VISUAL AMBASSADOR: The Why and What For

OK, maybe it’s a bit too aggressive a title for someone who’s spent his career more so in the background of the business. Being an artist rep, it’s not surprising that I’m not much on personal fame or glory. But 30 plus years of brainstorming and executing illustrative design wasn’t for nothin’.

From the shadows of this creative world that I’ve been able to watch, listen, and learn as the art world has evolved and, more recently, forcefully propelled itself forward…I’ve been a sponge.

And now being donned with the title of Visual Ambassador, I’m forcing my way into the spotlight, if only for the snippets of time a blog entry permits, to pass on the things I’ve absorbed. What I’m hoping for is to spread what I’ve learned, foster innovation, and otherwise allow my readers to be the sponges for a change along with me.

We are phasing into a new era of commercial art. The old must be packed up and put away to make room for the new. Because the new is incredibly exciting.

The arts are in the middle of what some might call an identity crisis. And out of the chaos we are becoming Visual Storytellers.

Sure, it’s tough to be honest in today’s marketplace. I can’t count how many times I’ve been sucked into a conversation where a creative complained about the glory days of illustration or design. Let’s face it- those days are gone. Let’s just turn that card over right now and be done with it. People want more for less, and it’s going to keep going that way. Our job is to adapt to these needs, thrive from them, and see the brightness of this creative future, even if the source may be a bit harder to find.

Welcome to the defining link between art and commerce.