Ryan Nelsen is an illustrator from Long Island, New York. He fell in love with drawing after getting his first Magna Doodle, where he drew a perfect (well, perfect for a 3-year-old) rendering of Thomas the Tank Engine. He holds a BFA in Communications Design from Pratt Institute.
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He enjoys combining traditional and digital media to create playful and whimsical artwork, cultivating a world full of texture, vibrancy, and imagination. He often starts his pieces by scribbling, cutting paper, painting, and assembling mixed-media collages.
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​Proudly represented by The Bright Agency. For picture book and illustration work, please contact alex@thebrightagency.com
I've worked with...
Awards
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2024 3x3 International Illustration Show Merit Winner "Ducks on Ducks"
2024 Communication Arts Illustration Competition Shortlist Finalist "Ducks on Ducks"
2024 Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Competition Winner "I See You"
2024 The HUG 100 Artists to Watch Selected Winner "Look Up"​​​​
Publications
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2024 The HUG 100 Artists to Watch Book "Look Up"
2024 3x3 International Illustration Annual No.21 "Ducks on Ducks"​​​​
Exhibitions
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2024 Rochester Museum of Fine Arts Digital Exhibition | Rochester, NH
2024 The Society of Illustrators Museum & Online Gallery "I See You"
2024 3x3 Magazine Online Gallery "Ducks on Ducks" 4 image series
2024 The HUG Online Gallery "Look Up"
