Featured Artist, Dorothy Reinhardt

What is your Background?

My path to illustration has been circuitous. I studied fine art and advertising design in college and art school. I quit school and worked in commercial printing for 13 years. I loved printing, but I longed for something more creative, so I decided to go back to Academy of Art for a bit to study illustration. During that time I worked as a freelance print production artist at various ad agencies, design firms and magazines around San Francisco, including a long stint at PC World magazine. I’ve been working as an illustrator since 1990. After taking a pattern design class last year, I’ve started expanding into surface and textile design. I just returned from exhibiting at Surtex for the first time.

What is your Technique?

Most of my work has been done in scratchboard and watercolor. I’m also working digital a lot more. One of the things I love about illustration is the research. It’s really interesting to me to delve into subjects I would otherwise know nothing about. I also enjoy solving problems. For instance, how to make oysters look cooked, in line art with color, in an illustration about 1” square. Some of the most difficult jobs end up being the most satisfying.

What is your involvement with the Guild?

I’ve been a member of the Guild since 1998. I’ve volunteered off and on for different committees. I worked a lot on Peep Show. It’s been interesting having a chance to meet people from different disciplines in the art field.

Do you have a favorite client story?

With all the time, effort and money I’ve thrown into getting my work in front of potential clients, what always amazes me is how some of them end up finding me. I attended Surtex in NYC last year, just walking the show to check it out for the first time. I turned a corner and ran into Hae Yuon Kim, whom I know from my involvement with the Guild. She had a booth at the show. We both said, “I didn’t know you were into this stuff.” She told me of a woman who has office space in the same building in Oakland where she works who needed some pattern work done. This woman has turned into a regular client. I think it’s kind of crazy to go all the way to New York to get a client here in the Bay Area, but that’s how it sometimes works out.

Do you have any other thoughts regarding the design industry?

Since I’ve been involved in it, the only constant has been change. When I started out in printing, some of the places where I worked were still setting type in lead. I’m constantly amazed that I can set my own type, scan images, put them together and print out something that looks great on my little Epson printer in my own studio. I expect things will continue to change in this field, and I’ll have to continue to reinvent myself. So maybe the circuitous path I’ve taken will serve me well.

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To be considered for the Featured Artist members must be:

• An Active Volunteer

• Approved by the committee chair to whom they report

In the event of a conflict the steering committee will decide.

If you are interested, please contact Anastasia Hockinson for more information.

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Graphic Artists Guild members qualify for special offers from the ADBASE Online Custom List Service. Call them toll-free at 1-877-500-0057 to find out what is currently available and what ADBASE can do for you.