Two Academy Grads Chosen for Prestigious Society of Illustrators Show

Art by Frank Lin, BFA08 Illustration

Frank Lin and Michael Lim are both Academy graduates in Illustration. They’ve both embarked on successful careers in what is broadly termed fantasy art … although their styles are startlingly different. And now they share an additional honor: having their artwork selected for a prestigious exhibition at the Museum of American Illustration in New York.

The work of these two young artists was featured in the 2009 Spectrum Exhibition at the museum, which is part of the Society of Illustrators. Spectrum is an annual volume of the year’s best art in the genres of fantasy, science fiction and horror. It’s a significant honor to be chosen for the exhibition, says Charles Pyle, director of the Academy’s School of Illustration, noting that out five volumes of the Spectrum Annual, just 200 pieces were selected for this special show.

Art by Michael Lim, BFA04 Illustration. He's known in the art world as "Daarken."

Despite being relatively recent graduates — Lin got his BFA in 2008 and Lim got his in 2004 — both artists have already seen their share of honors. Frank Lin’s work has appeared in CMYK magazine, Spectrum 15, the 2008 3×3 Magazine Annual, Creative Quarterly and the New York Society of Illustrators Student Show. He won Best in Show in Illustration at the Academy’s Spring Show in 2008 and 2009, as well as first place in Advanced Illustration in 2009 and second place in 2008. Lin recalls that through his classes at the Academy, “I was given the freedom to discover my own style with teachers who had the patience to guide and support the growth of any student’s exploration into art.”

Frank Lin

In addition to the Spectrum Exhibition, the work of Michael Lim has been featured in Spectrum 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16, as well as numerous books including Digital Art Masters: Volumes 2 and 4, and Digital Painting Techniques Vol. 1. He says he’s often asked about the differences between attending an art college and being self-taught. “I think you need a little bit of both,” he advises, adding that “one of the most valuable aspects of attending an art college is the ability to learn and interact with other artists who are just as enthusiastic about art as you are. Being around other artists not only pushes you to draw more often, but you can bounce ideas off each other, which in turn helps your imagination and creativity. … Another valuable part of attending an art college is being able to learn tips and techniques from professionals in the industry. You also begin to form various contacts in the industry through your teachers and peers, which can be very helpful in the future.”

Michael "Daarken" Lim

At the same time, he says, “You really need to push yourself outside of class if you want to improve. I would recommend working on personal illustrations outside of class so you can begin tailoring and building your portfolio. Go draw people at cafés, or in the park. Drawing from life is key for growing as an artist.”

To learn more, visit the personal websites of Frank Lin and Michael Lim.