Jake Rich is a senior Illustrator at Umass Dartmouth. Using a method of combing his skill as a draftsman with digital mediums, he utilizes a process similar to many comic book artists in order to create his works in an organized and easily editable fashion. Influences of his include the works of Jamie Hewlett, Joe Madureira, Boris Vallejo, Koji Morimoto, and Testsuya Nomura.
Currently, he is trying to break into the world of children’s book illustration, targeting middle-grade to young adult markets as a means of direction. In terms of the future, his end-game intentions are unclear, but he says he would love to try out becoming a story board artist, perhaps working in animation, or create his own graphic novel/comic book.
First of his family to attend and graduate college, Jake feels considerably proud and thankful for the support and encouragement of his dearest friends and family. It’s been extremely challenging, but he feels well-equipped to tread the path of the illustrator. Perhaps even far more challenging, he is quite excited to assume his new role as father, expected to be undertaken in May. Best wishes for all!
