“Commercial artist” in some circles used to be considered an oxymoron, most likely by “non-commercial artists,” a moniker which now only applies to the ones who don’t sell their work. Striking, thought provoking and original artwork now fills the covers and contents of magazines, books and advertising and has a whole lot more cred than it used to. The rise of graphic novels are a case in point. Sure, these artworks don’t command the stratospheric prices of “fine” art, but they are more important to a lot more people, and a lot more eyeballs see them. Two of the most important people in the field visited Campbell Hall recently as part of UCSB’s Arts & Lecture fall season to impart fascinating insights into this branch of the arts. Françoise Mouly, art director of The New Yorker, and a highly regarded designer, editor and publisher, has been at the forefront of promoting and nurturing graphic arts. Anita Kunz has many cover illustrations to her credit for magazines such as the The New Yorker, Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone, Time, Newsweek and more. Her work is also collected by prestigious galleries. Let’s here it for graphic artists!
