Making it in the Midwest: Artists Who Chose to Stay
Indiana State Museum
June 20 - October 18, 2009
June 20 - October 18, 2009
excerpt from the exhibit catalog
Making it in the Midwest: Artists Who Chose to Stay
by Rachel Berenson Perry
Curator, Indiana State Museum
2009
Although Rob Day calls himself a professional illustrator, his works are far more than mere representations of objects. The undeniable skill and imagination the artist brings to his works, combined with the interpretive leeway of each piece, elevates them to fine art.
Raised in Carmel, Indiana, Day majored in graphic design at Herron School of Art & Design. After graduating in 1984, he was undecided about the direction of his career. "I had seen a lot of the illustrations that were being published in magazines and it was during that time there seemed to be a blending of fine art and illustration. So I thought that maybe I could make a living doing that," he explained.
His timing could not have been better for his career choice. FedEx was just beginning its convenient overnight shipping, most businesses were purchasing fax machines for the first time, artists were discovering the new MacIntosh computers, and "art directors [for magazines] started hiring people all over the country because they could meet deadlines."
Day approached his art marketing methodically. He researched magazines and publishers at the library, developed a mailing list, and sent out printed postcard samples of his work. Eventually, he started getting calls. "It was all about letting people know I was out here in Indiana, since I had to compete with all the illustrators in New York... It's an ongoing thing. I constantly have to let people know that I'm here because [professional illustration] has become so much more competitive and the art directors are constantly changing."
Rob Day works in his studio every day, and has made a conscious choice to stay in his home state where both his and his wife's families reside. "Indiana is a pretty good place to live... I couldn't imagine living in New York City or Los Angeles. I like the pace of the Midwest and I like having family around."
His high standards and consistent hard work set an impressive example of his own definition of success. "I think if any artist can find their own voice and be able to develop their own style and technique, constantly grow, change, become better and enjoy what they're doing. I think that's a pretty good measure of success. And if they can make a living at it, even better."
-Rachel Berenson Perry
Curator, Indiana State Museum
Making it in the Midwest: Artists Who Chose to Stay
by Rachel Berenson Perry
Curator, Indiana State Museum
2009
Although Rob Day calls himself a professional illustrator, his works are far more than mere representations of objects. The undeniable skill and imagination the artist brings to his works, combined with the interpretive leeway of each piece, elevates them to fine art.
Raised in Carmel, Indiana, Day majored in graphic design at Herron School of Art & Design. After graduating in 1984, he was undecided about the direction of his career. "I had seen a lot of the illustrations that were being published in magazines and it was during that time there seemed to be a blending of fine art and illustration. So I thought that maybe I could make a living doing that," he explained.
His timing could not have been better for his career choice. FedEx was just beginning its convenient overnight shipping, most businesses were purchasing fax machines for the first time, artists were discovering the new MacIntosh computers, and "art directors [for magazines] started hiring people all over the country because they could meet deadlines."
Day approached his art marketing methodically. He researched magazines and publishers at the library, developed a mailing list, and sent out printed postcard samples of his work. Eventually, he started getting calls. "It was all about letting people know I was out here in Indiana, since I had to compete with all the illustrators in New York... It's an ongoing thing. I constantly have to let people know that I'm here because [professional illustration] has become so much more competitive and the art directors are constantly changing."
Rob Day works in his studio every day, and has made a conscious choice to stay in his home state where both his and his wife's families reside. "Indiana is a pretty good place to live... I couldn't imagine living in New York City or Los Angeles. I like the pace of the Midwest and I like having family around."
His high standards and consistent hard work set an impressive example of his own definition of success. "I think if any artist can find their own voice and be able to develop their own style and technique, constantly grow, change, become better and enjoy what they're doing. I think that's a pretty good measure of success. And if they can make a living at it, even better."
-Rachel Berenson Perry
Curator, Indiana State Museum
