Meet Regan Dunnick | Freelance Illustrator and professor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Regan Dunnick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Regan, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Representatives. I had my first representative in Houston not long out of college. She was successful in acquiring jobs and helping me gain exposure. this was followed by representation in Dallas and an international representative in NY. They kick started my career and continued to get jobs and contacts for many years. The contacts and clients lead to networking which is was the best means to acquire work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Jack of all trades. Even though I say this I’m most likely known for my pastel illustrations which were done from 1981-2001. Ive also done humorous Illustrations, cartoons and painting. It was easy for me but early on when I was straight out of school I struggled. I was a F. A.s major trying to get illustration work. I had to redirect my portfolio which took some time. I was fortunate to finally get an illustration job at the Palm Beach Post then freelanced for The Miami Herald and Ft. Lauderdale Sun Sentinel. Freelance work at the time was few and far to come by in S.Florida so I headed to a creative hotspot Texas. It’s there where everything took off. Selected clients include Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, NY Times, Washington Post, American Greetings and DiNippon Japan.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m in Bradenton/Sarasota so heres a few fun things to do and places to eat. The Dolphin boat tour out of city island is a great water tour of Sarasota and fun visit with our local families of dolphin. The beaches of course. South Lido and Siesta Key. Mote Marine rehab of sea turtles, dolphins great informative tours. 99 bottles downtown is a first rate craft beer pub. State street, great food and known for their bar. Geckos by the hospital. Good Bar food great bar. High end eats Micheals on East or Rosselers. Seafood Walts Or the Ugly Grouper on Holmes Beach.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Several people. My first rep. Diane De Oreo, my Dallas rep. Debbie Bozeman and my N.Y. reps Lindgren & Smith. Then theres a friend and client that really put me in the big time Designer Chris Hill.

Website: Lindgrensmith.com

Instagram: ibraygunz

Facebook: Regan Dunnick