R.I.C. picked the brains of some of our esteemed jurors from the 4th Juried Show about where they see the field going, why they love the work they do, and what has worked for them over the years.

Bill Koeb


Q: Why do you love being an illustrator?
A: I like making pictures in response to subject matter and trying to find different ways to portray content. My approach keeps changing as I keep learning.

Q: What is your favorite art supply?
A: Pencil

Q: How important do you think entering shows and submitting to competitions (Society Annuals, Comm Arts, 3x3, etc.) is in today’s illustration market?
A: I don’t really know. I am not really getting work in this market, but I do know I have gotten some from showing in the past. More than anything else, I think that showing your work is a great way to meet other artists. If you see someone’s work or they see yours, it’s like an introduction to that person.

Q: What is the greatest shift you have seen in the illustration market in the last 5 or so years?
A: A lot of illustrators my age (46) and up seem to be getting less work in areas we used to. Most editorial seems dominated by a few skilled veterans and a slew of younger artists.

Q: Where do you see illustration heading in light of technological changes in recent years like ebooks, the downturn in hard copy readership of magazines and newspapers and the continued strength of stock imagery?
A: I think people will have to learn more about motion, 3D animation, and digital media in order to survive. I think that one has to wear several hats or, do what you love and promote the hell out of it. I think the most difficult things facing artists is the lack of a clear market, and a lot of opportunities to try to do their own thing. This may not seem like a problem, but it is easier to make a picture of “X” than do “whatever you want”

Q: Are there any recent movements in illustration that excite you? (The increasing acceptance of illustration into gallery settings for instance)
A: I like seeing illustrators I know break into this market. It hasn’t happened for me yet but I am focused more on this area than any other in terms of work I am making.

Q: What do you think is the most effective method of self promotion? Do you think that traditional self-promotion techniques (cold calls, art director visits, postcards) are still as viable, or are there new methods that artists should be focusing on?
A: If I knew that answer, I would be rich.
A lot of people use email marketing and those that are savvy use this medium really well.


Phyllis Saroff


Q: Why do you love being an illustrator?
A: I love the problem solving aspect of illustration. I love the collaboration between client, art director and illustrator. I love the idea of art with a purpose combined with beauty and emotion.

Q: Are there any recent movements in illustration that excite you? (The increasing acceptance of illustration into gallery settings for instance)
A: What excites me the most is the huge range of style and medium. I think an illustrator today has so many choices.  Inspiration is endless and available so easily on the internet.

Q: What do you think is the most effective method of self promotion? Do you think that traditional self-promotion techniques (cold calls, art director visits, postcards) are still as viable, or are there new methods that artists should be focusing on?
A: For me the only method that works reliably are postcards. The Illustrators Club of MD, DC and VA website is the second most affective. Third, are return clients.

Amy Crehore


Q: Why do you love being an illustrator?
A: I simply love to draw and paint. It’s magic. I always enjoyed seeing my art in big magazines and on book covers.

Q: What is your favorite art supply?
A: My favorite art supply (besides my fine oil paints and good brushes) is my kneaded eraser. This underrated tool is very important for changing/refining ideas when drawing.

Q: What do you think is the most effective method of self promotion? Do you think that traditional self-promotion techniques (cold calls, art director visits, postcards) are still as viable, or are there new methods that artists should be focusing on?
A: There are so many different kinds of artists and so many different approaches.
Using “gut instinct” when marketing is good.
The internet is currently a great promotional tool for me.
In recent years, I have been creating my own projects, taking part in gallery shows and gathering collectors.
I try to create new things and think outside the box a bit.
And let go of old ways when I feel things changing or I run up against a wall.