John Benson
American 1949 -

John Benson was born in 1949 in Baltimore, Maryland. After graduating from the Community College of Baltimore, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served a tour of duty aboard the destroyer Dyess. In 1973 Benson became interested in commercial illustrating and attended the Maryland Institute of Art. After acquiring considerable background as a keyline artist for various local art studios, and as a design consultant for Alexander & Alexander Insurance Brokers, Benson decided to pursue his present career in freelance illustrating. He has produced illustrations for such clients as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Dow Jones Collegiate Forum, U.S. Government America Illustrated, and Management III, Los Angeles - John Denver. "The discipline of illustration . . . enables one to illuminate life in an extremely unique way; reaching far deeper into the soul of humanity and creation than mere words can touch," Benson said. "To have some small part, through this God-given gift, in creativity has been my desire since my early years in illustration. It is an extension of my soul and being in an attempt to bring visual pleasure and communication to those who view my art."