Influential Illustrators 1990-2000 Tim O\'Brien

Influential Illustrators 1990-2000

Tim O'Brien (1964- )

Working primarily out of New York, Tim O'Brien has had an illustrious career over the years, producing amazing illustrations primarily between 1990 and 2000. Strangely enough, he began his career as a boxer, and continues to engage in coaching the sport today. However, his great artistic talent led him down the path of illustration, and he graduated from the Paier College of Art, located in Connecticut in 1987 with a B.A in Fine Arts. Since his graduation, O'Brien has won several prestigious awards for his work, including recognition from the Society of Illustrators in both New York and in Los Angeles.

Tim O'Brien integrates intense realism with experimentation in his work, which primarily focuses on modern American culture. He presents a very realistic style, usually tied in with a provocative twist. Much of his work focuses on contemporary American society. He has several portraits of famous boxers, including Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, (see Image A). His influence has expanded into the culture of the United States as well. He has done several covers for Time Magazine, portraying provocative or politically charged material within his art. O'Brien has also designed several stamps for the U.S. Postal Service, which has then helped incorporate artistic expression in every day practicality. This allows Americans to enjoy art within the context of their daily lives and associated artistic expression with the basic essentials of what it is to be American.

He has also actually served on the committee of the Society of Illustrators for several years. Thus, his influence has extended to the recognition of other artists and has helped morph new American trends in illustration. In recent years, O'Brien has been more politically active with his art and thus is contributing to a modern dialogue on the recent overseas conflicts.

Guy Billout (1941- )

A French born illustrator, Guy Billout has had a long career of producing clean and fresh illustrative works. Working within a modern and somewhat experimental tradition, Billout has shown his provocative works in many contemporary magazines such as Rolling Stone and Atlantic Monthly. He has also illustrator in several children's books including The Frog Who Wanted to See the Sea and Something's Not Quite Right.