Frank, in his own words:
I have had a lengthy and diverse career, in historical order first in Philadelphia, then twenty years in Chicago as a fashion illustrator. Like many of my colleagues, had careers ended or severely reduced by the camera, it happened almost over night. I was lucky enough to migrate into storyboards , and licensing art in Minneapolis and back in Philadelphia ten years ago. I continue to work in the previously mentioned illustrative disciplines, and I am strongly involved with doing children’s book art as well. I now live in Chester County, I still get enormous joy out of drawing, I won several awards, I never thought they were as valuable as support by my fellow colleagues. Spending time with my grandchildren is my greatest joy, and finding a life long mate is still one of my dreams. In addition to the above I am fully engaged as a Fashion Bridal Portrait Artist as well.
You can reach Frank at turtlefox@verizon.net.
1. What kind of kid were you?
I was active in sports (tennis, the beaches of Ocean City.) I was fairly left to my own adventures, as an artist, although never encouraged, allowed to grow. Tennis and drawing occupied most of my time.
2. What influences have shaped you?
Getting to know the work of Rockwell, Fuchs, Peak, N.C. Wyeth and J. C. Leyendecker. They remain heroes and influences for me.
3. Ever done anything really dumb?
It would fill an encyclopedia to list the stupid exploits of my life.
4. How’d you learn to do what you do?
I drew every day, filling sketch books , riding the subways in Philadelphia and New York City, as well as meeting fellow artists and finding it to be the best way to find dates in those art school days.
5. What are you working on now?
I am involved illustrating a series of children’s book and comic books. I think of these illustrated books and drawings being read and seen by my grandchildren, that would be very cool.
6. Walk us through a typical day at work.
I rise early, walk my dogs, for the moment only one, a loving Dalmatian (Ziggy). Morning is my most productive time of the day. I rough in each panel, and then move ahead.
7. Who do you love?
I love my children and more than anything my grandchildren. I still love being an artist, no matter how difficult it sometimes is, I still consider it a gift.
8. What are you passionate about?
Being able to draw, is a timeless experience, ageless, always new. The love I get and give to my grandchildren is so special.
9. What are you proudest of?
I still have a youthful energy to create art, never satisfied, always exploring, trying new technologies, being able to adjust to and utilize new software. And of course my grandchildren.
10. Describe a great night out.
How about a late afternoon walk in Central Part with the last love of your life, still wanting to hold hands, dinner in an out-of-the way bistro and finishing of the evening with a drink or two at Café Des Artistes, the rest of the evening an unknown surprise.
11. So what’s next for you?
A Graphic Novel in the style of the 1940’s: fedoras, seamed stockings, cigarettes, danger and romance. A new children’s book series I am anout to start with the writer Rebecca Kronberg and hopefully one last romance.
12. What will your epitaph say?
“It’s Jake to live and long for the slightly out of time style of the1940’s”
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