Brian Cronin came to New York from Dublin in 1985 to test the waters. He landed an internship with Milton Glaser; when he went on his own as a freelance illustrator, assignments from top magazines soon came his way; he’s still here.

You live in Brooklyn NY, originally from Dublin Ireland. As an artist, what are some of your favorite things about living and working in Brooklyn?

I love the diversity of the people who live in Prospect Heights. It's a real neighborhood and I like hanging outside chatting to my neighbors.

How and when did you first become interested in art and illustration?

I was always interested in art from an early age. My first memories were of me drawing portraits of the guests who were staying in my parents' bed and breakfast in Dublin, and painting pictures of the cattle market that was across the road. 

Stars of Today, an interpetation of today’s football stars in yesteryear’s clothes and haircuts, for Howler. Designers Robert Priest and Grace Lee, Priest&Grace.

What was your first commercial assignment?

My first commercial assignment was to get cigarettes for my dad at the local shop. He gave me 5p. My first illustration assignment was creating a comic strip for a magazine in Ireland called In Dublin. I was working with the editor who created this character who was a private eye. It was short-lived but did help me understand how to storyboard an idea, which is coming in handy with my recent explorations into animation.

What is your favorite part of the creative process? 

Well I love when I have been working and I get a new idea and I start to put some form to it, and watch it develop; and then I love making this come to life with color or whatever I'm using.

Do you keep a sketchbook? How do you keep track of ideas for your illustration work?

I don't. I work on each illustration as it comes in, and when I'm done, I trash everything. I work in my studio every day so I'm constantly working on paintings, sculpture, animation, or just puttering around imagining stuff. I keep my craft well oiled, so to speak. 

What is the longest-running theme in your art? 

Solitary people, and lumber

Is there any other profession you secretly wish you had pursued? 

President of the United States, but I was born in Ireland : (

What are you reading? "

Death of a Naturalist, by Seamus Heaney 

What was the last art exhibition you saw and what did you take away from it?

I went to see a group show, “Suddenness & Certainty" at Robert Miller.  A friend of mine was showing there (Richard Saja). Richard and I are having a joint show next year where we will be collaborating on a few pieces. It's exciting.

What are some of your favorite places/blogs/websites for inspiration?

I have a house in Vermont that I go to with my family as often as we can. It's magical. Hanging out around Brooklyn is cool too. 

Left: A story about two parents and their siblings who meet in the woods, for Outside. Designer: Hannah Mccaughey. Right: Un-natural Selection, ranking a pool of Berkley hopefuls in a sea of ambiguities, for the New York Times. Designer: Nicki Kalish.

Who/what are some of your strongest influences?

My influences keep changing. As with life, you keep moving on or else you're dead. Although the influence still comes from the same venues (books, movies, shows, etc.), living with Juliette Borda has had a major influence on me and my work.

What advice would you give to a young artist/illustrator who is just getting noticed?

To be honest I have no advise for anyone. I only know how things work for me. I work at art everyday in some shape or form, I try to be as open and honest with my work, myself, and those around me. I have no time for BS or anyone who spouts it.

Brian Cronin is an artist illustrator originally from Dublin, Ireland where he studied at the National College of Art and Design. He began illustration shortly after leaving art school .He lives in Brooklyn, New York. [Ed. Note: His work has been selected for AI just about every year since he began entering.]