I’m a freelance illustrator, graphic designer, and teacher. My illustrations are collaged: usually digital for illustration, cut paper and found objects for personal work. My assignments include editorial, book publishers, marketing materials, etc. My work has been honored by inclusion in American Illustration, Print magazine, 3×3, Graphis magazine, the Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts magazine, and elsewhere.

Design clients include arts and educational institutions, restaurants, and fine foods, on projects such as logos, branding, packaging, collateral, posters, books, and other publications.

Currently, I’m Graduate Program Coordinator and Assistant Teaching Professor in Illustration at Syracuse University. I served two terms as Education Chair on the Board of ICON, the Illustration Conference. ICON10 was held in Detroit, Michigan in July, 2018. ICON11 was held in Kansas City, Missouri in July, 2022. The conference attracts presenters from all over the US and the world.

My first written book, Drawn to Type: Lettering for Illustrators was published by Bloomsbury Art Books, London, UK in February, 2021. Intended as a teaching guide and inspiration for novice illustrators and designers, it is distributed in the US and the UK. The book features examples of work by over 4 dozen practitioners of the arts of illustration and lettering, as well as tips and tricks, and project ideas.

None of this dissuades me from my freelance vocation. Contact me. marty@martyblakedesign.com