Robby Gilbert began his career in illustration at a young age by doodling additional characters and scenes into the back pages of picture books. Though the practice is universally frowned upon by parents and librarians, Robby was undeterred. He continued drawing. Wisely, his parents sent him to art classes (both to hone his skills and save on library fees). Robby later earned a BFA in illustration and animation and then a M.Ed. He has worked extensively as an illustrator, animator, educator, and art director for such clients as Sesame Street, Nickelodeon, Disney Interactive, the National Wildlife Foundation, and Ranger Rick Magazine.
Robby is currently working on a film-noir inspired series of children’s detective stories. At present, Robby lives in the Pacific Northwest, where, when he isn’t drawing, he can be found teaching illustration and animation to the next generation of compulsive doodlers.
What school did you attend for your BFA?
I attended the School of Visual Arts, in New York and earned a BFA in Media Arts in 1989. Also received an M.Ed in 2006.
What was the most interesting class that you took?
History of Animation, taught by the late Charles Samu. Also, I loved Harvey Kurtzman’s cartooning classes.
How key were the animation classes you took in shaping your art?
Well, I think that Saturday morning cartoons and early Disney films shaped my art well before school. Animation classes did, however, help me develop drawing skills, speed, and perhaps some goofy acting.
How did you get the job to illustrate Ranger Rick Magazine?
They actually approached me after I animated Rick for a children’s web company.
There’s a full interview with me about just that topic at
https://sites.google.com/site/classicrangerrick/interview-with-robby-gilbert
Did the school help you get a job when you graduated?
No. I was hired by an animation company right out of school so I frankly never used the school’s placement services.
Here is Robby showing his process for the cover of the book dummy of Gumshu, Undercover Dragon.
Great illustrations and such beautiful movement to his characters! The banjo learning dog is something else!!!!