Exhibiting Artist

Phil Jones

Phil Jones is a freelance illustrator based in sunny Sarasota, Florida. His career spans over 30 years, including short stints as a graphics specialist in the US Army, a graphic designer for Paradigm Learning, and an artist with Walt Disney Feature Animation.

​In 1989 Phil graduated from the prestigious Ringling College of Art and Design, where he won an internship with Disney Studios. Following the internship, he joined the Army and served as a regiment illustrator for the “Night Stalkers,” the same helicopter unit seen in the Oscar-winning film “Black Hawk Down.” Following his stint in the Army, he returned to Florida and worked briefly for a commercial post-production facility in Pompano Beach called NiteLite Studios. After that, it was off to an advertising agency called Paradigm Communications in Tampa. In 1993 it was Back to Disney Studios in Orlando and an exciting time working on classic films like Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, Brother Bear, and Tarzan. After the studio was closed is when Phil’s freelance career took off with big-name clients such as the Orlando Magic, Disney Publishing, Florida Blue Insurance, Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue, Dakin Dairy Farms, Nissan of Bradenton, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and many others. Phil has also illustrated several children’s books, including “Goodnight Marines” and the “Airport Mouse” series. Phil even helped re-design the mascot “Skeeta” of the Australian Football League’s Essendon Bombers!

​Besides his current career as a freelance illustrator, you can join in the fun with him as an instructor at Painting With a Twist in Sarasota and Bradenton.

You can find more of Phil’s artwork at https://philjonesillustration.wordpress.com/about/