Three cheers for the very special 9th issue of 3 x 3 magazine, (volume 3, number 3)!  Congratulations to publisher, designer and visionary Charles Hively for creating this beautiful magazine devoted to contemporary illustration and for reaching this landmark.  And congratulations to all of the ispotters who appear throughout:

Ward Schumaker and Lara Tomlin are both interviewed in depth.

Ward created one of his signature, sometimes controversial, word-art pieces for the cover:



“Illustration has a practical use.  It can get people to read an article they wouldn’t have read otherwise.  Some of the articles are really important and they change the way people think.  A good illustration leads you to a better understanding of something specific.”


Lara discusses both her process as an “unapologetic etching geek” and her personal evolution as an illustrator:



“I feel so lucky to do this kind of work for a living; I’ll keep doing it until my hands fall off.”


John Hersey is honored as this issue’s Icon:



“Taking those art courses was like finding a lost tribe. I could relate to all the people and teachers, and I realized that art was my calling.”


Artist reps Vicki Morgan and Gail Gaynin’s 'Career Talk' column boasts an ebullient Kris Wiltse illustration:


Ispotters featured in the Showcase:


Sylvie Daigneault


Blair Kelly

And featured in the Gallery section:


Sara Tyson


Doug Panton


Urs Knobel


David Plunkert

Once again, congratulations to all- we are so very proud of you!