Nixon runner-up for international award

Jake book series illustrator Chris Nixon placed second in the Breakthrough Illustrators Contest run by Richard Solomon Artists Representative, one of the biggest illustration agencies in the world.

Nixon, who is no stranger to doing the hard yards, said the competition was a real platform for young professional artists wanting to boost their careers.

‘The judges were some of the biggest art buyers in the US and it was great to know they played a part in selecting my work – it feels as if this was just the starter’s gun and all that training beforehand was to get into the race,’ said Nixon

‘After the announcement I was suddenly featured on newsfeeds around the world, my website traffic jumped and my work was featured on major talent sites in Atlanta and Southern California,’ said Nixon.

Nixon, who was plucked from Curtin University to illustrate and publish his first book Crocodile Cake (with Palo Morgan), said it was nice to be recognised so early in his career.

‘I am now managed by Sydney company The Drawing Book Studios and through them I’ve landed jobs with dream clients, will fly to Sydney to work on two murals and have a regular feature illustration appearing in the Australian Financial Review,’ said Nixon.

Nixon’s next book Jake’s Cooking Craze (with Ken Spillman) will be released in March 2013.

The Breakthrough targets artists under 35 years old with less than five years professional experience who are based anywhere in the world. As well as a cash prize the winner gets flown to New York City to meet all the top art directors and industry pros needed to succeed as a professional illustrator.