Drew Bardana

All

Animals

Architecture

Children

Conceptual

Food & Drink

Nature

People

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Person using Instagram marketing tools for a plant shop by Drew Bardana

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People Active Listening During Research Interviews

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Illustration of Jane Goodall with chimpanzees in the forest by Drew Bardana

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Clear imagery in flat colors

It seems like Drew always knew he’d become an illustrator.

His grandfather was a painter who predicted that one day Drew’s images would be on national magazines. Painting like a demon as he grew up, Drew honed his personal style and now that dream is a reality. With a BFA in Illustration and Design from Pacific Northwest College of Art, Drew is based in Portland, Oregon. Whenever he responds to a brief, he asks lots of questions, develops plenty of options and works fast, which clients really appreciate.

Approach

Drew sums up his approach in three steps. 1 – Lay down the shapes and draft the composition. 2 – Fill in the textures and patterns. 3 – Finish off the hard lines and details. It’s a system he learned as a sign painter, and Drew’s sign making knowledge is another thing that impresses his clients.

Styles

Colourful and larger than life, Drew’s style nevertheless maintains enough detail to tell subtler stories and deal with more intricate themes. That’s why he’s a hit with editorial and online clients across the United States.

Impressions

Interview

Website

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Interview

What led you to become an illustrator?When I was young, my Grandfather would always tell me my drawings could be on the cover of the New Yorker. He would get very excited when doing so. I always saw myself becoming an illustrator because of this. Did you study illustration in college?I studied illustration at Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon. I focused my portfolio on editorial illustration. Where do you live now and what drew you there?I live in Portland, Oregon. I grew up just outside of the city. I’ve always enjoyed being close to the city and close to the outdoors.Describe your studio for us? My studio is a desk with my Cintiq Pro 32, iPad Pro, some drawing pads, tracing paper and a few art supplies. I like to keep things clean and simple. This is the best way to do it.Do you have a studio pet? I have two chihuahuas. The bigger one is named Chicharron and the smaller one is little Lillie. They let me know when it’s time to take a break.Describe the view from your window? The view from my window is the High School Football field across the street. I have a front row seat to all the sporting events. How do you get your ideas? I like to cook at home. My personal work is inspired by the food I make at home or the things I’m craving. I made enchiladas this week. That’s definitely on my list to draw next. What are your interests outside of illustration? When I’m not working on an illustration project, I love to go for a hike with my dogs. I spend a lot of time looking at a computer screen so it’s important for me to unplug and get outside. I always say, “Come on, Dogs! Let’s go see some trees!”What is the first record you bought? My Dad had a CD subscription service in the early 2000s. He let me pick one out every once in a while. The first one I remember choosing was Blink-182’s “Enema of the State” HA!What was your favourite assignment ever? It was a recent one with Eater.com and California Avocados. They had me draw a bunch of recipes with avocados. I love drawing food so this was definitely a treat. The art direction was spot-on and the client was so nice to work with. That really makes it a win.What would be your dream commission? Right now I’m interested in doing packaging. An artsy beer label would be fun.How much of your work is hand drawn?I start all of my ideas in my paper sketchbook. Lately I’ve been drawing with a ballpoint pen and keeping things real loose. I force myself not to use an eraser when drawing on paper. This makes for a more confident drawing and more hand-drawn looking shapes. I refine my hand-drawings on the iPad Pro. I can’t draw straight digitally. There’s something not quite right about it when I do. If you were not an illustrator, what would you be?If I wasn’t an illustrator, I’d likely be doing something with food. I’ve had experience in the restaurant industry and I really respect those that work hard at it. I would love to work for a small catering company or create a dinner club with friends.What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? “Be patient” is what I’ve heard from family and mentors. I was so frustrated when I got out of art school. I thought that art directors would be filling my email inbox with requests. I didn’t know the extent of effort it took to build a portfolio and hunt down work. I was not patient, but I learned to enjoy each project and each small step forward as it came.How do you keep on trend and up to date in our quickly changing industry? I like to follow other illustrators on social media and I’m always looking out for new talent. It’s great to see what other illustrators are being hired for and how they’re handing the subject matter. Trends are set by new ideas entering the field. I try to stay on top of it by trying new things and going outside of my creative comfort zone. Get weird with it - it will likely pay off. What is your go-to comfort food? Spaghetti and a meaty red sauce. I have a big Italian influence on my Dad’s side of the family. This always tastes like home to me. What do you listen to when you’re illustrating? Is it weird to say that I don’t listen to anything while working? It’s great when I can wake up before the dogs and get a few hours of work done in the morning when it’s quiet. What do you do when you have creative block? Step away and come back to it later. I’ve worked through creative block and I’ve worked through burnout. It never works out well. I always end up deeper and deeper in a rut. It’s important to take care of yourself. If I’m not feeling in the mood for drawing, it’s probably because I need to take a break and focus on another part of my life.

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Playful dog joyfully flying a kite on the beach by Drew Bardana

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Pizza delivery person holding box at night by Drew Bardana

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Illustration of a skunk at night in a city by Drew Bardana

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Dynamic skateboarder speeding downhill with trees in background by Drew Bardana

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Outdoor summer festival with stage, crowd, food trucks, Seattle skyline

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Hands typing on laptop with arrows showing endless email cycle by Drew Bardana

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Sliced apple wedges with butter and peels, illustrated by Drew Bardana

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Abstract flowers, green leaves, seeds, and maroon shapes by Drew Bardana

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Campfire with toasted marshmallows near yurt and garden lights at sunset by Drew Bardana

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Elephant parents touching trunks over baby elephant in grassland

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Illustration of musician playing electric guitar with musical gear and colorful lighting

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Bee flying near growing sunflower plants in soil

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Diverse people holding welcome signs by Drew Bardana

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Illustration of blueberries with green leaves on blue background by Drew Bardana

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Illustration of dogs wearing colorful party hats by Drew Bardana

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Eight diverse individuals posing in casual attire with different gestures

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Illustration of man clutching stomach in distress symbolizing stress and digestion

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Vineyard rows with purple grapes and a bright sky by Drew Bardana

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Bowl of ramen with chopsticks, egg, meat, vegetables, and glass of wine

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Animals Two birds sitting on their new home

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Child helping dad mow the lawn with a red lawnmower outdoors

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Pattern of chocolate dipped strawberries on pink background

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Slice of Italian tiramisu dessert with cocoa powder topping

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Diverse group marching with LGBTQ+ pride flags and signs

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Dillon's Apricot Vodka Cocktail cans with apricots and ginger by Drew Bardana

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Dillon's Black Cherry Gin Cocktail can with cherries, artwork by Drew Bardana

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Child smiling as lemon is squeezed above, by Drew Bardana

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Winter scene of Seattle with people ice skating on frozen lake

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Illustration of a Victorian woman in traditional attire by Drew Bardana

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Wine pouring into four glasses with vineyard landscape, by Drew Bardana

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Illustration of sheet pan eggs sandwich with arugula and hot sauce

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Colorful kimchi and cold noodle salad with vegetables and lime slices

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Broccoli salad with cashews, raisins, and sliced green onions

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Ginger molasses cookies with avocado ice cream and sliced avocado

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Illustration showing friendship tension with an ice cream cone and two women talking

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Person at desk with dogs illustrated as astronauts in space

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Illustration of pizza slices with famous world landmarks

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Illustration for Washington Post about the relationship between obesity and genetics.

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Animal illustration of Cat sitting on hardwood floor

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Rabbit leaps from phone screen with turtle following on winding path

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Drew Bardana

Selected illustrations

Illustrated Titletown community near Green Bay Packers' Lambeau Field

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Illustration of pig admiring gingham shirt in mirror by Drew Bardana

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Illustration of man posting missing marbles flyer in city, by Drew Bardana

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Illustration of happy grandpa eating prosciutto and melon by Drew Bardana

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Illustration of cartoon slugs near a soda can burping, by Drew Bardana

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Skateboarder doing a high air trick in mid-air, artwork by Drew Bardana

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Digital illustration of a BLT sandwich with bacon, tomato, lettuce, and mayo by Drew Bardana

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Two people cross-country skiing in snowy landscape by Drew Bardana

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Campfire with roasted marshmallows, yurt and garden lights, illustration by Drew Bardana

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Man and woman performing traditional Mexican Folklorico dance

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Three people collaborating in office meeting with laptops and whiteboard

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Man at restaurant counter holding cards about giving and donating by Drew Bardana

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Mother and baby whale swimming underwater with fish, by Drew Bardana

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Illustration of lime wedges and fresh coriander by Drew Bardana

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Electric cars charging on a sunny city highway with Sacramento landmarks

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Thanksgiving food ingredients and spices swirling in air

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Illustration of human digestive system highlighting stress impact

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Illustration of St. John's Bridge in Portland with green foliage nearby by Drew Bardana

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Takeout burger and fries in a clamshell container with a soft drink

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Woman candidate speaking at podium in library to diverse audience

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Abstract graphic of Italian cured meats in various shapes and colors

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Cross-country skier in snowy forest inside woman's silhouette

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Dillon's Small Batch Raspberry Lemon Vodka Cocktail cans and boxes by Drew Bardana

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Four Dillon's gin cocktail cans in various flavors by Drew Bardana

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Mother and daughter skiing at night with fire and hot drinks by Drew Bardana

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Illustration of patient relaxed in chair receiving ketamine therapy by Drew Bardana

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Man with glasses holding framed insect collection illustration by Drew Bardana

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Illustration of cat chef cooking fish cakes by Drew Bardana

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Spring floral icons with eucalyptus, pansies, daffodils, and daisies

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Holiday icons including bread, holly, peace, snowman, dove, tree, eggnog, angel

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Pork cube tacos with avocado, lime, onion, and cilantro on tortilla

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Coconut quinoa kale salad ingredients with lime and chili pepper

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Illustration of porcini mushrooms and green leaves on a light background

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Fresh spring salad with avocado slices and lemon yogurt dressing

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Diverse teens learning and engaging with investing concepts

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Smiling nurse with clipboard and stethoscope ready to help patients by Drew Bardana

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Graphic design of skiing for Back Country Magazine

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Two pizza slices, one with pineapple and ham, the other with pepperoni and mushrooms by Drew Bardana

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Illustration of Tamago Nigiri with pink background.

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Illustration of avocado, citrus, and granola in a bowl by Drew Bardana

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Illustration of Emilie du Chatelet at desk, holding pendulum, with portrait and instruments

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People Magnes the Shepherd and Magnetism

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People Ernest Rutherford and his lab equipment

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A chick hatching from eggs beneath a hen with a farm background by Drew Bardana

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Two orange fish look at computer showing a sold home and fishbowl by Drew Bardana

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Seagull holding pink polka dot bikini on a sunny beach by Drew Bardana

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Spooky spider with pink eyes coding at keyboard by Drew Bardana

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Skateboarder dropping in on half-pipe with knee pads by Drew Bardana

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Sports people playing rugby football game day

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Birthday cake with candles and gifts on table by Drew Bardana

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Tomatoes, orange slice, onion rings, and garlic clove illustration by Drew Bardana

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Colorful assorted cupcakes with various frostings and toppings by Drew Bardana

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Illustration of takeout foods including burger, noodles, and drink by Drew Bardana

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Three people on ski lift imagining food: burger, nachos, chicken wings

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Illustration of person holding a box of donated food and groceries, by Drew Bardana

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Set of icons including stethoscope, money, heart, ID, certificate, hands, beach, head, and heart han

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Person with knee brace on couch watching ski video by fireplace

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Colorful cityscape with buildings, hills, clouds, and Delta plane flying

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Delta airplane landing in a colorful South American wildflower field

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Woman clutching stomach in pain near empty office chair

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Hot cocoa with marshmallows in blue mug by a roaring fireplace

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Person working at computer with floating icons of people and charts

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Wine being poured into glasses over California vineyards, illustration by Drew Bardana

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Chocolate gelato scoop with waffle wafer in blue cup on pink background

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DJ wearing headphones spinning records on turntables with speakers

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Construction and UX research professionals collaborating, by Drew Bardana

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Dillon's vodka bottles and flavored cocktail cans by Drew Bardana

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Illustration of a baby bear cub clinging to a tree with an adult bear nearby by Drew Bardana

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Illustration of a sandwich with a bite missing by Drew Bardana

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Illustration of penne pasta and leek slices by Drew Bardana

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Katherine Johnson in yellow jacket using calculator, illustration by Drew Bardana

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Two children drawing superheroes while imagining fiery powers by Drew Bardana

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Illustrations of Titletown amenities including skating, dining, and events

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Illustration of sweet potato nachos ingredients arranged on purple background

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Illustration of a deconstructed mushroom Swiss burger with kale and mustard

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Illustration of chicken tortilla soup ingredients over a yellow background

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Illustrations of cannabis vape devices, chameleon, green apple with worm, and happy old man

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Man in café holding phone with Instagram analytics artwork by Drew Bardana

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Teen girl holding camera with books and coffee nearby

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People organizing research data and charts for clear storytelling

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Office worker sitting at desk with Best Admin badge on chair by Drew Bardana

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Woman with tote bag shopping at a vibrant farmer's market by Drew Bardana

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Portrait of Matty Matheson on the set of "Just A Dash"

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Pollinators including bee, butterfly, and hummingbird on bright flowers by Drew Bardana

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Man relaxing on pink float in clear blue pool water wearing sunglasses

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Selected Clients

Facebook Research Group, Oregon Lottery, The Washington Post, Road & Track Magazine, Portland Monthly, Tenderfoot TV and Nashville Country Weekly.