| Featured Artist: Bill Russell
What is your Background?
I've been an illustrator for a while now. I graduated Parsons in New York in 1976 and went to work right away as a freelancer of sorts. I was known as the 'spot (illustration) king' for years. It wasn’t until I moved to New York from Toronto in 1984 that I took my profession more seriously. That was the year I joined the Guild.
What is your Technique?
I started doing elaborately detailed pen and ink work then progressed to scratchboard. I liked the graphic quality and the expressionism of it. It's only been in the last few years that I've developed a few new styles in PhotoShop and by doing more journalistic drawing. I like the variety of it and not being pigeonholed in a technique. Right now my technique is problem solving. I do whatever it takes to answer the requirements of the job.
What is your involvement with the Guild?
Like I said, I joined because the commitment I made to my profession required it and I needed healthcare, which the Guild offered back then. I attended Guild talks and luncheons in New York. I met many activist artists. When my wife and I moved out to the Bay area in 1990, the Guild provided a nice social network and I volunteered to help. I created the Image and Outreach Committee and the Speaker's Bureau. I spoke at schools about professional practice. The template I created for Educational Outreach is still linked on the National Guild home page. I did my part for the successful repeal of the unlawful California sales tax on artwork. I performed in skits and wrote letters to State assembly members. I also did an informal oversight of the thousands of dollars we spent in that campaign. But it was all worth it. Right now, I write 'BillBites', my column for Incite and edit our newsletter.
Do you have a favorite client story?
A musician friend of mine, Brian Gore, produces International Guitar Night, which are evenings of music with world-renowned acoustic guitarists. Early this year, he needed an illustration for their next CD of a live concert recording. We got off to a rocky start with the musicians rejecting my first cover illustration. Eventually, I came up with a somewhat surreal image of guitars floating in the half-lit sky. They liked the mood it created. I ended up illustrating all six sides of the package including a sound hole and headstock in the same ethereal style. I just finished designing their new website by adapting elements from the CD package. I felt like Brian gave me an opportunity to do something new. I think I rose to the challenge and it shows.
What have you learned in your years as a graphic artist?
I turned 50 recently. I feel wise enough now to know what counts in life, like doing work of real value, keeping vital and creative, extending oneself to others, staying healthy and striking a balance with work and family life.
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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
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