Scott nash illustrator biography
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19:16 Illustrating vs. Scott has lectured widely and taught at Boston University, Northeastern University, and the Art Institute of Boston. In addition to designing identities for Nickelodeon, PBS, ABC, Comedy Central, FX, YTV, Scott’s design clients include American Girl, Disney, Harvard University, Mattel, Milton Bradley, NFPA, The Boston Pops and From the Top.
Scott’s work as a designer and illustrator has been recognized by leading trade organizations and publications such as The Academy for The Arts and Sciences (EMMY award), PROMAX, Broadcast Designers Association, American Institute of Graphic Arts, Society of Illustrators and HOW, Communications Arts, Print and Publishers Weekly Magazines.
He has lectured widely and taught at Boston University, Northeastern University, The Art Institute of Boston and at Maine College of Art, where he helped establish the illustration department.
Writing Own Books
Scott Nash reflects on the differences and joys of illustrating books for other authors, like Flat Stanley, versus writing and illustrating his own works, such as The High Skies Adventures of Blue Jay the Pirate.
23:05 Defining Illustration & Illustration Institute’s Founding
Scott Nash defines illustration as ‘visual art that enhances a specific narrative,’encompassing comics, graphic novels, and even narrative pottery.
He and his wife, Nancy, are co-founders of the non-profit Illustration Institute.
Scott has illustrated over forty children’s books, including Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp! and The Bugliest Bug by Carol Diggory Shields, Betsy, Who Cried Wolf! and Betsy, Red Hoodie by Gail Carson Levine, the series Snow Day!
Beach Day! Rainy Day! and Camping Day! by Patricia Lakin as well as the Flat Stanley series by Jeff Brown.
Scott is also a writer and is the author/illustrator of TUFF FLUFF, The Case of Duckie’s Missing Brain and The High Skies Adventures of Blue Jay The Pirate.
Blue Sky host Bill Burke first met Scott Nash nearly 30 years ago, when both were working in the cable television business. by Nancy Coffelt.
09:05 Early Days of Cable TV Scott highlights how their 'handmade' approach to branding for networks like Nickelodeon, which included assigning the color orange and constantly changing logos, stood out in an industry that traditional executives weren't taking seriously.
He emphasizes the institute's mission to highlight illustration's critical rigor and broad appeal, connecting Maine's artistic reach with global themes and sharing his childlike enthusiasm for storytelling. Writing Own Books Scott Nash reflects on the differences and joys of illustrating books for other authors, like Flat Stanley, versus writing and illustrating his own works, such as The High Skies Adventures of Blue Jay the Pirate.
In 2004, Scott made his debut as author-illustrator with the publication of Tuff Fluff: The Case of Duckie’s Missing Brain.
23:05 Defining Illustration & Illustration Institute's Founding Scott Nash defines illustration as 'visual art that enhances a specific narrative,' encompassing comics, graphic novels, and even narrative pottery.
and Betsy Red Hoodie by Gail Carson Levine; Snow Day!, Beach Day!, Rainy Day! and Camping Day by Patricia Lakin; the Flat Stanley series by Jeff Brown; and Catch That Baby!
39:59 Ethical Concerns and Public Voice in AI Scott Nash expresses concern about the business-driven rush to implement AI without a clear ethical framework, fearing it could lead to low-quality content and potential harm if not properly regulated.
He emphasizes the institute’s mission to highlight illustration’s critical rigor and broad appeal, connecting Maine’s artistic reach with global themes and sharing his childlike enthusiasm for storytelling.
IMMI- Scott Nash
Scott Nash:
As a founding partner of BIG BLUE DOT, Corey McPherson Nash and NASHBOX, Scott has developed an expertise in the branding and creative development of products and programming for the entertainment, consumer product and publishing worlds.
In the years since, Scott has gone on to a successful career in publishing, both as an illustrator and an author, and with his wife Nancy co-founded Illustration Institute on a small island in Maine. Scott is now the owner of Nashbox, a studio with an emphasis on design for kids in the entertainment, consumer product, and publishing worlds.
In this episode, Scott describes his outgoing, experimental, and optimistic nature and how these traits have led to his remarkable success in publishing, art direction, and non-profit entrepreneurship.
Resources:
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Check out Scott’s books on the Blue Sky Bookshelf
Chapters
00:00 Introduction & Early Childhood
Scott shares that he moved nine times before second grade, which taught him to make new friends and thrive on connection, fueling his optimism and artistic development.
03:47 Education and Early Career
Scott Nash discusses his education at the Swain School of Design and Cranbrook, an experimental school that shaped his playful approach to design.
09:05 Early Days of Cable TV
Scott highlights how their ‘handmade’ approach to branding for networks like Nickelodeon, which included assigning the color orange and constantly changing logos, stood out in an industry that traditional executives weren’t taking seriously.
14:20 The Flat Stanley Phenomenon
Scott Nash discusses his work illustrating Flat Stanley, a book that became a widespread educational phenomenon due to teachers encouraging kids to create and mail their own Flat Stanley figures.
19:16 Illustrating vs.
03:47 Education and Early Career Scott Nash discusses his education at the Swain School of Design and Cranbrook, an experimental school that shaped his playful approach to design. In the years since, Scott has gone on to a successful career in publishing, both as an illustrator and an author, and with his wife Nancy co-founded Illustration Institute on a small island in Maine.
31:19 Highlighting Illustrators & Their Impact Scott Nash shares his love for classic children's book illustrators like Garth Williams, known for Stuart Little and Homer Price, and Robert McCloskey, famous for Make Way for Ducklings. He recounts the emotional and intellectual impact of Illustration Institute’s exhibitions, which showcase original works and highlight the often-uncredited illustrators behind beloved stories.
34:27 AI’s Impact on Creativity and Authenticity
Scott Nash discusses the cyclical nature of creative trends, noting a shift from highly creative, handmade works in the early days of cable to a more corporate, homogenized phase.
42:45 Future of Illustration Institute & Closing Scott Nash details the Illustration Institute's future plans, including developing traveling exhibitions for libraries across the country, such as 'The Great State of Illustration in Maine' and the ambitious 'Illustrious Saurus,' which explores dinosaur depictions from paleontology to fantasy.
He expresses critical optimism about AI, hoping it will spur a countertrend towards more authentic, handmade creations.