Illustration Archives - BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications

Illustration Major Rachel Allen Everett on Comics, Space and a Boy Named Felix

Elena Castro — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 17:40:39 +0000

Everett—a native of Mapleton, Utah—will graduate with a BFA in illustration in April. Rachel Allen Everett grew up in a home that not only welcomed creativity but cultivated it. When she decided she wanted to be an artist, her parents were not at all surprised.

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Southwest Art Magazine Names BYU Alum One of 21 ‘Young Artists to Watch’

Emily Andersen — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 18:28:10 +0000

Rachel Christensen recognized for series depicting egg still lifes that often represent human skin tones BYU illustration alum Rachel Christensen was recently selected by Southwest Art magazine for inclusion in the feature “21 Under 31: Young Artists to Watch in 2020.” Her art series focuses on representational realism by using egg still lifes to depict different human skin tones. “This year, I have had the privilege of working closely with master artist Patricia McMahon Rice through the Portrait Society of America’s Cecilia Beaux mentorship forum,” Christensen explained. “Patty noticed that I had a serious gap in my ability to specifically paint black and brown skin tones. She advised me that brown eggs actually approximate certain skin tones, so as COVID started to become a problem and social distancing made it impossible to really paint from life, I began arranging egg still lifes.” Christensen noted that although the series began as nothing more than a study on skin tone, it has come to have a lot of meaning to her as a representation of her improvement as an artist. “Before I put down any paint I gather a few pictures of paintings by master artists, aspects of which I want to emulate in my own piece,” Christensen said, “As I start to paint, I keep my inspiration images close at hand and use them to bridge the gaps between my abilities and my goal for the image. I know I’m finished when I’m pleased with every single inch.” Southwest Art is considered one of the most prestigious publications of representational realist paintings and sculptures in the nation. Every September for the past 20 years, Southwest Art has published a special feature called “21 Under 31” featuring 21 talented artists who are under the age of 31. The editors work with art galleries, art schools, ateliers, workshop instructors and many other sources to find the candidates for this special feature. Having grown up most of her life in the Southwest, Rachel was very excited to be recognized by this publication. “I would encourage other young artists to apply for competitions that they might not feel qualified for. I’ve experienced a myriad of rejections in my short career as an artist and wasn’t sure I would be accepted by Southwest Art, but the potential success is well worth the discomfort of putting yourself out there,” Christensen said.

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Design Student Reflects on Winning Entry in National Competition

admin — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 21:08:30 +0000

Hansen’s winning piece “Scale the Globe with Help from the Gilman Scholarship” was chosen as one of 300 winners from 8,700 submissions Maria Hansen — an illustration senior in the BYU Department of Design — recently had her work included in the Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Competition. Her winning piece “Scale the Globe with Help from the Gilman Scholarship” is a poster illustration that promotes international education. “I was inspired by the disordered mental state in which I found myself after my four months studying abroad in South Korea,” said Hansen. “I knew this experience had changed me, but whenever anyone asked me about it, I couldn’t articulate how. It was like trying to make sense of all the pieces on a detective board. This image informed my initial ideas for the piece that made it into the competition, a young woman traversing a map of the world with her pushpins and red string.” Hansen completed her illustration submission during a senior studio class, under the direction of BYU illustration professor David Habben who helped Hansen formulate her project in a way that would be conducive for her portfolio while still challenging her. Every year students in the Department of Design are encouraged by administrators and faculty members to enter competitions. Students in the illustration emphasis are especially encouraged to enter the Society of Illustrators, which is one of the most prestigious professional and student illustration competitions in the nation. Over 300 works were chosen from the 8,700 entries submitted by college-level students nationwide. From the 2,278 students who participated, Maria was one of the 300 selected for her illustration. This is the second time in two years that pieces made by BYU illustration students placed in the competition. “Making it into the competition and subsequently being featured in the online gallery with the other 300 students from across the nation was a duly humbling and confidence-boosting experience,” noted Hansen. “While I won’t make competitions like this the foundation of my self-assurance as an artist, it was a sign to me from God that I can create work I love that resonates with and inspires other people.” The Society of Illustrators is well known for kick-starting careers. Students who enter bring their most sophisticated, well-crafted and original work to be tested. A jury of professional peers, including illustrators and art directors, selects the most outstanding works created throughout the year. Pieces are accepted based on the quality of technique, concept and skill of medium used. “My experience in South Korea as an illustration student was a journey and an adventure, and it continues to inform my life in ways I am still discovering,” Hansen said. “I hope others can find opportunities to learn abroad and discover those unexpected connections for themselves. I am looking forward to creating future inspiring work about international education, diversity, adventure, and many wonderful stories from around the world.” Maria Hansen will be graduating from BYU with a BFA in illustration and minor in Korean December 2020. She is currently working on her capstone project and will be pursuing a career as an illustrator for book covers and magazines. You can see more from her portfolio at https://www.behance.net/mariahansen.

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BYU Magazine: Illustrating Imagination

admin — Mon, 18 May 2020 21:05:26 +0000

From a young age Shawna Calder Tenney (BFA ’04) has given life to her imagination through art—be it drawing, ballet, or music. Ample library time, her mother reading to her, and a love of fairy tales turned her interest particularly toward picture-book illustration. Today, as a BYU illustration grad, Tenney is telling stories of her own, like Brunhilda’s Backwards Day. a children’s book published by Sky Pony Press in 2016. The story, about a witch who learns that being kind can be more fun than being mean, “came from a game called Opposite Witches I’d play with my friend [as a child], where everything we did was opposite,” says Tenney. Read more at magazine.byu.edu

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BYU Illustration Alum Creates Short Film for DreamWorks Animation

McKell Park — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 18:43:50 +0000

Department of Design graduate Andy Erekson released short film “Marooned” last summer Since leaving BYU, Andy Erekson has taken the animation world by storm. After graduating with a degree in illustration, Erekson got a job at Sony, where he contributed to full-length and short films such as “Hotel Transylvania,” “Smurfs,” “Smurfs 2,” and “The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol.” He then moved on to DreamWorks where he has been for the last eight years working on films such as “Home,” “Captain Underpants,” “Troll Hunters,” and “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.” One of his most recent projects “Marooned” was released last year. The short film — set sometime in the near future — follows a robot and his friend as they desperately try to get back to Earth after being stranded on the moon. Erekson’s film explores themes of friendship and sacrifice as the pair quickly realizes their journey will require more than they expected. “Marooned” was released in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing in 1969. “I started working on the concept around 2012,” said Erekson, who both wrote and directed the film. “I came up with the story and characters and began to storyboard it in my downtime.” When DreamWorks announced a need for new pitches for an upcoming short film program in 2017, Erekson submitted his idea. “Marooned” was selected as one of 8 films to be produced, allowing Erekson to see his own creation come to life. “What made ‘Marooned’ special to me was I was able to see it from its conception to the finished product,” Erekson said. “Even more satisfying was to watch it with an audience and see and hear their reactions to the story.” Erekson’s film premiered in France last summer at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival and played at several more festivals throughout the world. “Marooned” was also shown in theatres in front of DreamWorks’ “Abominable” in Los Angeles, New York and Utah. “It was a fantastic experience, and I’m grateful to the crew and everyone involved in making it happen,”Erekson said. “It was truly one of the highlights of my career.” Erekson has experienced many different roles in his career as he has made his way through the animation world. “I love that I get to be a little bit of everything,” Erekson said. “I get to be a director, editor, cinematographer, an actor and an artist all in one.” During his experience at BYU, Erekson learned the principles of design and storytelling that were necessary for a career in the business. “I chose illustration specifically because I wanted to learn how to draw, paint and tell visual stories,” Erekson said. “All of those things apply to what I do today.” Since finishing “Marooned,” Erekson is now head of story for DreamWorks’ “Boss Baby 2” which is set to release in 2021.

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Share Your Story: Ellerie Arnold

admin — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 16:10:50 +0000

Design student Ellerie Arnold shares how an experiential learning opportunity has enhanced her time at BYU I love to travel. There is magic in experiencing new foods, new cultures and understanding just what makes a place and a people so special. But there’s all sorts of unfamiliarity and awkwardness that comes with being in a new position, and traveling can mean a new town, city, state or country. You leave the familiar behind and venture into new territory, which takes a lot of mental energy, something that’s hard to replenish while you’re traveling as an introvert — which is exactly what I am. For my illustration BFA project, I did research in the most extroverted country I could imagine: Italy. I cultivated experiences to illustrate for “The Introvert’s Guide to Traveling Italy.” This project was all about finding a curation of experiences to get to the heart of a people and culture, and without a research trip to Italy, it couldn’t have happened. Illustrators capture the world around them, but without the real information and research from direct observation, my experiences couldn’t be authentic. There is no substitute for learning when you can see and experience the real thing. I wouldn’t have had such rich experiences on campus through books, pictures and scholarly readings. Research for this kind of project hadn’t been done before, so there wasn’t much to draw from, except for what was in front of me. There is magic in the real world. I was touched by Michelangelo’s finger of God in the Sistine Chapel, and went on a pilgrimage with St. Francis and his birds. I felt and saw and experienced things that made me feel alive and affirmed how amazing the world is. I knew before, but I know with certainty now that the experiences we really need in life are ones where we learn to connect and learn to make a place our own — and now, with my research, I’ll be able to help others find their own place in the world. The publication of student articles allows the College of Fine Arts and Communications to highlight the experiential learning opportunities and behind-the-scenes experiences of students and faculty and tell stories with a unique voice and point of view. Submit your story at cfac.byu.edu.

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BYU professor’s basketball coin design wins national competition

admin — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 21:18:19 +0000

What do legendary BYU basketball coach Stanley Watts, BYU All-American center Kresimir Cosic and current BYU illustration professor Justin Kunz have in common? All three have been part of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremonies. Well, sort of. Watts and Cosic have been inducted as members. This past weekend, Kunz was honored as one of the two artists whose designs for a set of commemorative coins were unveiled during the event on September 6, which was broadcast on NBA TV. The 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin pays tribute to the game of basketball and the coaches, players, referees and contributors who make it an exciting game to play and watch. Kunz’s design for the obverse (heads) side features three players reaching for the ball in unison, reflecting how the sport of basketball has brought together diverse people around the world through a simple, universal and unifying athletic experience. It also includes a hoop rimming the edge, a net in the background and the inscriptions: LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and 2020. Read the full story at news.byu.edu.

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Karl G. Maeser and James E. Talmage Mentorship Inspired Special BYU Coin

admin — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 19:45:57 +0000

Justin Kunz, an illustration professor at BYU and medallic artist for the U.S. Mint, has previously designed more than 10 coins for the U.S. Mint as a member of the Artistic Fusion Program. Recently, Kunz designed a new commemorative coin for BYU to celebrate the motto Inspiring Learning. The legacy of inspiring learning at BYU has been passed from mentor to student since the days of its first graduate, James E. Talmage. On the front of the coin are portraits drawn by Kunz of Talmage, Karl G. Maeser and Brigham Young. Together, the three are symbolic of the mentoring that has taken place as part of the campus since the early days of Brigham Young Academy. “Embracing the dynamic of the relationship between a teacher mentoring a student is what makes this coin special,” Kunz said. The reverse side features the original Brigham Young Academy Building, which now serves as the Provo City Library, and the Y Mountain in the background. Read the full article at news.byu.edu.

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Illustration Major Melissa Kamba Shares Artistic Journey

Sydnee Gonzalez — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 17:40:42 +0000

Kamba will speak at the Department of Art and Department of Design Convocation at 12 p.m. on April 26 Growing up, Melissa Kamba was always creating things, from tree forts and cardboard-box creations to paintings and drawings. From a young age she knew she wanted to be an artist. “I grew up and I didn’t even think about it,” said Kamba. “Art is what I do all the time.” Despite a lifetime of creating art, Kamba never had any formal training. She came to BYU, applied for the illustration BFA program and received notification that she wasn’t accepted into the program. For the first time in her life, Kamba questioned if art was the right path. “I had to figure out if this is what I really wanted to do when I didn’t get in,” said Kamba. “It made me work that much harder.” Since being accepted into the program, she’s felt nothing but support from her faculty and peers. “The BFA studio is a community,” said Kamba. “All of your friends work in there and they give you critiques and help you with your work. It’s kind of like a little home.” She also says she’s grown as an artist due to the encouragement of her professors. “They really push to make sure you have everything you need to progress,” said Kamba. “We have a small number of teachers, so they’re always working with you and they’re concerned for you.” She also credits her success to her mom, who never discouraged her from pursuing art. Kamba said her mom bought her every type of art supply imaginable when she was a child. “A lot of parents say ‘why are you going to be an artist? They don’t make anything.’ I’m glad my mom supported what I wanted to do,” said Kamba. Despite the support from her parents, professors and peers, Kamba has still had one major struggle during her time in the program: overcoming the feeling of not being good enough. “It’s hard at first, figuring out you are good enough, and it’s this constant battle because you’re always competing with everyone who is really good,” said Kamba. She said winning that battle has required a lot of self love and trying to create positive thought patterns. After graduation, Kamba will intern with Susan Lyon and Scott Burdick. “I think they’ll help me get on the right path and be a better artist,” said Kamba. Kamba hasn’t put her future career dreams into a box; instead, she’s keeping things open. Her career goals include designing book covers, traveling and painting, illustrating children’s books and creating murals. Q&A with Melissa Kamba, BFA ‘19 Design | Illustration | Portfolio What is your favorite snack in between classes? “Black licorice and mangos.” Where do you spend most of your time on campus? “In the arts studio. They give you a space when you get into the program and that’s where you can put all your supplies. And there’s a fridge, so it’s pretty homey in there.” What are your hobbies? “I play the piano.” Where are you from? “Alberta, Canada.”

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BYU Department of Design Partners with Black Student Union to Bring Renowned Artist to Campus

Sydnee Gonzalez — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 00:23:36 +0000

R. Gregory Christie, an award-winning illustrator, gave students a glimpse into his career R. Gregory Christie recently shared the secret to his success — which includes over 60 children’s books and honors like the Caldecott Medal, the Coretta Scott King honor and a NAACP Image Award — with BYU students. Christie’s visit to students was made possible by a partnership between the Department of Design and the Black Student Union (BSU). Design professor David Habben said the collaboration has been a positive experience and that the two groups already have plans for further collaboration. “It was a fantastic experience for all involved and I can’t speak highly enough about the efforts that the BSU does to provide a place for inclusion and expression for BYU’s black student body,” said Habben. “These students bring a wonderful combination of academic excellence and unique perspectives to our university and community.” This feeling was echoed by the students who attended Christie’s lecture. “What I’m most interested in is building a career in illustration, so it’s really cool to see people’s life experiences and learn a little about their style,” said Robert Bogh, a pre-BFA major. “You just get to be a part of the conversation that is art.” Taran Trinnaman, an English major and member of BSU, also added that Christie’s lecture and the other events the artist hosted on campus. “It was really cool to see how just a few beginning jobs, random coincidences and a good portfolio led to a connection and that just spawned more and more opportunities and just all these works of art,” said Trinnaman. “It was really inspirational to see that.” Despite all of his accomplishments, Christie stressed to students that his journey to success hasn’t been easy. A big part of Christie’s career has been luck; he’s done the right things at the right time in the right place. One of Christie’s biggest projects was doing the animation for “Garrett’s Gift,” a short film that was narrated by Queen Latifah. “The first time I met [Queen Latifah], she didn’t know me and I didn’t know her. I walked up to her and showed her my work and she said ‘I’m trying to get a drink on’ and I felt so bad,” said Christie, adding that the bravery he had to approach her is what landed him a job later down the road. “Go show your art,” Christie told students. “It’s worse in your head than in the reality of life.” Christie added that in order to be successful, artists need to have at least two of the following: discipline, talent and luck. However, Christie also added that he’s hopeful for up-and-coming artists, who he says have more advantages than any other generation before them. “There’s never been a time in the world where you have a megaphone to the world,” said Christie of the power social media and the internet can give young artists. “In these times, you don’t have to go with the system. In a way I feel that this is your world now.” Christie ended by emphasizing the importance of criticism. “I welcome it; It means I’m actually doing something that’s pushing the envelope,” said Christie. “Not everyone is going to like you.” He added, “People do not like change . . . Artists either kind of fall in line with what’s already out there, or they do something that’s so strange that the next generation gets it,” said Christie. “And you just have to do art because you love it.”

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