Summary
Self-motivated visual artist seeking projects that challenge my aesthetic and abilities. Experienced creative, innovative, and resourceful problem-solver with a diverse background and passion for exploring. In my studio, difficult doesn't exist and the impossible...well, that just takes a little longer.
TL;DR: Have crayons, will travel.
Artist Statement
I work with an arsenal of subjects and media. Passion for the process drives me. An Illustrator at heart, I cast my pieces with a hyper-detailed protagonist caught in time and space with minimal environment. Understated elegance is my magic. By deconstructing and rebuilding elements on a singular level in my art I study how the Universe fits everything together. Limitless, relentless and unapologetic, I create because I can.
Mission
Render captured time in exquisite detail untouchably rooted in the tension between suspense and chaos immersing the audience in inspiration, curiosity and desire to be a part of the magic.
Vision
Bring the magic of understated elegance to the lives, spaces and wardrobes of those who command a higher standard; the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
Experience
9/2007-Present
Artist & Illustrator
Tami Jo Urban LLC | Delray Beach, FL
Work with medical professionals to produce patient & doctor education materials
Work with legal professionals to produce trademark illustration, demonstrative evidence boards and forensic reconstruction
Observe in the Operating Room to storyboard & illustrate surgery plates
Create narrative & book illustrations through collaboration with authors
Brainstorm and problem solve for creative direction and design strategy
Design logos, products, packaging, collateral suites and digital art
Fine art for private commissions and corporate installations
Luxury accessory customization including sneakers, designer bags, clothing, etc
Upcycling, hand-painting and restoration of furniture and decor
Full understanding of digital and offset printing providing press-ready files
Drop-ship deliverable printing of artwork on various substrates
Work with legal professionals to produce trademark illustration, demonstrative evidence boards and forensic reconstruction
Observe in the Operating Room to storyboard & illustrate surgery plates
Create narrative & book illustrations through collaboration with authors
Brainstorm and problem solve for creative direction and design strategy
Design logos, products, packaging, collateral suites and digital art
Fine art for private commissions and corporate installations
Luxury accessory customization including sneakers, designer bags, clothing, etc
Upcycling, hand-painting and restoration of furniture and decor
Full understanding of digital and offset printing providing press-ready files
Drop-ship deliverable printing of artwork on various substrates
1/2005-9/2007
Creative Director of Environmental Graphics
JGA Retail Architecture & Design | Southfield, MI
Head of the Retail Graphics Department managing the graphic projects and team
Designed storefront, in-store, fixture and cash-wrap branding
Created packaging designs and solutions for products as well as shopping boxes/bags
Assisted Architects and Interior Designers with environmental aesthetics
Produced decks, mock-ups, renderings and style guides
Provided inspiration decks, infographics, mood boards, lookbooks and wayfinding signage
Participated in corporate identity and marketing strategies
Designed storefront, in-store, fixture and cash-wrap branding
Created packaging designs and solutions for products as well as shopping boxes/bags
Assisted Architects and Interior Designers with environmental aesthetics
Produced decks, mock-ups, renderings and style guides
Provided inspiration decks, infographics, mood boards, lookbooks and wayfinding signage
Participated in corporate identity and marketing strategies
2/2004-1/2005
Web Developer
Campbell-Ewald | Warren, MI
Wrote, built and tested XHTML/CSS Strict W3C and Section 508 Users With Disabilities compliance validating code
Optimized performance and cross-platform cross-browser integrity and usability
Optimized performance and cross-platform cross-browser integrity and usability
1/2000-2/2004
Technical Illustrator
General Motors | Warren, MI
Assisted automotive teams with technical and aesthetic solutions
Participated in brainstorming sessions with designers and engineers on concept cars
Provided illustration and storyboard support
Participated in brainstorming sessions with designers and engineers on concept cars
Provided illustration and storyboard support
Education
5/1999
Master of Fine Arts | Medical & Biological Illustration
University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI
5/1996
Bachelor of Fine Arts | Drawing & Painting
Wayne State University | Detroit, MI
12/1992
Tattoo Artist | Professional Mentorship
Larmel Studio | Ferndale, MI
Certifications
Motorcycle Rider Education & Endorsement
Florida Training of North Dade | Miami, FL
Bloodborne Pathogens & Communicable Diseases
Biologix Solutions | blxtraining.com
Adult/Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
American Red Cross Association | Miami, FL
Affiliations
Lifetime Professional Member
Golden Key National Honor Society | goldenkey.org
Selected Exhibitions
2023 — Divine Feminine, Arts Garage, Delray Beach, FL
2022 — First Rodeo, Office Space Gallery, Ferndale, MI
2022 — Christmas Art Market, Faith Arts Village Orlando, Orlando, FL
2021 — The Urban Machine, MADE at The Citadel, Miami, FL [solo]
2017 — Spooky Empire, Hyatt Regency, Orlando, FL
2017 — Spooky Empire Mayhem, Orange County Drive Convention Center, Orlando, FL
2016 — TattooFest, Bradenton Area Convention Center, Palmetto, FL
2015 — TattooFest, Bradenton Area Convention Center, Palmetto, FL
2014 — Spooky Empire, Double Tree, Orlando, FL
2014 — Spooky Empire Mayhem, Double Tree, Orlando, FL
2014 — Pinned Miami, Miami Airport Convention Center, Miami, FL
2014 — TattooFest, Bradenton Area Convention Center, Palmetto, FL
2014 — The 19th Annual Marked For Life Female Tattoo Artist Expo, Double Tree, Orlando, FL
2014 — Tattoolapalooza, Hyatt Regency, Miami, FL
2011 — Orlando Calling, Florida Citrus Sports Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
2008 — The 13th Annual Motor City Tattoo Expo, Marriott, Detroit, MI
2007 — Time is carving, Art of Skin & Bones, Mount Clemens, MI [solo]
2022 — First Rodeo, Office Space Gallery, Ferndale, MI
2022 — Christmas Art Market, Faith Arts Village Orlando, Orlando, FL
2021 — The Urban Machine, MADE at The Citadel, Miami, FL [solo]
2017 — Spooky Empire, Hyatt Regency, Orlando, FL
2017 — Spooky Empire Mayhem, Orange County Drive Convention Center, Orlando, FL
2016 — TattooFest, Bradenton Area Convention Center, Palmetto, FL
2015 — TattooFest, Bradenton Area Convention Center, Palmetto, FL
2014 — Spooky Empire, Double Tree, Orlando, FL
2014 — Spooky Empire Mayhem, Double Tree, Orlando, FL
2014 — Pinned Miami, Miami Airport Convention Center, Miami, FL
2014 — TattooFest, Bradenton Area Convention Center, Palmetto, FL
2014 — The 19th Annual Marked For Life Female Tattoo Artist Expo, Double Tree, Orlando, FL
2014 — Tattoolapalooza, Hyatt Regency, Miami, FL
2011 — Orlando Calling, Florida Citrus Sports Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
2008 — The 13th Annual Motor City Tattoo Expo, Marriott, Detroit, MI
2007 — Time is carving, Art of Skin & Bones, Mount Clemens, MI [solo]
Notable Collections
2023 — Empire Baked Goods LLC, Delray Beach, FL
2022 — Mount Sinai Hospital, Miami Beach, FL
2019 — Headspace Salon, Miami, FL
2017 — Candle Wicke Shoppe, Ferndale, MI
2014 — Coventry Creations, Ferndale, MI
2012 — Macomb Learning Center, Macomb, MI
2007 — Mainstreet Chiropractic, Mount Clemens, MI
2022 — Mount Sinai Hospital, Miami Beach, FL
2019 — Headspace Salon, Miami, FL
2017 — Candle Wicke Shoppe, Ferndale, MI
2014 — Coventry Creations, Ferndale, MI
2012 — Macomb Learning Center, Macomb, MI
2007 — Mainstreet Chiropractic, Mount Clemens, MI
Press
Staff Reporter, “Meet Tami Jo Urban,” CanvasRebel Magazine, August 30, 2023.
Staff Reporter, “Meet Tami Jo Urban,” Voyage MIA, May 3, 2018.
Molly Dickinson, “Art of Skin & Bones,” Today’s Chiropractic Lifestyle, February/March 2011.
Richard Walker, “People Making News,” Detroit Free Press, October 7, 2005.
Tom Henderson, “People,” Crains Detroit, September 19, 2005.
Terry Dobson, “People On The Move,” Detroit News, August 5, 2005.
Sarah DeVries-Allen, “Standing Tall,” Xlibris Corp, May 26, 2005.
Ramone Espinosa, “You Can Do It.” Science World, January 21, 2002. 20.
Sarah Klein, “Illustration and Tattoo Artistry Compose ‘Most Unique’ Portfolio,” Tech Center News, April 23, 2001. 5A.
Staff Reporter, “Meet Tami Jo Urban,” Voyage MIA, May 3, 2018.
Molly Dickinson, “Art of Skin & Bones,” Today’s Chiropractic Lifestyle, February/March 2011.
Richard Walker, “People Making News,” Detroit Free Press, October 7, 2005.
Tom Henderson, “People,” Crains Detroit, September 19, 2005.
Terry Dobson, “People On The Move,” Detroit News, August 5, 2005.
Sarah DeVries-Allen, “Standing Tall,” Xlibris Corp, May 26, 2005.
Ramone Espinosa, “You Can Do It.” Science World, January 21, 2002. 20.
Sarah Klein, “Illustration and Tattoo Artistry Compose ‘Most Unique’ Portfolio,” Tech Center News, April 23, 2001. 5A.