Featured Artist: Christine Benjamin

My Background: My mother put a crayon in my hand and some paper on the floor when I was 9 months old. She left the room. When she returned she saw that I had not only drawn on the paper, but had also proceeded to create a mural on the wall. From that day on I had started my career as an artist. I have now had my own illustration business in the Silicon Valley for 12 years and have illustrated for magazines, newspapers, ad agencies, design firms and web sites.

My Technique: When I start doing sketches for a client I always think of how to show the concept in a different or unusual way. I let the concept dictate what medium I will use in the final piece. I use many techniques such as oil pastels, acrylics, 3D clay and the computer.

My Favorite Client story: I don't have any one story in particular. I have had the chance to work with many really nice clients and art directors that let me have the freedom to do what I do best. I have also had the chance to paint a mural for a restaurant and a series of small wall paintings for a top software/hardware company. In addition I have illustrated children's educational material, and have done commissioned paintings for people's homes.

Stuff: I love collecting things. Comic books: Archie, Frank by Jim Woodring, Dangle and Troubletown by Lloyd Dangle, Evil Eye by Richard Sala, original artwork of illustrators, artists and photographers. Toys: robots, spaceships, Star Wars, Gumby, Pee Wee Herman, Flatsy Dolls and PowerPuff Girls. Children's books: Where the Wild things Are by Maurice Sendak, Mr. Lunch Borrows a Canoe by J. Otto Seibold Hooray for Diffendorfer Day by Dr. Seuss and Lane Smith. I love watching movies from the 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's like science fiction ( Mothra, War of the Worlds, The Day the Earth Stood Still, first Planet of the Apes) and Hitchcock (Rear Window North by Northwest, Vertigo).

All artwork © 2002 Christine Benjamin. Not to be used without permission.