Borrn and raised in Chicago, Mark Grudzinski began drawing as soon as he could hold a crayon. A graduate of the American Academy of Art, he built a successful career in commercial art, working as an illustrator, designer, art director, and creative director across a wide range of agencies and studios in Chicago. Ten years ago, seeking a creative outlet beyond the structure of agency life, Mark began developing his own artwork. What started as a casual pastime quickly grew into a passionate, mixed-media practice that allowed him to step away from the computer and reconnect with traditional techniques. Mark has since illustrated and designed two children’s books, with a third currently in progress. He now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife, Tracy, and their 100-pound Malamute, Rufus.