A Big and Vibrant Community: An Interview with Adam Osgood, ICON11′s Motion Advisor
Adam Osgood illustrates GIFs and portraits for fashion and pop-culture with colorful shapes and lines. His clients include Lionsgate, Yahoo, and Hyundai. Adam’s animated shorts have screened nationally and internationally at the Siggraph Computer Animation Festival (2015) and the London International Animation Festival. He’s an Associate Professor and Program Director of the Illustration Program at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Adam enjoys sunshine, Gocco printing, She-Ra, classic cinema, and shoes. He recently launched motillu.com, a hub for motion-illustration.
What's your favorite memory from past ICON conferences?
Getting to see my illustrator friends who live across the country every two years is always wonderful. Because most of us work alone in our studios, it’s easy to forget how big and vibrant our community is. Catching up with old friends who can relate to what it means to be an illustrator is therapeutic and inspiring.
Tell me about your practice!
I specialize in motion-based illustration and am just wrapping up my fourth animated music video. I’ve done several GIFs and portraits as well. My full-time day job is teaching college students at UArts, and it’s a thrill to share skills with the next generation of talent.
What is your studio/office space like?
Very minimal! I work out of my one-bedroom apartment, so my studio space is just a desk with an iMac. To keep my life separated, I try not to sit there unless I’m working on an illustration project.
What's your hometown and where do you currently live?
I’m from the Chicago area, but I’ve been in Philadelphia since 2017.
Who are some of your favorite emerging creatives?
I am enamored with Yukai Du’s motion work. She animates graphic shapes, pattern, and color in a wholly unique way.
I also love watching Loveis Wise’s career exploding. I had the pleasure of working with her while she was studying at UArts and am so happy for her success. I love seeing her work everywhere and can’t wait to see what she does next.
