Mark Bender has been an illustrator in Pittsburgh for over 20 years with a MA in Illustration from Syracuse University. His elaborate illustrations have strong influences from advertising posters of the 20’s and 30’s, folk art, Cubism, Constructivism, and Surrealism. His meticulously crafted images have been incorporated into advertising campaigns, annual reports, CD jackets, children’s books, murals and posters.

Recognized by Communication Arts Magazine, 3X3 Magazine and the New York Society of Illustrators, Mark has been included in the society’s annual exhibitions and in Original Art, the best in children’s book illustration. A member of both the NY Society of Illustrators and the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators, he has also been awarded both gold and silver Addys and a prestigious silver medal from the New York Society of Illustrators. Along with Mark’s illustration career, he is a nine-year faculty member of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh receiving the 2008 Inez C. Hall outstanding faculty member of the year award.

Creating images with a contemporary feel, inspired by classics of the past, Mark’s work has attracted a diverse array of clients including the Arthritis Foundation, Carnegie Mellon University, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, City Theater, Federated Investors, Heinz USA, IBM, the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, Pittsburgh Heinz History Center, PITT University, National Public Radio, PLANADVISER magazine, Simon and Schuster, Sony Music, University of Texas at Austin, Virginia Beach Zoo, and Williamson Dickie.