First things first: if you draw or doodle or design in any kind of serious way, you ought to look these folks up—the Richmond Illustrators Club has been around for nearly 20 years, started by a handful of VCU grads (though not school-affiliated or exclusive). They’re there to help each other network, brainstorm, find inspiration and connect to the outer world...who couldn’t use that kind of support? Kinda leaves me wishing there was a freelancers’ club. And their clubhouse? None other than the New York Deli in Carytown. “We just encourage people to bring their sketchbooks; it’s a good time, and a good spot to find people to draw. Though sometimes we’ll have a big meeting, and 40 people show up and drink and want separate tabs...” notes Holly Camp, the club’s vice president. Party.

Currently, they’re gearing up for the club-sponsored Second Annual Juried Show, slated to open June 6th at Ghostprint Gallery (where they also do Sunday evening figure drawing, 6 PM, open to the public). There’s a new extension on the entry deadline—April 19—so if you want to send in your work, download a form at richmondillustratorsclub.blogspot.com.  Judging the show this year are three distinctly different masters of illustration: Anita Kunz, whose smart, satirical work has been seen just about everywhere (the New Yorker, Time, The Progressive, Mother Jones, etc.), Greg Swearingen, whose forte is fantastical childrens’ book covers, and Josh George, a gallery-focused painter with a number of Italian locations under his belt. The juried show isn’t the only focus of the RIC, though; member shows and collaborations are more fittingly the name of the game. Two shows per year feature the club’s work, one of which is going on now at the downtown public library on Franklin. As projects go, they recently compiled a book of Grimm’s fairytales (each member chose one to illustrate) which is currently up for publication, and there are ideas for a calendar or a Richmond A to Z. President Katie McBride comments, “We like the idea that we can get these projects off to art directors or agencies. The work is not only representing us, it’s representing Richmond… it shows that Richmond is a source for work, you can get access to a bunch of talented artists here.”

They get each other through the work week. “As a job, illustration is really stressful. You have to be able to encompass a lot of things to be an illustrator—you’ve got to be creative, communicative, and capable of getting things down on paper. You also have to harass people… I sent out 40 emails today,” Holly laughs. And Katie backs her up: “You have to constantly remind people that you are the best illustrator in the world. If you don’t, they’re going to go with the best thing they’ve seen that week.” But… no pressure, right? Just in case, the club also offers a place to commiserate, swap art director horror stories, pass along the names of the friendlies. Interested in joining? Check their blog for that, too, or email ; it’s totally open to anyone, with or without work, who would benefit from a serious artistic forum. Says Katie, “A lot of people got into illustration because they like to read, not only to draw. They want to create images that further a purpose.”

That slim girl on the right, the one in the pale green sweater IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!

And her work is so creative and professional. I can tell you without fear of contradiction that if I were writing a book, she would be my illustrator, you betcha.
Yes siree

Katie is pretty cute too and her work is equally good.

The big difference is Holly is my first granddaguhter so I got to stick with her.

Love ya Holly Dolly
Pappa