick surface; it handles pencil and ink splendidly.

This gives me a blueline version of the rough sketch. On this I go back in with a blue pencil (Prismacolor or Col-Erase) and refine much of the original sketch until forms, perspective and any other details seem right. I then go over that with either pencil (as I do for my comic strip, Strays 'N Gates) or with ink (Town of Hardeeville). I then scan the full pencilled or inked drawing into Photoshop where I use various tools to refine the black line work until it's crisp and clean.

I apply color with my Wacom Tab on a separate layer set to multiply. Sometimes, additional effects require extra layers (the lighthouse glares in Town of Hardeeville). I always make a finalized (and flattened) TIF file and a smaller web version.

Who was your first illustration hero?

Rockwell provided some of the earliest memories of inspiration but another that I believe has had just as much of a profound effect is Philip Travers' cover art for the Moody Blues album, In Search of the Lost Chord. I've always found it hypnotic and majestic, composed to represent and simultaneously transcend space and time.

What is your favorite category of illustration and why?

I'd have to go with Fantasy/Comic Art on this one but that's really generalizing it since even within each of those is a wide variety of styles and technique. I've always enjoyed work that pertains to fictionalized worlds and characters. The amount of research necessary to produce some of the most profound Fantasy/Comic Art goes hand in hand with imagination, not an easy feat, but one that comes with years of experience, open-mindedness and experimentation.

Can you describe the direction your current work is heading?

Certainly more digital, but that's being vague. My goals pertain more to subject matter than style. But I would like to refine (ie. simplify) my work to a graphic style that tells a story at it's most vivid. Telling stories through (or with) my art has always been the aim, no matter what style I choose to communicate it with.

What do you do to promote your work?

I have my own web site, which is in dire need of an update and a re-design, but it doesn't attract as much traffic as I would like. I try to push myself into social networking sites (Facebook, Blog's, etc.) which help, if but a little. I also have some backing from previous employers who have helped get me the contacts necessary to promote some of my work. Craig's List has helped in the past. I'm hoping the IC will do the same (only recently joined). Having an actual physical book to show around at conventions has always been the biggest and best publicity in my opinion.

What advice do you have for someone trying to become an illustrator?

Don't give up. Be persistent. Keep drawing. Don't procrastinate.

Be sure to check Jason's portfolio at the IC of DC website.

Help the Hodges

2010-01-25T17:10:00.007-05:00

17" x 9.5" - pencil on vellum

by Michael Spooner

1998

Join with the National Cartoonists Association Foundation, as they seek to raise funds for Mathew Hodges, son of cartoonist Tim Hodges -- Struck by a train in August and sustaining coma inducing head trauma.

The family suffers a common issue among freelancers, limited insurance.

"Being self-employed, the Hodge family has short term medical insurance that will not fully cover all of their bills. Additionally, with the care they are giving Matt, full-time work is not possible for Tim right now. This loving family is relying on their faith and the love of family and friends for their survival. This is a tragic accident that will forever affect their lives as the road to recovery for Matt may be a long one.

In an effort to help the Hodge family, the National Cartoonists Society Foundation is getting involved by hosting a fund-raising auction to be held on eBay. The NCSF is a fully licensed 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that not only helps fund educational endeavors for cartooning, but is there to help cartoonists in dire circumstances like the Hodges."

Go to Help the Hodges ( helpthehodges.com ) to bid on one-of-a-kind art from Disney, Peanuts, Hana Barbara and many, many others - all proceeds going to help defer Matt's mounting bills.

It's tough all around, and it's nice to see an artists association pulling together like this.

ICofDC Member: Kevin McFadin

2010-01-22T15:46:00.006-05:00

Kevin McFadin

website: http://www.kevinmcfadin.com

Describe your illustration style.

A mixture of found imagery, photos, traditional/hand-drawn elements, and whatever might be in the bottom drawer (if it works!)

What is your main medium?

Digital/Collage

What is your illustration workspace like?

I'm tucked nicely into the corner of the shop of Fan Works Design. Right next to my stacks of books of reference to inspiration is usually a tumbling stack of CDs, and now a turntable. And a very ancient dog, Cracker, who acts as shadow and unconditional and unwilling audience.

Perfect.

I share the studio with my partner Dawn Ripple McFadin who provides not only guidance, a boot when I need it, but also is an invaluable sounding board. We're located in the Fan in Richmond so if it gets too frenetic in the shop, we can easily take a stroll and escape to a myriad of distractions to clean the engines.

Describe your typical work flow.

I always start with the tried and true thumbnail sketch. One of my illustration teachers back in the day always stressed the importance of those thumbnail sketches. He was fond of doing tiny, tiny thumbnails: "That way your problem is only a few inches big." I then start amassing as much material as I can, be it photos, take photos, hand-drawn elements, textures, object/images to scan, etc … More often than not I throw in much more than I initially intended or will need, so much of the process is actually editing. I start paring things down to what is needed and what works, always very mindful of the happy accidents that happen along the way.

Who was your first illustration hero?

Brad Holland. I was always drawn to heavily editorial work and his work fit the bill perfectly, albeit with an edge and strangeness that I found compelling. At the time I was focusing on painting and his technique and style hit me right between the eyes.

What is your favorite category of illustration and why?

I'm still drawn to editorial work. I'm sure much of that is a hold over from working as a newspaper staff illustrator/designer back in the day. But even as my own work got more open to interpretation and "textural" to a certain degree, content was always there, not far behind.

Can you describe the direction your current work is heading?

Funny you should ask: more editorial. Much of the illustration work that I do for Fan Works Design has to cover a broad range of treatments for a variety of clients, but when it's a focused effort on illustration as the final product it's coming full circle back to leaning heavily on the editorial side of things. I recently finished two pieces for the Wall Street Journal which brought me full circle back into the arms of newspapers.

note: one image attached is from the Journal pieces

What do you do to promote your work?

I'm listed with the IC, keep abreast of the doings of the Richmond Illustrators Club, theispot, IllustrationMundo, exploring some advertising options since that is always in flux, I have a site that focuses on my illustration work only (with the requisite blog), Facebook for myself and Fan Works, occasional tweets into the ether, email announcements/news to existing and potential clients and am looking into getting back into good old fashioned USPS mailings. And tried and true word of mouth …letting people know what I do and what I can do.

What advice do you have for someone trying to become an illustrator?

Develop your aesthetic. And I don't mean strictly your work: everyone has their own aesthetic, who they are drawn to, what they are drawn to, etc … be it their illustration work, what they read, what they watch, the music they get into …polish it up, keep it living. It's yours and if you work at getting it up to speed it starts taking care of itself {and at times thinking for itself} and feeding right back into itself, and you.

Be sure to check Kevin's portfolio at the IC of DC website.

ICofDC Member: Holly Camp

2010-01-13T11:53:00.002-05:00

Holly Camp

website/blog: http://www.hollycamp.com

online store: http://hollycampcards.etsy.com

Describe your illustration style.

I like to sit with my painting about 4 inches from my face, so my work is generally very detailed. I use lots of tiny lines and dots to communicate something larger, and counteract that with organic shapes and splatters. I think this style creates artwork visually appropriate for a variety of ages – from child to adult – but I like to carry in themes that cater to a mature audience. I find these balances – tight and detailed vs. organic, light-hearted visual vs. heavier message – to be the main elements at the base of an interesting illustration.

What is your main medium?

I love acrylic paint, watered down to something similar to watercolors. I'll layer that with ink and even a little color pencil to hit some brightly colored pops.

What is your illustration workspace like?

Because my paint is applied in a series of very watery washes, I have worked in what basically amounts to a little ball on the floor for years. Within the past month I moved a drafting table into my studio – I'm pretty sure it's about time I graduated from the floor.

Describe your typical work flow.

I begin by filling my sketchbook with lists and little sketches. After client approval, I create the final illustration by layering pencil, ink, a watered-down acrylic concoction, more ink, and then colored pencil. I'll scan that in and use a bit of Photoshop for color correction. Repeat.

Who was your first illustration hero?

I was immediately inspired the first time I saw the work of Lisbeth Zwerger. Her illustrations are playful enough for fairy tales, but with undertones that are ominous enough to intrigue the viewer. To me, it captured the essence of illustration and its purpose as a narrative art form that can't be achieved any other way. I see the tension between these beautiful images that she creates and the darker subject matter within them as the inspiration for what I'm striving towards.

What is your favorite category of illustration and why?

I respond to children's book imagery that is smart and treats its audience accordingly. There is work out there that achieves this by stepping outside of what one expects for the younger viewer, and that is what excites me and what I work towards myself.

Can you describe the direction your current work is heading?

Over the past two years, I have found myself focusing on illustrations for a line of greeting cards I created called Holly Camp Cards. Most of the cards are animal based, and it really appeals to me that, under the guise of brightening peoples' day, I can design little sad-faced creatures. I definitely enjoy the unexpectedness of greeting cards that aren't always brimming with the typical sunny sentiment.

What do you do to promote your work?

What do you do to promote your work? To promote my editorial work, I have sent out postcards with my images to art directors, visited their offices for face-to-face interviews, and other forms of various harassment. For my greeting card line, the independent craft shows I participate in provide the opportunity to chat with customers about my work and place a tangible product in their hands. I also created a Faceboook page for the cards, which has been a very successful tool for increasing exposure.

What advice do you have for someone trying to become an illustrator?

Work hard and don't sleep. Be persistent. Look at everything.

Be sure to check Holly's portfolio at the IC of DC website.

Seasons Exhibition at Montgomery College

2010-01-12T19:03:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Make sure to go see "Seasons, In Time and Space" at Montgomery College, Rockville Campus at the Communication Arts Technologies Gallery.

"Seasons" will run from January 25 - February 26, 2010 with a special Gallery Talk on Wednesday, February 10 from noon - 1 p.m.

Many of the artists on exhibit are members of the Illustrators Club and the show is always beautifully displayed at Montgomery College's wonderful gallery.

For more information about the show and Gallery hours, please call 240-567-7521

Hope to see you there!

—David Labrozzi

Members Show opening this Thursday, January 14, 2010

2010-01-12T18:51:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone,

A quick reminder to mark your calendars for the 8th Illustrators Club Members Exhibition.

The opening will be between 6-8 p.m. this Thursday, January 14 at the Art Institute of Washington's Rosslyn Campus Gallery.
The Art Institute is at 1820 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, VA 22209 and is accessible by Metro on the orange and blue lines (Rosslyn stop).

If you miss the opening, not to worry. You can see the show all this month; January 10-February 7, at the Art Institute.
Gallery hours are:
Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
(Sunday and Holidays the gallery is closed)
You can always call the Art Institute in advance at 703-358-9550

This years postcard features the fantastic artwork of member, Ashby North.

Make sure to make it out to see the show.
And remember to tell everyone what you saw.

— David Labrozzi

ICofDC Member: Jim Starr

2010-01-11T11:58:00.007-05:00

Jim Starr

website: http://www.jimstarr.com

Describe your illustration style.

I enjoy working in a variety of media and in different styles, so it's difficult to describe my specific style. Scratchboard, pen and ink, woodcut, graphic, airbrush, oil painting, pastel, collage are some of the various media I use that will eventually end up as my digital illustration. My work ranges from corporate/conservative to whimsical/comical, and anything in between. To help a client choose an appropriate style for their project, my website has a search by style or subject.

What is your main medium?

Whatever I'm working on at the moment.

What is your illustration workspace like?

It's small, but efficient. I've crammed every square inch of my 10x15 studio with computer equipment, tv, stereo, large drawing table, big metal flat file, and bookshelf, along with the washing machine and dryer. Taped up like wallpaper are print outs of recent work, that hang on my roof line slanted ceiling until they either get bleached out or fall off. My floor often is the repository of finished jobs that need to be put away or current assignments that have no place besides a meager taboret. Spread throughout the house are my reference books and picture files. The trade off for lack of space at home is being able to step outside and enjoy a run with our dog in the rural countryside.

Describe your typical work flow.

I may be found working part of the day sketching on paper, doing an intricate scratch board illustration, working with bold vector graphics in Adobe Illustrator,airbrushing in Photoshop, or painting a pastel in Corel Painter. Working in different techniques keeps me fresh, and excited about my work. I've found it an advantage to be able to work in the technique that best fits the project.

Who was your first illustration hero?

I fell in love with the Golden Era of Illustration, so I'd say N.C. Wyeth.

Can you describe the direction your current work is heading?

I continue to try on current trends and styles to challenge myself and expand my repertoire, but when called upon to work in one of my traditional techniques, I challenge myself to better myself or add a new twist. So, I never am feeling bored or stagnant. I see myself as a work in progress that will never cease.

What do you do to promote your work?

What do you do to promote your work? I advertise in the Directory of Illustration, http://www.folioplanet.com/ , http://hireanillustrator.com/ , and http://www.contactacreative.com/ . I'm also represented by American Artists, and Stockart.com . Membership in the Illustrators Club of Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia has been a valuable promotional and networking tool for me.

What advice do you have for someone trying to become an illustrator?

Get as much practical experience in the field with a full time position to start out, and set a goal to eventually be a self-sufficient freelancer. I'd recommend taking courses in art school to include graphic design, web design, animation, and 3d to broaden your skills.

Be sure to check Jim's portfolio at the IC of DC website.

Taking a Stroll Down Wall Street … with the Journal

2010-01-08T10:00:00.007-05:00

Kevin McFadin recently finished up these pieces recently for the Wall Street Journal
{article here} to accompany an article on the ever-fashionable realm of conspiracy theories.

"Back in the day I had a run at newspapers in California, Maine and Pennsylvania as an illustrator/page designer, so it was a definite blast from the past," Kevin says. "It was a great experience to revisit that world after a substantial hiatus and to collaborate on a project so heavily editorial. I was really pleased with how the finals came together and the amount of freedom the Wall Street Journal gave me to reach the solutions. But more importantly, the Journal was very happy with the outcomes. All way around, an immensely satisfying assignment. I hope I get the opportunity to fire up the pistons on more exchanges like this one."

ICofDC Member: Peggy Fussell

2010-01-06T09:47:00.009-05:00

A new feature on the IC of DC blog is a bit of "get to know you" for the benefit of other members, and the interested public. We hope you enjoy the feature, and please visit the linked sites, blogs and referenced items - Perhaps you may like to ask your own question.

Peggy Fussell

website: http://www.peggyfussell.com/Portfolio.php

blog: http://www.peggyfussell.wordpress.com

Describe your illustration style.

My style combines swirly bold line with subtle color. I love drawing people, gardens and maps. I also enjoy creating lettering.

What is your main medium?

Digital/collage

What is your illustration workspace like?

My studio feels like a tree house and is filled with a variety of fun art supplies, sea shells, rocks, awe inspiring kid’s art, pine cones, buttons, and other unusual found objects and silly ephemera from my youth. The studio itself is very small, so small that a realtor couldn't legally list it as a bedroom, but it opens out onto a second floor screened in porch that is perfect for drawing, painting or anything that necessitates ventilation. I am, therefore, acutely aware of the weather. Inside I have a 1940s architect's oak drafting table that I bought for $25 dollars in Texas. It pretty much takes up the whole room.

Describe your typical work flow.

I love research!! That's where I start. I sketch in my sketchbook for rough ideas/concepts. I try to always sketch from life. Sometimes, especially if I am drawing plants or people, I will also bring my camera and photograph my subjects from various angles. After I've narrowed down to a few concepts I move to tracing paper to clarify ideas and refine/stylize drawings for presentation. After client approval of sketches I scan them and create lines in Illustrator. I use a Wacom tablet for pressure sensitivity. Then I find and/or create textures, I've got drawers of painted squares, papers and fabric. Finally, I scan the textures and composite them with the line in Photoshop.

Who was your first illustration hero?

Ludwig Bemelmans. I adored his Madeline books when I was little. Those twelve little girls in two straight lines were just so darn cute! After reading the first one I could never again see a crack in a ceiling or sidewalk and not imagine it to be something magical.

I also had/have a thing for cookbook illustrations from the 40s and 50s. One of my prized possessions is Betty Crocker's Dinner for Two illustrated by Charley Harper.

Can you describe the direction your current work is heading?

I've been adding more texture to my work by scanning fabrics, plants and painted surfaces. I've also recently been hired to create a few portraits. I'd like to do more of them!

What do you do to promote your work?

I advertise on theispot.com and have an ad in the current issue of FPO magazine. I post to the blog Sugar Frosted Goodness and I'm listed on Folioplanet, Illustration Mundo and Jacket Flap. I blog and have a website. I tweet on occasion. I also send out postcards (but not as often as I should) And, of course, I am a member of IC!

What advice do you have for someone trying to become an illustrator?

Draw a lot, draw what you love. Get to know your clients and let them get to know you.

Be sure to check Peggy's portfolio at the IC of DC website.

IC Members Show Coming Up!

2009-12-03T20:09:00.003-05:00

Hello Illustrators Club Members, Don't forget to enter 2 pieces into the Illustrators Club Members Show coming up! It's free to enter and IC Members are guaranteed a place on the wall at the Art Institute of Washington in Rosslyn. The location of the gallery is very close to Georgetown and provides great exposure for your work! And best of all; I've said it before, … it's Free for IC members! All that is required is a small hanging fee which we use toward refreshments for the opening night of the show. Here is what you need to know: Drop off, mail or FedEx by 5:00PM MONDAY, December 7, 2009 to: AIW SHOW 2062 Cobblestone Lane; Reston, VA 20191 Check your e-mail for this message and further directions (attached).

So, if you're an IC Member, send it in … and you're in! It's free! See you at the show. David Labrozzi President Illustrators Club of Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia www.illustratorsclub.org

The Kelly Collection

2009-10-30T21:23:00.004-04:00

The Illustrators Club of Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia had the wonderful opportunity once again to tour the remarkable Kelly Collection of American Illustration. The tour was made possible by Mr. Kelly and Collection Curator, Ms. Alberding.

Ms. Alberding's insights into the works on display were not only very informative, but entertaining as well. Her research into the tales the Illustrations were originally produced for as well as stories about the Illustrators themselves, provided viewers with a heightened perspective of these already highly regarded works.

I find myself saying this often about the experience; but truly, viewing these works first hand had been nothing less than magical. There is no doubt, everyone left that day inspired!

Thanks goes out once again to Mr. Kelly for the kind generosity he has extended to the Club through sharing his Collection. We are more than fortunate to have such a friend in the world of Illustration.

Sincerely,

David Labrozzi

President

Illustrators Club of Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia

www.illustratorsclub.org

National Archives - UK

2009-10-26T08:10:00.004-04:00

Some fantastic work is on display at the National Archives (UK) website. Found a beautiful sequential piece of the perils of a Merchant vessel in the North Atlantic. After looking around, I had to pass it on... Check out the caracature of Fire-Bomb Fritz by Reginald Mount from 1942! Fantastic work!

I also appreciate seeing the full artboard with notations and battered edges.

Here's the link: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/theartofwar/

Think Anatomy

2009-10-24T22:05:00.003-04:00

Just found a huge online anatomy resource - Lots of info for medical illustrators, and even something for us with weaker constitutions. Good site for those of you going through your anatomy classes -- Know your Costal Insertions of Latissimus Dorsi!

Click around...

http://thinkanatomy.com/

DACs Payback for UK Pubs

2009-09-20T07:27:00.004-04:00

As an artist or visual creator you can claim Payback royalties if your work has been featured in a UK book, magazine or included in a programme broadcast on BBC Digital or terrestrial television. DACS pays these roylaties to successful claimants in December each year. Read more here. http://www.dacs.org.uk/index.php?m=4

DACS is a membership based organisation representing 36,000 fine artists and their heirs, in addition to 16,000 photographers, illustrators, craftspeople, cartoonists, architects, animators and designers, including some of the biggest names in contemporary visual arts.

--- If you qualify, you have until Sept 30th to put in a claim! Many Thanks to UK Illustrator Lynne Chapman for the heads-up!

We could use the love on this side of the pond, too. awe... yeah!

Go Figure! Is Starting Up Again. October 6 is On Us!

2009-09-06T22:19:00.009-04:00

The IC sponsored figure drawing sessions are starting up again!

Show up on October 6 starting at 6 p.m. and draw for free. Sessions end at 9 p.m.

The first session will be October 6 at the Art Institute of Washington on the 11th floor. Please ask the front desk for assistance with the elevator.

The Art Institute of Washington is located in Rosslyn, VA. The location is very near the Rosslyn stop on the orange line of the metro.

After the 6th, sessions will run every Tuesday and Thursday for the Fall season (with the exception of holidays). The sessions will be held between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on those days.

As mentioned earlier in this post, on October 6, 2009 you can come and draw for free. After that the fee is $8.00/session. As

always, students and faculty of the Art Institute are invited to attend for free.

See you there!

David Labrozzi

President,

Illustrators Club of Washington DC Maryland and Virginia

www.illustratorsclub.org

Covering Media - Illustration Annuals

2009-08-01T08:02:00.003-04:00

I came across this entry this morning over at the Covering Media blog. The author covers the medal winners of the top three annuals, going back to the beginning of inception. Society of Illustrators, American Illustration Annual and Spectrum winners are listed. I checked out the SI wiki and see Gary Kelley has the top spot with 12 gold and 15 silver medals... WOW!

Here's the link to check the tally... Didn't I see your name up there too?

http://blog.coveringmedia.com/2009/08/juried-illustration-annual-summaries.html

Illustration West 48

2009-07-30T08:18:00.002-04:00

Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles has announced:

Time for Illustration West 48!
www.entersila.com
Questions? Just give them a call.

Missed ILW 47? Check out www.si-la.org/47

Alyce Heath

Association Manager

P.O. Box 940310

Simi Valley, CA 93094

800-799-6368

www.si-la.org

2009-06-29T20:18:00.003-04:00

Hi again,

Here's some details on one other competition coming up. This one you have plenty of time to prepare for. Check it out at: http://www.x.to/

2009-06-29T20:07:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I know this is too last minute for anyone to enter now, but for future reference, there is the juried show, London International Creative Competition. I don't know too much about this competition, but you may check their site out at: http://www.licc.us/artists/index.php

Martha Vaughn and Montgomery College

2009-06-29T15:46:00.003-04:00

I just caught this post on (James) Gurney Journey (Dinotopia) and his review of the Montgomery College art department under IC member Martha Vaughn's direction. Take a peek... some very good classroom organization ideas!

http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2009/03/montgomery-college.html

Opening of the Richmond Illustrator's 3rd Annual

2009-06-08T13:08:00.014-04:00

IC president David Labrozzi and member Paul Zdepski visited the Richmond Illustrators Club (RIC) 3rd Annual show on Friday, June 5th. The show is currently hosted at Ghostprint Gallery, 220 W. Broad St. Richmond VA. The show was brimming with regional, national and international illustration, juried by Marshal Arisman. The Richmond Club is very active, and shares many dual members with the IC of DC, MD and VA.

RIC president, Katie McBride and vice-president Holly Camp were able to welcome and chat with all in attendance. They were the perfect hosts.

You are invited to take the jaunt down I-95 to the VA state capitol to view the show and enjoy the bustle of a very active and hip Broad Street... It's teeming with art, music, food and eccentricity.

Photos courtesy of Hannele Lahti.

Moonbeam Art: A Collection of Illustrations by Susannah Edwards

2009-05-19T18:02:00.002-04:00

Susannah Edwards, a member of the DC Area Illustrators Club, is having a solo show of some of her recent illustrations at the Fairlington Community Center in Arlington, VA. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM. The show will be up until Friday, June 12th, 2009. Susannah has two illustration techniques: pen and ink with watercolor and linoleum block prints with watercolor. To preview some of her artwork, please visit: www.directoryofillustration.com/SusannahEdwards. Hope you get a chance to stop by and check out the show!!!

REFLECTIONS REFRACTIONS

2009-05-03T22:31:00.013-04:00

Photo by Hannele Lahti
http://72.32.9.12/~hlahti/blog/

This week the Illustrators Club attended a very special and personal tour of the National Portrait Gallery's show, Reflections Refractions: Self-Portraiture in the Twentieth Century.

The tour was conducted by Curator of Prints and Drawings, Wendy Wick Reaves who has always provided such scholarly insight into past tours for the club. Her personal touch makes for a truly wonderful presentation. If you missed the previous tour, it was the Ballyhoo! exhibit of posters. For those of us who attended, we're still talking about that show.

The Reflections Refractions show is no different in it's thoughtful choices of works toward the theme. Don't let the reserved nature of self-portraiture fool you. For that matter, don't let the pre-conception of what self-portrait is influence your vision. The works of Reflections Refractions are full of complexity and many challenge the viewer to re-examine what indeed fulfills the requirements of of a work to be a self-portrait. It also asks the question, is the artist revealing everything about themselves to the viewer? What might they be leaving out? What statement do they intend to make? There are even a couple of fine examples of artists portraits throughout their lives. The psychology, the stories; all remarkable!

On behalf of the Illustrators Club, we cannot thank Wendy enough for once again being our guide through yet another spectacular show at the National Portrait Gallery.

Of course, you don't have to wait for a guided tour. You can always go down to the gallery and see the show for yourself. You won't be disappointed. I know I'll be back.

Here's a link to the Galleries web site for more information about Reflections Refractions: http://www.npg.si.edu/exhibit/curex1.htm#reflections

David Labrozzi

Richmond Illustrators Club 3rd Annual Juried Show; Call For Entries!

2009-03-27T13:07:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone,

I wanted to pass along the announcement for the Richmond Illustrators Club's 3rd Annual Juried Show, Call For Entries! This Year Marshall Arisman will be judging.

See below for the official announcement:

The Richmond Illustrators Club is planning its 3rd Annual Juried Show!

The club meets on a monthly basis to plan events, to share and critique work, and to maintain contacts within the local illustration community. We hold an annual juried show, in addition to a member show, and we also have a book of Grimm's fairy tales that we've completed and are now in the process of trying to publish. The club has really been helpful in providing an outlet for illustrators to come together and share ideas and encouragement.

We are starting to organize our 3rd Annual Juried Show, and we think you should enter! The show will be held at Ghostprint Gallery, located in downtown Richmond, opening June 5th.

To enter, go to www.richmondillustratorsclub.com. We will be accepting entries electronically through our website. Please make sure that your files are no larger than 2MB, and 1000 pixels on the longest dimension at 72DPI. The first entry is $20 with $5 for each subsequent entry. Payment can be delivered either online through our Paypal account or mailed with a hard cop of the entry form to R.I.C., 17 West Marshall Street, Apartment A, Richmond, VA 23220.. The deadline for entries is April 24. More information is available on the entry form found on our website. If you have any questions on the process, please emailrichmond.illustrators@gmail.com or info@richmondillustratorsclub.com.

Last year's show attracted almost 200 entries from all across country, of which we were able to display 45 pieces. The show was a wonderful time and drew a large amount of people and publicity. Many participants of the show felt a direct benefit from their involvement, for example, either securing gallery representation or obtaining clients. Predominately, we use the juried show to promote illustration throughout our community and remind local and national ad agencies, publications and other business that use illustration, that there is a powerful illustration force – sometimes right under their noses in their own city.

You can view past winners and other information on our other website www.richmondillustratorsclub.blogspot.com, though we are in the process of switching everything to www.richmondillustratorsclub.com. Please help us spread the word! Tell all your friends about this and help us make this the best show yet. This is a great show, and we want as many people and as much great artwork as possible to be involved! Please let us know if we can answer any questions you may have, or provide more information on the club and its purpose. Below is a press release about the Third Annual Juried Show that might provide some more detail.

Thanks and we look forward to hearing from you!
Katie McBride, President
Holly Camp, Vice President
Richmond Illustrators Club
__________________________

The Richmond Illustrators Club 3rd Annual Juried Show:
The Richmond Illustrators Club 3rd Annual Juried Show is a locally organized event that draws nation-wide attention, while reminding Richmond of its own illustration presence. Last year's call for entries attracted nearly 200 works from across the country and thousands of people came to the opening to admire the selected pieces.
We have been fortunate to work with jurors that have been amazing in their talent and intelligence -- Anita Kunz, Greg Swearingen, Josh George, and Kadir Nelson, among others. As artists, they run the gamut from conceptual editorial to children's book to gallery work. They have awarded gold, silver and bronze places, joined by The Phil Meggs Award for Excellence in Design, assigned by his wife and daughter. This year, we will be working with esteemed illustrator Marshall Arisman, Chair of the Illustration as Visual Essay program at the School of Visual Arts in New York.
The show opens June 5th at Ghostprint gallery, at the heart of the Broad Street First Fridays art walk and provides an excellent opportunity to expose great work to art buyers, art directors, gallery owners and other creative professionals.
The last two shows have been very successful and have directly helped several members get gallery representation as well as other opportunities.
Visit our website at www.richmondillustratorsclub.com to read club news, review membership information, find links to members work and see past years winners.
___________________________

About the Club:
The Richmond Illustrator's club is a non-profit organization that provides information and promotion for the advancement of freelance illustrators and the illustration profession. The Club has been in existence for almost 20 years; if you're a working illustrator in the Richmond area, odds are you've been involved with the club at some point. Our members have worked in various aspects of the communication arts field, from editorial illustration to graphic design to fine art. Some of the club's clients include National Public Radio, Christian Children's Fund, NASA, Virginia Living Magazine, Rolling Stone, The Washington Post, Raven Tree Press, and Virginia Commonwealth University.
Some of our past projects have been a set of Richmond-themed postcards to send out to art directors and a book of Grimm's Fairy Tales. As a club, we illustrated more than 30 stories. The book is currently all laid out and we are seeking publication. On the horizon are more ideas of more group projects that will hopefully serve to benefit and involve the community.
The club provides to its members

• An opportunity to maintain and create contacts within the communication arts community, both in Richmond and with members of other regional illustrators clubs.
• Members shows
• Juried shows
• Group promotional projects
• Web site to host portfolios and club news.

A Welcome to the Illustrators Club

2009-03-04T20:42:00.014-05:00

Hello Members of the Illustrators Club of Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia and followers of our blog. I thought maybe the best way to introduce the Illustrators Club to those who are new would be to give a brief example of some of the activities we created last year. The short list of activities for members to participate in are Club sponsored shows, gallery tours, speakers and seminars.

For example, last December we held our Members Show at the Art Institute of Washington's gallery in Rosslyn, VA and last summer our Juried Exhibition at Pepco's Edison Gallery in Washington DC . The core sentiment of these shows has been to expose the community at large to Illustration and the fantastic work which is sometimes overlooked in the guise of everyday print materials. It has been important to the field as the gallery setting, among other things, has helped to increase the appreciation and solidify the position of Illustration in the Arts.

Most recently, we held a private tour with the National Portrait Gallery to see the "Ballyhoo!" poster exhibit held there. Among the posters ranging from victorian to modern day was Shepard Fairey's special piece done for the gallery of the Obama "HOPE" poster. Last year we held a tour of the Kelly Collection; a local, private collection of some of the most outstanding pieces of Golden Age Illustration. It was an unforgettable day to say the least.

We coupled the Kelly Tour with our speaker series. It was a great pairing as our speaker was Illustrator/Professor Murray Tinkelman; a legend among the Illustration community. If you have a chance, read the article/interview with Murray in issue 23 of Illustration magazine. His down to earth speaking style combined with his lifetime in Illustration (beginning with Cooper Studios) made for the best in information and entertainment. In fact, we were able to have Murray walk through the Kelly Collection with us. It truly offered great insight into the works we viewed that day. Like I said; unforgettable.

Before I leave the subject of Murray and the study of Illustration I would like to make a brief mention of the Limited Residency MFA in Illustration program at the University of Hartford http://hartfordillustrationmfa.org. Murray started the program there and it's a great one! Both Paul Zdepski and myself are attending and I can honestly say it's possibly the best thing you can do for yourself as an Illustrator. Whether your goal is to teach or to rediscover your personal vision among a group of peers, the program will support you.

To get back to the Club; we regularly hold a Business and Legal seminar. This year we plan to add a special speaker to discuss the lucrative practice of licensing illustration. Of course we maintain an active role in the dissemination of information regarding the Orphan Works legislation and the possible dangers which exist to the rights of Illustrators today. We have coupled this with our support of and affiliation with ASIP (American Society of Illustrators Partnership) .

I am personally proud to be a part of the Illustrators Club for their role and support of ASIP. We have Joe Azar to thank for helping us to make this connection. Without him, the Illustrators Club would not have been involved so early in the development and support of ASIP. Marie Dauenheimer and her connections in the Medical Illustration community have been key to this as well.

It's good to mention Marie here as she has done so much to create and develop the Programs and Activities the Illustrators Club promotes and sponsors. One of the best, in my opinion, has been the ongoing Open Life Drawing sessions held at AiW every Tuesday and Thursday night. While being open to members, opening the the sessions to the public has brought a great variety of people together who simply enjoy drawing the human form. From students to professionals; whether for practice, study or just the enjoyment of drawing, it has been a great experience to get together and draw. All of this while giving back to the community. Students draw along side professionals. What I would have given for this when I was coming along. Did I mention students of AiW are admitted for free?

So the Club really does do a lot. And, it's all done with a volunteer group. Even this blog.

We are always looking for more participation; whether it be suggestions for lecture series, or something we may have never sponsored before. Of course, we are always looking for volunteers too. I have always felt we accomplish so much with a few and can only imagine what we could do with more.

I hope you'll participate.

David Labrozzi
President,
Illustrators Club of Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia
http://www.illustratorsclub.org

David Hagen: Identified and Unidentified

2009-03-04T10:16:00.008-05:00

Long-time IC Member David Hagen would like to invite you to see his new show,
“Identified and Unidentified,” just opened in Arlington (Rosslyn area):
Century 21 Exhibit Space
1711 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22209
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It runs through the end of April with a reception on Friday, March 27th.

Congratulations, David!

Xto Nude Image Awards

2009-02-21T21:31:00.006-05:00

To Follow up on Tyler's post, there is one other show coming up. That is, the Xto Nude Image Awards. The deadline is February 28, so there isn't much time. If you have something ready though, it's online entry so it's still possible to get something there.

This is the first time I have heard about this competition. However; from reading the description on their site (http://www.x.to/) it appears it is open to both Illustrators and Photographers.

The highlights are a Grand Prize of $2000.00 and exhibit in New York while 2nd Prize is still $1000.00 with exhibit in New York.

Upcoming Competition Deadlines

2009-02-18T00:45:00.012-05:00

*EDITED

Some illustration competition deadlines are quickly approaching. I often forget about these and scramble at the last minute to meet the specific submission requirements. Lucky for lazy folks like me, they all seem to accept submissions online!

American Illustration (March 2): Call for Entries

Print Magazine (April 1 - late entry fee applies): Call for Entries

Communication Arts (March 20): Call for Entries

3x3 Magazine (March 14): Call for Entries

If anyone else knows of any more competitions in the next month or so, please add them. And good luck!

What's going on out in Paul Zdepski's Studio?

2009-02-14T07:23:00.003-05:00

a whole bunch of watercolor...

I've been retooling my entire portfolio over the last 6 months. I'm trying to focus on the Children's market, breaking away from my usual editorial themes. As a life long oil painter, I had developed a solid style, color vocabulary and approach to creating a piece... practically second nature. That has all changed.

I entered a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration program this past summer at the University of Hartford. I had to begin thinking about a thesis, and what I could do to make this major outlay of precious cash work for me. The instructors are varied, but there are many award winning children's field folks; Dennis Nolan - Golden Kite winner, Betsy Lewin - Caldecot winner... Ted Lewin, Murray Tinkelman, Bunny Carter... the list is expanding to C.F. Payne and others.

These folks work in manners and fields totally foreign to my experience, and I figured I needed to take this opportunity to learn something entirely new. I've decided to tap into my humorous side, which has always been there, but has been interpreted as smarmy or preachy in my editorial work. I'm ditching all the oil and going for fluid media - ink and watercolor... very few second chances with these two.

My thesis is being built around some characters I had developed back in 2005, and this effort is pushing my entire Illustration portfolio and focus into a new direction, field, possibilities, and satisfaction.

I've never "re-tooled" like this, but have read about other illustrators that have done it a number of times. It's a lot of effort, but it's also like entering a laboratory and creating new life.

I post my progress on my blog, Zillustration Studio News and have much of my older work on my portfolio site, Zillustration.com, HOWEVER... for my thesis, I've gone the extra mile and bought an entire domain name to handle the new work. It's a sandbox, work in progress, and is only a couple of images right now, but I will build it out over the next year to function as it's own portfolio and interactive FUNzone - DogBabies.com

So, that's what's happening out in the hills of Virginia. If you want to contact me, please do, I love to talk about Illustration, painting and to creative folks. p@zillustration.com

Welcome Message

2009-02-03T21:37:00.000-05:00

Welcome!
We're The Illustrators Club of Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia — IC for short. Thank you for visiting!

Who We Are
IC is a non-profit, all-volunteer trade association dedicated to promoting the art and business of illustration since 1986. Our membership network includes professional illustrators, graphic designers, educators, students, vendors and related businesses.

Why We're Here
IC provides a broad palette of resources, programs and opportunities to educate and benefit members, art buyers and the general public. We strive to protect the rights and interests of all members, while maintaining high standards and encouraging fair business practices throughout the graphic arts community. If you would like to join our active and ever expanding group, visit our site at: http://www.illustratorsclub.org