Kevin Cornell of Bearskinrug

Back in 2000, when Kevin Cornell fist launched his portfolio website, Bearskinrug, he couldn’t have predicted the site’s immense popularity- or that fact that it would generate such a mammoth, devoted following. Its recognition and positive visitor responses have provided Kevin with the confidence needed to go forward exploring his love: illustration.

Kevin initially made his mark in the art world working in the digital animation and graphic design fields. However, after deciding to make an interactive website to feature his work as well as some humorous anecdotes, the artist found that he was relentlessly drawn to his illustrations. And so was his growing base of fans. In an article for Movable Type, Kevin states “I was able to start drawing again and get feedback… I probably wouldn’t be an illustrator today if I didn’t have a blog.”

Since the launch, he’s fashioned several recognizable characters in witty cartoons. One such personality is Mojo, a cheeky monkey whose celebrity can be purchased via note cards and t-shirts. Perhaps it is this combination of wit and art that draws fans in each day. Seasoned viewers eagerly tune in to read the latest anecdote, see a freshly drawn sketch or hopefully, catch a new article in which Kevin reveals some of his industry secrets.

Aaron is addicted to Mojo

Presently, the site itself seems to generate as much praise as Kevin’s novel commentary and illustrations. Several noteworthy forums have celebrated Bearskinrug’s innovative design and content, including a rave review from Typesites and receiving a Web Standards’ WSA award. Top web critics, Eric A. Meyer and Robert Ford, have applauded Kevin’s designs, concluding that his site is “Amazingly entertaining” and is “Original, full of personality and charm and perfectly produced.”

While this multi-talented artist does spend the majority of his time writing editorials and thinking up conceptual art for Bearskinrug, Kevin also finds time to get a little work done. Most recently, he completed illustrating a graphic novel, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The extensive and rigorous work schedule required by this massive project took its toll on the artist. The outline of the hardback, posted on his blog, shows the considerable number of illustrations needed to complete the book. However, Kevin claims that should the perfect project arise, he’d be back in the graphic artist saddle all over again.