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Aaron’s interest in fantasy art began small. Literally. As a kid, he couldn’t stop collecting and painting D&D minis. Aaron admits “I never even played the game. I just loved the minis and the art from the books.”

That’s all it took to give inspiration and direction to his life.

Aaron studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, located just across the street from The Art Institute of Chicago, “Where you could find me on almost any lunch hour—soaking in the art, and dodging security guards while trying to eat the sandwich hidden in my art box.”

Aaron’s art career began in oils and fine art. A local restaurant would hang his work, while Aaron waited tables…a nice gig if you can get it. “Pretty soon, I got interested in computers and design, and went back to school to learn more.” And while work as a graphic designer helped pay the rent, “It took its toll on me by taking my attention away from painting and illustration. I knew then that something had to change.”

That ‘something’ turned out to be IFX. “Honestly. A friend showed me his copy, and it became my transforming ‘aha’ moment.”

Today, Aaron manages life drawing classes at TOJO Gallery in Chicago while maintaining his work as a graphic designer. But mostly… Aaron’s life has become all about sharing his passion for fantasy illustration--inspired by the work he sees other illustrators create; and by the pictures and images he imagines every day, in a world not too far from where Dungeons and Dragons still live.

Aaron’s interest in fantasy art began small. Literally. As a kid, he couldn’t stop collecting and painting D&D minis. Aaron admits “I never even played the game. I just loved the minis and the art from the books.” That’s all it took to give inspiration and direction to his life. Aaron studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, located just across the street from The Art Instit... More