Transitioning from the discipline of the U.S. Marine Corps to the creative rigor of the studio, Professor of Illustration David Vargo shares how his military background shaped his approach to art and education. In this LCAD Story, Vargo discusses the power of perseverance and how Laguna College of Art + Design provides the perfect environment for veterans and artists alike to turn their unique life experiences into impactful visual narratives.
Illustration
Alumni Spotlight
Jacquelin De Leon (Class of '15)
Freelance Illustrator
Forever the entrepreneur, Jacqueline stands firm within her career alongside an expansive social media platform all while actively achieving success as a freelance illustrator and mural painter based in San Jose. Her clients and collabs include: DC Comics (Zatanna and the Jewel of Gravesend), Penguin Random House, EA Games, Netflix, Squarespace, Mondo Tees, Alamo Drafthouse, Copic Markers, and 59 Parks.
Program Highlights
Janna Mattia (Class of '16)
Illustrator
With a taste for classical and illustrative whimsy, Janna’s collaborations include those with Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman, Smokey Bear, and Netflix. Other selected clients include Harper Collins, Simon and Schuster, Macmillan, Harvest House Publishers and Purple House Press.
Shar Tui’asoa (Class of '15)
Punky Aloha Studio
Shar has created the successful illustrative brand Punky Aloha Studio. Her editorial clients include Honolulu Magazine, Hawaii Magazine, and Hawaii Business Magazine; other past clientele are Liliuokalani Trust, the Honolulu Museum of Art, Foodland, Apple, Facebook, Disney, Pixar, AT&T, Sephora, Benefit Cosmetics, and The New York Times. She is currently working on her first of two picture books as an author and illustrator for Harper Kids.