Illustrator

Casey & Steven of Spruceton Inn

Entrepreneur, Illustrator, Writer / By

During the last weekend in January, we left the city and headed north for a weekend away. Our destination: the much talked about Spruceton Inn, formerly owned by the Schwarzenegger family and more recently renovated by Casey Scieszka and Steven Weinberg, who have transformed the space into a mecca for those wanting to relax among the beautiful scenery of West Kill, New York. We talked with the couple about life before Spruceton Inn, the biggest challenges and rewards of renovating and opening the Catskills bed & bar, and their advice to anyone who has a big dream and is contemplating the next step.

Maira Kalman

Artist, Designer, Illustrator, Writer / By

Maira Kalman, NYC-based artist, author, designer, and illustrator, on the path that led her from Tel Aviv to New York, what she learned from her late husband and creative partner, Tibor Kalman, and the joy in weaving the things she loves into her work.

Mikey Burton

Designer, Illustrator / By

Mikey Burton, Chicago-based designer and illustrator, on the power of supportive parents, finding unexpected success working with friends, and why patience and persistence are the most valuable tools to get through the day-job years.

Kelli Anderson

Artist, Designer, Illustrator / By

Kelli Anderson, Brooklyn-based artist and designer, is interviewed by Tina and guest interviewer, Emily Scheinman—one of our Kickstarter campaign backers—in this conversation touching on art, physics, and stretching the limits of our work.

Ping Zhu

Illustrator / By

I met with LA native and current Brooklyn resident, Ping Zhu, for conversation and a totally tasty snack at Tarallucci E Vino’s small cafe in the East Village. We sat outside, the cars and people buzzing by, as Ping recounted her story to me. She has an incredible conviction that illustration was her best opportunity to be good at something, and she recalled the struggle to forge a path that was all her own. As you read on, may Ping’s determination inspire you to follow your instincts, remain open to challenges, and never stop learning. —Tina

Shyama Golden

Artist, Designer, Illustrator / By

Shyama has a knack for creating work that is fun, witty, and full of personality, just like she is. I spoke with the Brooklyn-based artist about her early experiences as a graphic designer, the importance of making time to do personal work, and the risk she took in leaving the city she loved, which she reflects on as being “absolutely worth it!” Let Shyama’s story challege you to trust your intuiton, like she did, and not be afraid to make a move toward the next challenge that awaits you. —Tina”

Paul Sahre

Designer, Illustrator / By

On a sunny afternoon in April, I walked the few blocks from my apartment to Paul’s studio, which the Office of Paul Sahre (O.O.P.S.) has occupied for the last 13 years. There, Paul and I sat together at a table, surrounded by books, records, artwork, tools, and projects in process. Paul talked about discovering design, leaving agency work to build his studio, and what’s next for O.O.P.S., which will be moving this summer. Best known for his illustrations and books cover design, Paul’s work has taken many different forms over the years. Yet his motto has remained the same: it doesn’t matter what you do; it only matters whether or not you commit to it. —Tina

Jon Burgerman

Artist, Illustrator / By

We had a lovely time with Jon Burgerman at 61 Local, where we talked with the UK born artist about growing up in Birmingham, his early love of art, and the pursuit of a path that no one wanted him to take. From his first job—which he got by stretching the truth just a bit—to building a thriving studio in Nottingham and giving it up to start over in New York, one thing has remained the same: Jon finds immense happiness in the work he does. As you read on, may Jon’s words remind you of the joy in amateurism, why you shouldn’t wait to be asked, and the importance of being open to anything. —Tina

Jacob Escobedo

Designer, Illustrator / By

We’re excited to kick off the year with Jacob Escobedo! If you watch any shows on Cartoon Network—Adventure Time is currently our favorite—or Adult Swim, then you’ve seen Jacob’s work. Behind the scenes, he is the VP of Creative Design for both entities, but he also does a lot of freelance work on the side, including album covers for the likes of Danger Mouse, The Shins, Broken Bells, Gnarls Barkley, Active Child, and others. Jacob was kind enough to chat with me about his path, which began in Southern Nevada with an early interest in art. From there, he went to Utah for college before dropping out to embark on a self-taught education, which led him to Atlanta, where he landed a gig at Cartoon Network—and the rest is history. We hope that reading about Jacob’s journey will inspire to you stay motivated to make the work you love—this year and always. —Tina

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