Internet becomes artists' tool

By Michelle Hunter

Whether you're at Crate & Barrel or looking at the latest issue of the New Yorker, chances are you may be seeing examples of artwork that has come from Lilla Rogers Studio.

Lilla Rogers began her career as a teacher of art in New York. After being approached to become an agent, she saw potential in building an international portfolio of illustrators that lend their work to companies worldwide and began Lilla Rogers Studio in 1984. The studio, located in Chatham, does most of its work and business through an online gallery of digital art, www.lillarogers.com. 

"When I first started all you had was a fax machine," said Rogers. "What's great about the Internet is that artists can get their work out there so easily and get it in front of a much bigger audience."

With more than 30 featured artists for hire, Lilla Rogers Studio accepts applicants and then chooses to represent them based on a number of qualifications. "These days it's much more talent based," said Rogers about artists who can make it in the art world. "It used to be more about the school you went to. Now, I look for creativity and originality. The artists have to have a unique talent and they have to be culturally aware."

These artists and their work then become accessible on the Lilla Rogers site and can be used for a number of products that are placed in stores around the country or companies worldwide for packaging, decorating, children's books, magazines and clothing. The site also has images, blogs, bios and a membership which you can sign up for and use to look at new artwork and updates.

One featured artist, a London, England native, Susie Pilgrim Waters, has recently completed a 285-foot mural in the newly built Children's Center at 42nd Street in The New York Public Library's Landmark Fifth Avenue Building. She said what Rogers has done is a remarkable thing. "Lilla is a rare combination of an artist," Waters said. "She is an exceptional artist but also an amazing entrepreneur."

Waters, who started in fine art clothing and repeat pattern school in England, is a prime example of a Lilla Rogers client: She is an international artist and has worked with over 22 companies in North America, including Barnes & Noble, Crate & Barrel, Pizza Hut International and Target, creating everything from magazine covers to bedspread coverlets.

In describing her style along with other illustrators in the art scene right now, Waters said, "We all seem to be inspired by a sort of 50's illustration right now, the type you'd see on the cover of the New Yorker." Rogers agreed with Waters. Rogers also said there is a feminization that has happened over the decades that is bringing a woman's point of view to expression as well a large Japanese influence among trends right now in illustration.

A new name on the art scene at Lilla Rogers Studio is Hsinping Pan. Pan, who is from Taipei in Taiwan and has done work for Kraft as well as other companies. She said she was interested in having Rogers represent her so that she could get more interesting projects.

Much of her inspiration came from her childhood. "When I was a kid, I really loved one series of children book about the Chinese folktale," said Pan. "In those books, there are many beautiful drawings of forest and landscape. Those colorful and magical drawings really inspire me a lot." Since releasing her work in the United States, Pan finds that people are reacting to her work well. "People in the U.S. like my color and characters," Pan said.

Customers and art lovers can go on the site and browse artists work for free, learn about the artists and see what's new at the studio.