JOHN PIRTEL

Me

l was born in New Haven, Connecticut and raised on a farm in North Branford. Born deaf, I took to reading and drawing – but I loved television too. I loved to draw characters from the comics pages- and at an early age sought out to be one of them. I also loved the art from some of the great magazine illustrators such as Norman Rockwell and because of my love for television- Richard Amsel, whom I was introduced to by the cover of TV Guide.

Self-taught, with the exception of high school classes, I attended the prestigious Kubert School where I honed my craft under the watchful eye of some of the industry's greatest. Upon leaving school I spent several years designing toy premiums for cereal companies as well as illustrating comics and images for licensing. I also spent some time as an assistant to cartoonist Guy Guilchrist on the NANCY comic strip.

Recently, I took time to do some classroom teaching and develop a not for profit after-school program in New Haven (all while keeping up my illustration work). Aside from my Kubert School education, I hold a Bachelor's degree in Youth Development and a Master's Degree in Education. In my spare time, I enjoy genealogy, playing tennis, reading and collecting original comic strip art.

Creativity Born from Constraints

Turning limitations into a wellspring of creative expression and imagination.

Lifelong Learning and Adaptation

Embracing continuous learning and adaptability in art and life's journey.

Blending Art with Social Impact

Fusing artistic talent with community enrichment and educational initiatives.

Where you can find me…