About
Jacob Charles Dietz is an internationally published artist and illustrator working in both traditional and digital mediums and usually both simultaneously. His work tends to center around technology, science fiction and that which just doesn’t exist, lending itself to a wide audience and extensive client base. His illustrations have appeared on various book covers, posters and products as well as in several magazines and newspapers worldwide. Bridging the gap between now and then, Jacob’s work is constructed with layers upon layers of detail and almost always includes elements of the 21st century in whatever future he is depicting, making the somewhat foreign somewhat familiar.
He attended the University of Washington before dropping out in favor of a small fine arts finishing school in an old hat factory in Seattle. The elevator was scary and the building was old and drafty, but the education was beyond compare and he learned to actually like cats. When not shooing cats away, he trained extensively in the art of traditional illustration and the fine arts as a whole, leading him to make a go at painting for a living. After several years and a solid gallery following, Jacob decided to ‘go commercial’ and began illustrating full time. His illustrations slowly became more graphic design than illustration and after a while, he was both designer and illustrator on many projects.
Born in Tacoma, Washington, Jacob has lived abroad and now makes his home in the desert southwest state of Arizona. His work is most certainly influenced by his years growing up in the eclectic, international city of Seattle, both in style and content. He goes back as often as possible to replenish his minimal need for rain and to watch the slugs eat the flowers.
Jacob is married with two cats and has a ridiculous collection of Star Trek toys that he still manages to store at his parents house. Other random sources of inspiration include Richard Scarry, Dr. Suess, Mercer Mayer, Dave McKean, Tim Burton, Simon Larbalestier and vintage sci-fi of all forms and flavors.
