February 2006 Artists of the Month

Each month LARAC highlights the work of an Artist from the Adirondack Region.

Nick moved his wife and daughter here during November 2004 from Orlando, FL where he was a creative illustrator for Universal Creative, the group that is responsible for the designing and building of all the Universal Studios Theme Parks around the world.  He accepted a full-time position with local Adirondack Scenic Studios as a creative Designer.  While there he spear headed the design of Philadelphia Zoo’s Zoozapalooza show and festival and the graphic arm of the new “The Great Outdoors:  Adirondack Play and Adventure” at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mt. Lake.

Finishing his contract with them this past October, he went back to doing what he loves most--illustrating.  "All my life I have had a passion for creating imaginary scenes out of my head.  I went to Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota Florida to learn how the original illustrators did it."   He now has a monthly published piece in "Bow and Arrow Hunting Magazine" on national and international newsstands.  Just flip to the last page of the magazine to see his work.  Occasionally he gets an assignment for a full page spread that tends to be much more advanced and developed.  "I tend to keep very busy with smaller clients to pay the bills but occasionally get assignments from some bigger national players in the industry.  I enjoy developing my portfolio to meet newer client’s needs, painting in many mediums.  Inspiration can be found in books such as The Art of Finding Nemo and The Art of Lilo and Stitch.  I also look to the masters such as Frederic Remington, Winslow Homer and even contemporaries like Jack Unruh and Chuck Close."

Emily has been an artist for most of her life and became a graphic designer after graduating from Ringling School of Art and Design in 2003.  Drawing upon many illustrative techniques to incorporate into her designs, she loves the assignments that allow her to be more traditional in her approach to the design.

She has been very busy raising their daughters part-time while working as a freelancer the other half.  She enjoys having the versatility to meet a range of clients needs from all over the country, working for clients in Las Vegas, Orlando, Sarasota, NYC and Boston.  They include Pepsi Cola, Universal Creative Studios, Adirondack Scenic Studios, Paper Magic Group, several law firms, and many design firms.  Emily draws inspiration from old labels and ad art from the “vintage” eras.  Her clients often find amazement that she not only designs the graphic for a package but builds the box out of stock that it goes on.  She occasionally completes a website when she has time.  She reviews design and work by designers such as Saul Bass, Lorraine Wild, Hatch Show Print, and many other contemporaries.