Lisa Congdon’s Bio

Where do you live?

San Francisco

Where have you lived?

I was born in upstate New York. When I was 8 years old my family moved to the Bay Area in California. I went to college about 30 minutes outside San Francisco. The day after I graduated I moved to the city, and I have lived here ever since! For 19 years!

What medium do you use?

I work mostly in paper collage, ink and gouache. Lately I have been doing more digital work.

How do you stay inspired?

I get outside as often as I can and walk around, both in my neighborhood in San Francisco and in nature.

Where do you buy your art supplies?

In San Francisco we have this great art supply store called Flax. It’s filled with interesting things (in addition to supplies!), and close to where I live. I love to shop there, but I also get lots of supplies at Blick. They have the best sales!

Do you work traditionally or digitally?

Mostly traditionally, but I am learning digital illustration.

What color combination are you most excited about right now?

Pink, aqua and citrus yellow/green.

Why do you like being an illustrator in 10 words or less?

SO MUCH FUN.

If you weren’t an illustrator, what would you be?

I can’t imagine being anything but an artist.

What illustration job would you love to get (your dream job)?

A line of fabric for an awesome fabric company or design label.

Name something you do in your spare time.

Cook fabulous meals with my partner.

What’s the strangest work experience you’ve ever had?

In high school I got a job one summer at an ice cream parlor where my younger sister was my manager.

What are you reading now?

The Omnivore’s Dilemma

What recent book do you recommend for a good read?

The Power of Kindness by Piero Ferrucci

Where would you like to travel to next?

Buenos Aires

What’s your favorite TV show?

30 Rock.

What’s your favorite NPR show?

Car Talk. But I also love Fresh Air and This American Life.

What movie have you seen several times?

I have seen Best in Show 10 times. I love all Christopher Guest films.

What is your favorite cheese?

Anything hard and very sharp.

Do you wear shoes when you do art?

Yes! I wear sneakers, mostly. I practically live in sneakers. I have a huge collection.

What do you listen to while you work?

Music or NPR. I share a studio with one of my best friends who is an amazing artist. We mix it up a lot, and fortunately we have the same taste in music.

What’s your middle name?

Ann. My name is actually Elisabeth Ann. I have been called Lisa since I was very little.

If you could eat only one food, what would it be?

Sushi.

How do you stay in shape?

I swim 4x a week.

How don’t you stay in shape?

I love wine. Too much!

What is your current favorite font?

Pinnochio.

How do you take your coffee?

I unfortunately can’t drink coffee anymore because it makes me feel crazy. I love it so much. When I used to drink coffee, I took it with soy milk and some sweetener.

Whom would you like to meet?

Barack Obama

What question would you most like to be asked?

What I am grateful for.

What recent illustration job have you enjoyed doing?

I love doing anything with Chronicle Books. I have done a few jobs with them and every single one has been fantastic.

What was your favorite illustration assignment?

I co-illustrated a book about Spirit Animals for Chronicle Books this year. I love painting animals, and this experience was fantastic.