Chris Lyons

You can't miss the iconic dog driving this red roadster. That's Spot, and Chris created this illustration for the mascot's owner, Target. “He draws things.”

That’s what Chris’ son told his friends when they looked into his studio and asked what he does all day. It was such a clear, simple thought, Chris decided to use it as his tagline.

And draw things he does. For clients as diverse as The New York Times, Target, Fortune, and Mattel.

“I have a nice mix of editorial and corporate client work,” says Chris, who lives in Pittsford, NY. “I work mainly with magazines, newspapers, ad agencies, studios and corporations.”

ChrisHe’s been drawing things his whole life. When it came time to go to college, he decided to stick with it.

“I went to college to study Illustration so I could keep drawing as a grown-up,” he says. “Getting an internship at  Milton Glaser in NYC helped me see what was possible.”

Chris went on to have a successful career as an ad agency guy, and says he tucked away that initial experience while he learned about business. He returned to his first love about ten years ago.

“I decided it was finally time to draw for a living,” he says. “I love it. I draw every day.”

For the Boston Globe Book Review of "The History of White People."His passion for his craft has paid off with an impressive list of clients—and recognition. The Communication Arts Illustration Annual has included his work for the past three years. He’s also been featured in HOW and American Illustration, among others.

Besides talent, how does he do it?

As he told a recent audience for a Rochester Advertising Federation talk, succeeding as a creative professional—particularly a freelancer—requires careful planning, a competent support system, and shameless self promotion.

Yep, Chris keeps his name out there. In addition to his own website and a rep for his work, he belongs to two groups that serve as destinations for people seeking illustrators—illoz and ProFile Stock—both of which are illustrator owned and operated.

He also keeps the creative energy dialed up by teaching at the School of Design at RIT.

“I love to mentor young creative spirits,” he says. “It keeps me plugged in.”

With a little inspiration from Chris, they’ll draw things, too.

See more: chrislyonsillustration.com

Say hi: Chris on Facebook, Chris on Twitter