I traveled to New York last week to attend the Society of Illustrators Book and Editorial Awards night. It was an honor to have one of my illustrations, Mr Brown selected for inclusion in the 51st annual and exhibition. I was truly inspired by the standard of the work on show, much of it from some of the biggest names in illustration today.
I visited the exhibition on 3 separate occasions and each time something new caught my eye. Some of the editorial was classical and clear, other required deeper reflection before the message jumped of the page. The winners ranged from classical to modern, digital to traditional, realistic to cartoony. Indeed, the range of styles was vast. Pure digital work was well represented as was the mix of digital and traditional. There was no overriding bias towards the traditional. On publication, the book will show a short write up beside each illustration giving an insight into the work's brief and origin.
The hilariously fast talking John Cuneo (who also did this year's excellent award branding illustrations) was the MC for the night. You can download a PDF of his work here.
Featured artists included Brian Cronin (below), Tim O'Brien, Edel Rodriguez (silver), Adam McCauley (gold), among many many others (I will update this post with a full list of the winners when available).
Medals and Certificates were awarded to the best illustrators, art directors and clients. A selection of 40 works will also tour U.S. colleges through June 2010 marking the 28th educational traveling exhibition.
A stunned Tim O'Brien took this years Hamilton King award, awarded to a Society member for the best image in show coupled with a solid body of work through their career. The award is presented by previous winners. Here is a selection of previous winners.
During my visit the Society ran a lecture on "The Evolution of The New York Times Op-Ed Page" with guest speakers art directors Jerelle Kraus, JC Suares and Illustrator Brad Holland. The lecture was centered around Jerelle's book All the Art That’s Fit to Print (and Some That Wasn’t): Inside the New York Times Op-Ed Page. The focus of the book is on the Op-Ed’s use of illustration over the years, the how and why of commissioning illustration. Other themes include the importance of message-driven illustration. The Lecture was moderated and co-ordinated by Fernanda Cohen.
Original art commissioned by newspapers, magazines and books are on display during the Editorial and Book Exhibit (January 28-February 28, 2009, The Society of Illustrators: 128 East 63rd Street, New York, NY 10065).
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