I was a kid who grew up on the south side of Des Moines who loved to draw.

My biggest inspiration was my father, who would sit down with me at the kitchen table and we would draw the comics that were in The Des Moines Register.

It's crazy to think that one day I would create illustrations for that newspaper, and it would turn into a 30-year career.

During that time, my art appeared in a variety of newspapers and my freelance career would take off. I did illustrations for many magazines and ad agencies throughout the country.

My medium of choice has evolved over time. I began with drawing, pen and ink and painting.

Later, I would create with scratchboard and paper sculpture. Most of my art today is digital.

I've been awarded the National Cartoonists Society Newspaper Illustrator of the lear, top awards in the Dimensional Illustrators International, as well as the American Illustration Annual and the Society of Newspaper Design.

I have enjoyed illustrating childrens books, book covers and posters.

Last year I created the art for RAGBRAI'S 50th ride. That was the 8th time I would create their poster.

I continue to freelance and do personal work which has allowed me to connect with many people worldwide.

Creating art is, and always will be, a passion of mine.

-Mark Marturello