Michael Pekovich: Executive Art Director, Fine Woodworking Magazine
As the art director of Fine Woodworking magazine, I’m comfortable with perfect. Anything less keeps me up at night. The best thing about John is that he’s one of the rare people that actually worries more than I do. That’s a good thing, because not only does he avoid mistakes, he catches mine while he’s at it.
John’s work blends the warmth of hand-drawn illustration with the accuracy and efficiency of digital illustration. I honestly don’t know how he goes about it, but the results are always phenomenal; clean and crisp, but rendered with a human touch. I rely on John in just about every issue. My job is made easier by his tremendous talent, his attention to detail, and his ability to meet deadlines without fail. The magazine is the better for John’s contributions, as well.
Nick Offerman: Actor, Comedian, and Author of “Good Clean Fun – Misadventures in Sawdust at Offerman Woodshop“
John’s life story is a rich example of the many vocational twists and turns that can be ultimately required to arrive a place of contentment. He started with a Fine Art education and an interest in this type of illustration, but a combination of patience and a rebellious streak led him to pursue a Fine Art career in Brooklyn. His journey as an artist began to veer from “fine” to “starving,” so he combined his technical acumen with a love of music and began rebuilding pianos, which turned into a prosperous business. The Piano Technicians Journal hired him to do some illustrations. He became so good at it, developing his own style employing both hand and digital skills, that he quit working on piano and became a highly successful illustrator, with a woodshop for his beloved hobby. Fantastic. His beautiful illustrations speak for themselves and can be seen regularly in Fine Woodworking Magazine, Woodcraft Magazine, Fine Homebuilding, and more.
John, Thank you kindly for classing up the joint!
Robert Goodfellow: Executive Art Director, Fine Homebuilding Magazine
As Executive Art Director for Fine Homebuilding magazine and in my previous position as Art Director at National Geographic, I have worked with a great many talented Illustrators. John is among the best. He has consistently produced illustrations of the highest quality while meeting some very difficult deadlines. At Fine Homebuilding we often produce articles about the latest technical innovations in home building. John has always met the challenge of producing artful illustrations that clarify difficult topics. He has shown the capacity to understand complex technical issues and often finds details that have been overlooked.
Also, I appreciate when an illustrator can contribute design insights that add to the final result and John, working closely with me and my team, has shown great proficiency in the art of collaborative design. John’s knowledge of both traditional and digital illustration techniques and his willingness to experiment has made it possible for us to craft uniquely styled images for the magazine as well as our online efforts. He never ceases to amaze me with his technical understanding, attention to detail and artistic eye.