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Is Art School Necessary?

Recently, there’s been a large societal discussion about the necessity of going to college and, for those interested in a career in illustration, art school. Is it a requirement for better job prospects? Or is it simply a waste of time and money, which may, ultimately, lead to crippling debt? The answer, in my opinion, is: it’s complicated.

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Interview: Paul Hoppe

I’ve been wanting to interview Paul Hoppe for some time and it’s surprising I haven’t until now because . . . he sits right across from me every day! Paul is one of my studiomates in the Pencil Factory in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Originally from Germany, Paul has been living and working in New York since he came for the masters program at SVA many years back. His clients have included The New York Times, The Village Voice, Simon & Schuster, IBM, and The New Yorker amongst others. Paul also does children’s books too, recently illustrating Neymar: A Soccer Dream Come True for Farrar, Straus and Giroux, which came out just a couple weeks ago. I emailed Paul some questions and he was nice enough to reply back with some thoughtful answers.

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Teaching Illustration

This week, a new semester at Parsons begins in what will be my fourteenth year in the Illustration program. When I first started teaching, I was a bit nervous because no one ever really taught me how to actually do it—I was just kind of thrown in. Since then, I’ve learned a lot about what makes a successful course and I’d like to share my tips and general thoughts with those of you beginning to teach.

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What Goes into an Animated Pitch Document

I’ve developed and been involved with half a dozen animated pitches in the past few years—both as a writer and an artist. Unfortunately, for this site, I can’t post them as reference because many are still active or in different stages of development (or I’m just not legally allowed to share them). But I can briefly explain the elements that go into a successful animated pitch document. Here’s what you should know if you’re interested in developing an animated show:

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One-on-One Consultations

I’m now offering one-on-one consultations via Skype or in-person in NYC. During these sessions I’ll review your portfolio and website, offer helpful advice, and work with you to advance your career. If you’re having trouble getting to the next level, these consultations will provide much needed guidance. To learn more and to order a session please check out the consultation page.

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