Ben Shannon has been working as a professional illustrator for the past decade. His hip figurative line-work and likeable characters create fun illustrations with a fresh modern edge that capture his warm, funny and slightly cheeky personality. With influences as diverse as music, sports and nature; Ben's work has appeared in advertising, music, magazines, fashion, publishing, newspapers, merchandise and animation.

Using the computer as a rendering tool is integral to Ben's method of illustration and affects the final look and feel of his work. His style has evolved over the years but the two central components remain intact: 1 - drawing the human form and other characters freehand in dynamic positions and environments, and 2 - using the computer to streamline the look of the art, render the colors, tone and texture and 'light' his illustrations. Over the years he has been described as having a 'filmmaker's eye' and his work as being 'multi-media in 2-D form' and 'modern, yet warm and engaging'.

He has received commissions from art directors and art buyers in the USA, Britain, Canada and Europe to work on projects ranging from a Draft Guide for ESPN, to 'Kids Did It', a series of stories appearing in National Geographic Kids about children conquering amazing adversity. Other clients include Nike Goddess, IBM, Universal Music, Wired, Scholastic, Men's Fitness, American Eagle Outfitters, Rolling Stone, Running Press, Purina, Salon Selectives Hair Care, Nelvana Animation, FHM and McGraw Hill Publications.

In addition to commissioned illustrations, Ben's work has been included in such edited publications as 'The Big Book of Illustration Ideas' featuring the foremost international illustrators today. His work has been exhibited in several galleries including Insomnia Gallery, Design Exchange and the Annex, all Toronto. Standout shows include the annual Open City fine art exhibit that raises money for Art Starts, a charitable organization working with underprivileged children, to nurture their interest in the arts and facilitate personal and academic growth.

Ben splits his time each year between Toronto and Tokyo.