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Marywood University Masters of Fine Art
Study Tour – New York – 11/4/15

Interview with James Warhola

by Daryl Stevens

Type Directors Club
 jameswarhola.com

James’ presentation was a unique journey through his life as a commercial illustrator. He talked about how he got started in the industry by taking night classes at the Art Students League in NYC learning to paint paperback cover illustrations. James did a great job explaining how the paperback industry worked and what genres he was into. He had a lucrative career as a sci-fi themed illustrator for over 15 years. He did 300-400 covers and his realistic fantasy style was as professional as it gets. He also did a lot of cyber-punk and steam-punk before it was called that. James had an opportunity to illustrate a children’s book and enjoyed it more than he expected. He liked the character development for children’s books and it was more satisfying work. He explained how the royalty payments work and how he still gets checks today.

“I never had to hustle for work, it always came to me.” – James Warhola

James did a lot of work for MAD magazine during the 80’s for about 25 years as the paperback illustration market declined. He explained how manipulated photo covers had taken the place of illustration. His work at MAD let to an opportunity to work for Topps bubble gum doing “Garbage Pail Kids”. James was one of the few artists who did all of the series over the life of the product. He explained how he worked with Art Speigleman who directed the art and came up with most of the concepts. Some of Art’s ideas were too grotesque or “bad taste” to do.

James also talked about his uncle who is Andy Warhol and how he was a successful illustrator and designer working in NYC before he became famous as a pop artist. It was interesting to hear the stories of James visiting his Uncle Andy in the city who lived with his grandmother and lots of Siamese cats. He was inspired by his Uncle Andy and that led to his career as an illustrator.

James wrote 2 successful children’s books about his Uncle Andy and worked on a book for NYC mayor Ed Koch. He also collaborated with an 8 year old artist in China to promote the city of Cheng Du.

James is now creating fine art inspired by his Garbage Pail Kids work to show in galleries in NYC.

My Takeaways:

  1. Adapt your style to different subject matter.
  2. Great hand-drawn illustration is versatile and respected.
  3. Showing talent in your work will take you far.
  4. Always look for an opportunity to try something new.
  5. Be willing to collaborate with others.
  6. Doing the right thing at the right time is the key to success.
  7. The illustration industry has changed dramatically over the past 30 years.
  8. The 50s was the Golden Age of illustration.
  9. Product concept illustration can be very lucrative.
  10. Create a product parody of another successful product.

“Keep an open mind and you never know what can pop up” –James Warhola

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