Greg Betza Illustration

Last December I was contacted by Carmichael Lynch to be 1 of 7 illustrators contributing toward a custom promotional booklet announcing the launch of the Harley Davidson Dark Custom Motorcycle. The art producer on the project, Andrea Mariash, has recently posted the job to her weblog, and I thought it would be a great time to show the drawings. It was an interesting assignment, a new one for me. I was asked to act as a biker, out on the road, doodling (with ballpoint pen) in his little black book. It was interesting to be asked to do what I would do if I was someone else. The first illustration is the road snaking into a dragon or serpent, and the second, a night on the town with the Dark Custom. Anyway, I’m happy with the illustrations,and I’d love to hear what you think.

Here is the latest editorial illustration in the series…proper etiquette when answering your office phone. Basically, what first impression are you making with your customers. Check out the article here

See you in September!

Last night I participated in the ICON5 Roadshow at the beautiful Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan. As this was my first time attending, I didn’t know what to expect, but I was really pleased with both the venue and turnout. The entire 3 hours were filled with eager art buyers and art directors perusing and really taking their time to view the artists’ work. In some way it reaffirmed my belief in the industry. I saw an overall buzz and excitement for the work and a real commitment from the industry to move our cause forward in a proactive and positive way. So on this July 4th, all I can say is yeah for illustration! I hope you all have a chance to attend the conference.

This is a funny article, and hopefully this has never happened to you, but I’m sure it has. You come across the unfortunate person whose had way too much to drink and eat, and couldn’t be more oblivious. The unfortunate part is that this specimen is often a coworker and that makes it all the more uncomfortable. Just make sure that you’re never that person. Well anyway, this was one of my favorite illustrations in the GS series. I hope you enjoy it as well. See you next month.

A few months back I was asked to complete another ‘fashion’ illustration for the Tribune…and it finally ran this past Sunday. Although these are certainly more comic than high fashion, I still enjoy them a great deal. It left me with the question, “Can you ever really be prepared to make pleats interesting??!!!!” I did have a great time trying. Enjoy.

I have a quarter page illustration appearing in the May-June issue of the UTNE Reader. The article, written by Brenda Peterson, discusses the concept of rapture through the eyes of 2 neighbors tending to harbor seals. Not an easy story to illustrate, but what a GREAT assignment! I’m really happy with how it turned out, and I’m looking forward to the next one. Enjoy.

I enjoyed March’s column, as I found it to be useful for me personally. How do you avoid the uncomfortable “who should pay for dinner” moment at the conclusion of most business meetings…well, read the article here and find out some common sense solutions. See you next month.

Last month, I was asked to be a judge at the Society of Illustrators 2008 Student Scholarship Competition. It is an honor for me to be asked to participate in this important event; an event which will no doubt help further the careers of future illustrators. To encourage our young illustrators to keep learning their craft, to keep experimenting, and to keep advancing this beautiful artform is, in my opinion, one of the most important responsibilities of professional illustrators. It was my education that made all the difference to my career and I will continue work hard for the future of illustration.

This month’s column takes on the topic of ‘Travel Manners’. My illustration expresses the futile attempt to enjoy yourself on a plane. Whether it be fellow travelers pushing you out of their way, blocking your way, chatting your ear off or sleeping in your lap, the perils of air travel are unavoidable. Read the full article here in the Buzz section.

Studio 1482 has launched it’s new and improved website. To read more about the site, check out our new website reportage illustrators dot com, or have a look for yourself at www.studio1482.com. ENJOY!