Blurring the lines between design, illustration and typography, Rob Wilson’s work offers bold, creative concepts with understated thoughtfulness and wit. His experience as a creative director, designer and illustrator has given him a depth of understanding, and the ability to create artwork that resonates with intelligence. Often you find a sense of humor, inviting an emotional connection to his work.

Inspired by his surroundings, Rob documents his travels and daily walks with his iPhone. He uses the photographs  he takes to ground his two-dimensional images in a three-dimensional reality.  In his own words, Rob gives us a little insight on the images he calls his favorites.

Rob Wilson: Image: An illustration for an article about the opening of designer furniture showrooms to the public in the Dallas Design District. It had to incorporate a classic “open” sign in the artwork.

Inspiration: A walk with my dog, Maisie. Even though the cleaners were closed when we arrived, a photo of the sign on the door–with Maisie patiently posing–led to the creative spark of the illustration and to its final composition.

RW: Image: A personal drawing from a room with a spectacular view.

Inspiration: A stay in Greenpoint. I’ve spent a lot of time in Brooklyn over the past couple of years, and have shot countless photos of the industrial warehouses and buildings. I love how their mechanical windows open and offer you their own framed, singular views of the city.

RW: Image: An illustration for the play “Ruth,” an adaptation of the Biblical story set in Depression-era Oklahoma.

Inspiration: A field of cotton. I grew up near my grandparents’ farm in rural West Texas, surrounded by a vast sky and endless acres of farmland. I took a photo of the farm and realized the perspective could give shape to a simple dress. This led me to think about the starkness of the horizon, the long distances between houses, and how this landscape worked conceptually with the production of the play.

RW: Image: One of a series of Texas icons.

Inspiration: A road trip. There are many Texas stereotypes, but for a series of Texas icons I was compelled to look past them and seek ideas I thought were an inextricable part of the state. I found the first concept for the icons during a visit to Marfa, when I saw the local water tower. I then took photos of other water towers–including the one from my hometown–and combined them to create a single image that is often overlooked, but appears mile after mile on the horizon as you drive across the state.

To see more of Rob Wilson’s work, go to his website and Altpick page.

Prints of the entire series are available at http://www.reneerhynershop.com